24 December Nail Inspirations: Elevating Beyond Traditional Holiday Designs -

navy blue and white manicure with snowflakes — @LOLO.NAILEDIT / INSTAGRAM

2023 has provided us with immense beauty inspiration, especially on the manicure front. Each month has seen new trends emerge—from chrome French to oyster-inspired nails. And now that December is here, it’s high time to pick our last manicure of the year. To help you do just that, we rounded up 24 nail ideas for December. From simple and sophisticated sets to grandiose festive designs, the mani possibilities are endless. Check them out below.

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Red, Green, and Silver Plaid Nails

red, green, gold, and silver stripe manicure — @NAILARTBYSIG / INSTAGRAM

How pretty are these shimmering wrapping paper-inspired nails? Nail artist Sigourney Nuñez created them using Foxology Glitter Nail Polishes ($9) in the shades Goldie Fox, Foxy the Snowman, Perfectly Pine, Crimson Claus, and Phantom Green.

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3D Red and Green Nails

3d red, green, and gold nails — @MYPRETTYSET / INSTAGRAM

3D nails have risen in popularity here in 2023, so this red, green, and gold bauble mani is perfect for December. To create the textured accents, you’ll need to use builder gel—or book a nail appointment so a pro artist can do it for you.

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Blue and Gold Nails

blue and gold floral nails — @GOTG0LD / INSTAGRAM

Blue and gold is a classic festive color combo—florals in December, though, now that’s different. To DIY this nail look, you can use floral nail stamping plates dipped in gold polish.

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Festive Argyle Nails

Argyle is the perfect print for December. To make it especially festive, deck the design out in shades of red, green, and silver.

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Minimalist Silver Star Nails

neutral manicure with silver star accents — @AMYLE.NAILS / INSTAGRAM

If you love a neutral nail look but want to lean into the festive season, consider a sheer polish mani dotted with star decals. For an easy approach to the nail look, try using the Olive & June Silver Stars Nail Stickers ($8).

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Silver Glitter French Ombre Nails

silver glitter french manicure — @AMYLE.NAILS / INSTAGRAM

Here’s another silver nail look we love for December. The ombré glitter French manicure would be perfect all month long, but especially for New Year’s Eve. To DIY this nail look, you’ll need Essie’s Nail Polish ($11) in No Place Like Chrome, topped off with Set in Stones ($10).

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Green, White, and Gold Foil Nails

evergreen and white nails with gold foil — @AMYLE.NAILS / INSTAGRAM

You can never go wrong with evergreen nail polish in December. For a luxe look, pair it with crisp white French tips and gold foil.

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Black Glitter Nails

black french tips with snowflake designs — @BRUSHEDBYB_ / INSTAGRAM

For a black tie December nail look, consider a shimmering mani with black accent nails. Then, for extra wintry, festive allure, add a few snowflakes for good measure.

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Blue Opal Nails

frosty blue french tip manicure — @BRUSHEDBYB_ / INSTAGRAM

How pretty is this metallic blue nail look? It’s giving Frozen in the most whimsical way.

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Dark Blue Swirl Nails

dark blue swirly nails — @BRUSHEDBYB_ / INSTAGRAM

Here we have another nail look that’s luxe, festive, and wintry all in one. Nail artist Brittney Ellen created it using Mooncat Getting Even Nail Primer ($13) and Mooncat Nail Polish ($14) in the shades Head in the Clouds, Into the Abyss, Antivenom, and Gamma Ray Blaster.

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Red Candy Cane Nails

Craving a kitschy holiday-themed nail look? Check out this shimmering candy cane mani. Recreate it using Lights Lacquer Nail Polish ($10) in the shades Ace, Paper Snow, and Clueless, and Fun Lacquer ($15) in the shade Secret Santa.

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Sage and Emerald Swirl Nails

sage and emerald sparkly manicure — @BROWNLUXENAILS / INSTAGRAM

Teal, pistachio, and moss green may not seem like the most festive colors, but here you can see just how well they pair together. With matte, metallic, and gloss finishes, this is one head-turning mani.

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Pink and Peach Snowflake Nails

Festive nails can be neutral. These pinky-peach rose gold nails prove it.

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Navy and White Snowflake Nails

navy and white manicure with snowflake designs — @LOLO.NAILEDIT / INSTAGRAM

Navy and white nail polish combine for a high-contrast December nail look we can’t take our eyes off of. The best part? You can recreate the design with dotting tools and a little patience.

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Burgundy and Evergreen Stripe Nails

burgundy, green, and white stripe nails — @LOLO.NAILEDIT / INSTAGRAM

For a moodier December nail look, opt for darker shades of traditional Christmas colors. You can recreate this exact look with CND Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish ($11) in the shades Aura, Signature Lipstick, Statement Earrings, and Cream Puff.

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December Mismatch Nails

mismatched winter manicure with snowflakes, sparkles, and glitter — @NAILS_AND_SOUL / INSTAGRAM

Mix-and-match nail art continues to be a big trend in 2023. To show a little love for one of the year’s most popular nail art ideas, opt for a mismatched manicure like the blue snowflake one above. We particularly enjoy the matte sweater-inspired accent nail.

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Snowflake and Houndstooth Nails

snowflake and houndstooth print manicure — @NAILS_AND_SOUL / INSTAGRAM

Love the idea of a mismatched December mani? This snowflake and houndstooth one is whimsical yet perfectly chic at the same time.

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Green Swirl Nails

Remember: Shades of green are always in for December. Here, evergreen and mint pair beautifully for a cool swirly nail look.

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Scarlet French Tips

For a rich, festive nail look, consider opting for scarlet nail polish over ruby red. Here, nail artist Melanie Graves used Dior Vernis ($30) in the shade Nuit 1947.

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Black, Gold, and Silver Tweed Nails

black french tip manicure with stripe accent nails — @DISSEYNAILS / INSTAGRAM

Stripes and snowflakes may seem like the obvious option for a December nail print, but we’re here to turn your attention to tweed. Truly, how pretty are these black, gold, and silver patterned nails?

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Gold Chrome Holly Nails

gold chrome french nails — @HEYGREATNAILS / INSTAGRAM

Opting for a solid coat of gold intermixed with French tips in the metallic shade is bound to make for an unforgettable nail look. To perfect your tips, try using the Orly Half Moon Guides ($7).

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Icy Blue Velvet Nails

Illusion French manicures are major in 2023, making this icy blue velvet nail look the perfect closing statement. Trust us, though: You’ll want to wear this beautiful mani well past December.

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Burgundy Shimmer Star Nails

burgundy shimmer nails with star nail stickers — @HEYGREATNAILS / INSTAGRAM

Glittery red nail looks are fit for December. They bring images of Santa Claus to mind—especially when you add shimmering gold accents to the mix.

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Pretty Present Nails

close up of hand showing off fresh manicure, nails with light pink base and white french tip with red ribbon design mimicking shape of present — @DISSEYNAILS / INSTAGRAM

Last but not least, we have these gorgeous bow nails. Almond-shaped French tips topped off with thin red ribbon? Stunning.