20 Red Christmas Nail Ideas For a Very Merry Manicure

By Abby Dupes

Red nails are simply timeless, no matter the season. But, when Christmastime rolls around, we can’t help but associate the winter nail polish color with cozy nights spent by a twinkling tree and fireplace, the sparkle of holiday decorations, and the whimsical magic of Santa’s signature suit and sleigh. So, why not translate those vibes into a gorgeous Christmas manicure? Whether you prefer bold and bright designs or subtle and sophisticated holiday French sets, there’s a fiery nail idea out there to please every style and mood. Ahead, find 20 red Christmas nail ideas that are sure to put a holly jolly spirit into your step.

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Cranberry Kaleidoscope

This shimmering cranberry crystal set creates a kaleidoscope effect that is simply mesmerizing. The look was created by layering holographic gold nail foil underneath an additional layer of the base color and then molding 3D hard gel into a starburst shape on top.

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A Glimmer of Gold

If you adore red French tips but are looking for a little “oomph” come December, consider this subtle gold and cranberry design. Start with your choice of a nude base before adding a thin crescent-shaped line of cranberry polish onto the tip. Then, paint a dainty line of sheer gold glitter along the edge of each nail, extending from the cuticle to the tip.

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Peppermint Candy Swirls

Mint lovers—now’s your time to shine. Literally. We can’t get over just how life-like and 3D these opulent velvet peppermint swirls look.

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Candy Cane Hearts

If you’re blasting Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” on repeat, you’ve probably caught the love bug this December. And for that, we prescribe an equally romantic vibe on your fingertips, with candy canes acting as hearts for a festive twist.

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Red Velvet Holly Nails

Red velvet nails are already super festive as is. But the addition of teeny tiny holly leaves really seals the deal.

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Snowflake French

While most snowflake nail designs feature white or silver, you can definitely customize the base color to suit your taste. This perfect example showcases how cheerful a combination of bright cherry red and small gold flakes can be.

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Baby Bows

This may possibly be the simplest look on this list to DIY at home. All you have to do is paint your choice of red polish onto your nails, add a gold bow nail sticker, and you’re good to go.

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All Wrapped Up

If you add a gift wrap-style bow to your chrome red nails as an accent, it’ll be a present to everyone who takes a peek at your fingertips. It’s such a small and subtle detail that instantly elevates the look.

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Winter Candy Apple

One Christmas nail idea that never goes out of style? A full wash of a festive shade of red. We love this specific color choice for the subtle sparkle it gives and the color shift, which shows hints of warm orange and copper.

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Maroon and Gold

For a vintage, Grandma’s Christmas type of vibe, pair maroon with a velvety gold base. To keep it from feeling too dated, ask for textured 3D details—like swirls, cable knit, and bows—on top.

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In the Present

What can we say—we’re in love with bow nail art. This look incorporates a red ribbon on all fingertips on top of a classic white French design.

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Christmas Mix-and-Match

The mismatched nail trend is still going strong, and we couldn’t be happier. Embrace the “why choose?” mindset by adding all of your favorite red and white holiday icons, including candy canes, Santa’s hat, and more.

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Sweater Weather

This mani’s motto is ” ugly sweater, but make it cute.” The white Fair Isle-style snowflake design is darling against the bright red background.

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Top of the Tree

Like the gold star topper placed with care on the top of a Christmas tree, this red, shimmery manicure is giving off major celestial vibes. It totally works as a New Year’s Eve nail design, too, meaning you don’t need to rush into the salon during that week between the holidays.

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Holiday Party Red-y

Bold, simple, and sophisticated, this bright red French gets glammed up for the season with the addition of pearl gems. It’s the perfect set for all your upcoming holiday parties or winter weddings.

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Red Glitter Ombré

A shower of confetti-like shimmer is just the festive touch your manicure needs come Christmas. To achieve this ombré nail set, multiple red polishes, with varying sizes of glitter particles, were used,

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Santa’s Favorite French

So subtle, you might miss it at first glance, this glittery French manicure is Santa-approved as his favorite hat is featured. Choose to place the detail on a single accent nail, as seen above, or paint it on all of your fingertips to further channel the season.

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Itty-Bitty Baubles

Using red chrome powder on Christmas tree ornament nail art brings the look to life, giving the tiny baubles a 3D, satiny finish.

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Perfect Pairing

We can’t forget about the most iconic holiday color pairing of all time. Red and green Christmas nails collide in this stunning mismatched set, which features 3D peppermint and bow details.

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String of Lights

Minimalistic yet still super festive, this wrapping paper-inspired manicure features an all-red collection of string lights and plaid art.