The moment someone says ‘December’ all we can think of is cold winds, holidays, parties, snowflakes, hot chocolate, and of course, Christmas. And for all these occasions, you may dress up in your best outfits and makeup but you’re never fully dressed without a good manicure.
While December manicures are assumed to be all things red and glittery with the approaching festivities, you need not jump on the bandwagon. Check out these December nail ideas for the last mani of the year inspo. Choose from some offbeat nail designs for a versatile mani to pull off with all of your party looks as well as winter vibes.
25 December Nail Art Ideas & Designs for Winter and Festivities
We have combined a list of over 25 December nail art designs and ideas from winter blues to fiery red and snowy whites. Check out the nail art inspo and decide your December manicure before the evenings start smelling of Christmas cakes.
1) Winter Midnight
December is that time of the year when the sun starts setting earlier and the night sky starts dazzling with pretty stars. This nail design depicts those nights so beautifully. While the sharp square base on the short nails makes the perfect room for the opaque midnight blue tone, the sparkling white accents help break the monotony. The silver detailing adds charm to the simplicity.
2) Festive Argyle
The sweater weather is all about plaids and argyles. These patterns are always in trend no matter what your fashion statement is. While you can bring out your knitwear sooner or later with the onset of December, these stunning milky white nails with bold argyle accents will bring coziness to your fingertips. Don’t miss the subtlety of the metallic reverse French accents amidst the boldness of the argyle.
3) Chilly Months
Who said green nail colors are only restricted for Fall manicures? Showcase your unique self with this bottle-green manicure for December. While everyone is obsessed with either pastel blues and soft whites or bold reds, let your nails be the talk of the town with this cat eye nail art in deep green. The long soft almond shape adds a touch of femininity to the otherwise bold design.
4) Festive Flair
Swirls are never outdated and this nail design is just the right example. The black and white monochrome with a touch of golden glitter makes this one the most suitable for both work and party. Get a gel manicure with a clear base to let the look stand out. Let the manicurist use your nails as a canvas for her creativity and play with the swirls for that flowy look.
5) Celestial Mani
If minimalism is your style statement and your Pinterest boards are filled with all the soft and sophisticated designs, we are sure one such design would be lying there. The combination of ecru and black with a touch of shimmers and sparkles makes it look charismatic yet subtle. The best part? It looks charming even on short natural nails while the muted gold and metallic silver accents give a Christmas-y touch.
6) Festive Frenchies
Press-on nails are your best escape when looking for something fun and bold for a temporary look. Recreate this look with long pointy stiletto press-ons to be ready for the upcoming festive fervor. If the silver glitter French tip nails weren’t enough for a glam statement, the artist has decided to add metallic silver sparkles for more magic. The milky pink base coat holds all this drama together neatly.
7) Winter Blues
Aura nails are here to stay because they truly ooze out a subtle aura. The striking combination of a muted grey base topped with a bright blue is completely cold-approved. This winter nail art idea with white swirl accents is ideal for your snowy vacations in the Swiss Alps. Wear this in soft long almond nails for a feminine look to soften the bold blue.
8) Minimalist Stars
Who said minimalism lovers cannot flaunt party-perfect nail designs? If you’re looking for a December nail art idea that is both minimalistic and festive, this is the right choice for you. Coat your naturally grown-out nails in a peachy nude tone and sprinkle some starry accents for a fun look. Encapsulate these stars in a layer of the same nude rather than a clear top coat for a muted shine.
9) Candy Cane French
Can’t wait for candy cane season? Because same! But wait before you check out this offbeat candy cane nail art. While everyone is obsessed with painting the same old candy sticks on their nails, they look cute but sometimes childish. If you’re looking for a more lady-like yet fun recreation of this design, check out this one. The iridescent shimmer ombre makes the dotted red-and-white French tip stand out and we’re not complaining.
10) New Year’s Eve Disco Ball
If you’re bored of the same old ‘red and white’ December nail designs for Christmas and New Year’s, this is a unique idea for you. Bring on the celebrations at your fingertips with this New Year’s Eve nail inspo in green and gold. While the deep emerald green base on medium almond nails resembles the pretty pine trees, the metallic touch of gold adds dreamy sparkles. Wear this disco ball nail art with gold detailing for a fun and decent look all through the end of the year.
11) Slaying Santa
Speaking of December, how can we forget Santa? Not just kids, Santa is a fun and playful character everyone can enjoy during winter. So if you are looking for the perfect nail art for your Secret Santa parties, choose this one for a cute and subtle design. The carefully curated swirls in red and white on a nude base resemble a carefree and happy charm while a touch of gold shimmer makes it party-approved. The peachy nude base holds everything well together.
12) Pearl French
If there is a nail design that can never go out of style, it is the French tip nail art since it is one of the most versatile manicures ever. You can take it from basic to over-the-top with just a few tweaks and it looks beautiful as ever in all the looks. This December French tip nail art depicts just that. The yummy pink base makes room for the deep red French tips on the pointy almond nails while a touch of white in pearls makes it Christmas-y.
13) Penguin Accents
Welcome the fairytale weather with snowy days and this nail look. Time travel to the Disney Frozen era with this cute and dreamy nail design and bring out the teenager in you who loves all things pretty and Pinteresty. A unique style of reverse French manicure resembles snow-clad hills. What stands out? Undoubtedly, the detailed penguin accents with cute eyes and paws. Don’t miss the tiny snow detailing while you adore the beauty of this cute little hand-painted Tootsie snowman with a Santa hat and scarf.
14) Snow Chrome
Ice blue is the color of the season and you cannot convince us otherwise. If you’re planning to get a good acrylic manicure with long a** pointed almond nails, this color won’t let you get bored after a few days and you can carry it all through December. The silver chrome over the ice cream blue is a bold element and a touch of feminity comes from the sparkly blue accent nail. The subtle snowflake design detailing takes this princess nail design to the next level.
15) Festive Minimalism
Being minimalistic at heart and still wanting to be festive-ready with your nails is a never-ending battle. But this December nail design is a win-win for you. Stay away from the hassle of long nails and extensions and simply wear this micro nail art for a beautiful manicure to last all through the season. And as you start decorating your house for the festive season with mistletoe and stars, bring them to your nails too. The uniform red and green nail art with a negative space element is charmed by white and gold detailing.
16) December Mismatch
If you are someone who wants to wear a professional manicure all through December, this is a strategically designed look for you. It brings all the winter vibes in a single look so you can wear them all and be ready for any impromptu celebration. From light blue skies and snowflakes to velvet and sweater accents, it has them all. Besides, the chunky polka dot glitters add a fun element to the elegant design.
17) Ice Blue Fairytale
What can be more subtle than this? A soft ice blue combined with French tips and pearls FTW. For those sophisticated ladies who swear by all things decent and charming, this December nail inspo should rule your heart and soul for all the good reasons. The soft blue French tips and a unicorn chrome base complement each other beautifully. What adds to the beauty are the dreamy blue little pearl accents.
18) Abstract Love
Wearing hearts on your sleeves for Winter? Well, this abstract nail design does this quite literally and in fact, on the fingertips ahead of the sleeves. Red nails are not meant only for Valentine’s. You can mix and match your red and white December nails with heart accents to recreate this bold nail look. The soft stiletto shape in medium nail length adds to the drama while the French tip accents keep it subtle.
19) Sweater Weather
Sweater nail art has been one of the most trending December nail inspos ever and for all the good reasons. We mean, just look at this one! The good old white and nude knitted sweater is now at your fingertips and you can’t feel more cozy on the colder nights. Get this amazing matte 3D nail design from your nail tech and see how the magic happens when she knits the art on your medium nails.
20) Snowflake and Houndstooth Nails
December brings Winter and it’s time to bring out all your plaids, argyles, and houndstooth outfits and accessories. But don’t worry, accessorizing doesn’t only mean bags, belts, and boots. Choose this offbeat nail design with unique colors and patterns if you’re bored of the same old Santas and sweaters. Don’t leave all the burnt orange and green shades for your October nails; bring them on and pair them as French tip nails with this silver velvet nail design with snowflake accents.
21) Burgundy Plaid
After BTS and K-drama, now even Korean nails are trending in 2024. They are all over the Internet and nail lovers are dying to recreate the look. If you are one of those loving all the glass nail designs and dreamy manicures, try these K-nails for December before calling off the year. Even if you have short natural square nails, you can still flaunt a deep, glossy burgundy shade. It is the ever-favorite color when it comes to winter nails and when paired with a gorgeous plaid.
22) Holy Wreaths
The onset of Christmas festivities begins with planting mistletoe and wreaths in the house. But if you want to go a little extra this time, prep yourself for the party season with this Christmas nail art in French tips. This design is a maximalist’s dream with a sprinkling of details to balance it out. Get a structured gel manicure on your naturally grown-out medium oval nails and indulge in the chrome world. Wear a bright bronze-gold chrome not just on some but all fingers separated by Frenchies and decorate them with wreath accents to match your house party interiors.
23) Red Velvet
On and off, red has been the color of the year and before we bid goodbye to the year, it’s time to cherish the memories in a bright red. Add some texture and depth to the good old solid reds with a touch of velvet. Encapsulate the silver cat eye under a red jelly gel to recreate the dreamy look that dances with you and looks magical as you enjoy the Christmas days and New Year’s nights.
24) Textured Tweed
December brings with it so many textures when it comes to warm clothing and accessories. From plaids and argyles to tweeds, winter embraces it all to ooze out a cozy comfort. The same coziness is reflected in this textured nail art with a black surprise. Did you even think of leaving the blacks for Halloween nails entirely? Well, then you need to rethink because this black French tip nail art with tweed accents is a complete winter-approved look for December.
25) Pretty Presents
It’s a wrap! And before you call it a year, get this memorable ‘pretty presents’ nail art for an aww-some manicure. It’s a fun escape if you’re confused with so many colors and textures. So if you’re going to end up getting the same old pink and white Frenchies, pair them up with these bright red ribbons and bows to make them Christmas-y. You might as well get it done only for your accent fingers if this is too much for you.
Wrapping Up December Nails
December is all about warmth and wonder, and there’s no better canvas than your nails to reflect it. As the season of celebrations unfolds, it’s the perfect time to let your nails embrace the spirit of the festivities. This season, let your nails be an accessory that shines as brightly as the festive lights around you. Whether you’re trying something bold or keeping it subtle, these December nail ideas and designs will help you feel polished, trendy, and ready to embrace everything the season has to offer.
With so many ways to style December nails ideal for winters and the festive season, the options are endless—whether you’re drawn to shimmering glitters, cozy knits, or playful holiday themes. From icy blues and snowy whites to deep reds and sparkling golds, the colors and designs can add that extra cheer to any gathering or house party. Each unique design can make a statement and add a bit of magic to the everyday. It’s time to grab your favorite polish and let the creative winter spirit flow right to your fingertips. And don’t forget the joy of experimenting!
