21 Christmas nail art inspirations for your festive-ready manicure

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…on our nails.

The countdown to Christmas has begun and we are getting ready for the string of Secret Santa parties and family get-togethers by checking off our to-do list to look best for the season: Find the perfect outfit, keep the skin glowing with hydrating skincare, and buy holiday-themed makeup. But let’s not forget one important style point – nails!

After all, we’ll want to look good even when unwrapping our gifts (and snapping close-ups with them for Instagram after) right? Whether you’re DIY-ing your nails or getting them done at the salon this year, here are some staple festive polish shades and matching nail art designs for inspiration.

Candy Cane Red

A post shared by Jessica Washick (@jessicawashick) on Dec 9, 2016 at 11:16am PST

A post shared by Hannah Weir (@_hannahweir_) on Dec 1, 2017 at 12:07pm PST

A post shared by Lacquered Loft (@lacqueredloft) on Dec 5, 2017 at 8:23am PST

A post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails) on Nov 12, 2017 at 6:47pm PST

DIY: Chanel Le Vernis Neon Nail Colour in 604 Scenario

Christmas Tree Green

A post shared by GOLDNAILS By Goldi Furman 💅🏻 (@goldnails_nailart) on Nov 30, 2017 at 1:11am PST

A post shared by Shanna’s Nail Adventures (@shannasnailadventures) on Nov 25, 2017 at 12:23pm PST

A post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails) on May 4, 2017 at 6:45pm PDT

DIY: Diorific Vernis – Christmas 2017 Limited Edition in 809 Emerald

Angelic Gold

A post shared by 💅💅💅The Illustrated Nail💅💅💅 (@theillustratednail) on Sep 26, 2017 at 11:14am PDT

A post shared by Karen Gutierrez (@karengnails) on Jul 31, 2017 at 6:00pm PDT

A post shared by Karen Gutierrez (@karengnails) on Apr 26, 2017 at 11:41am PDT

DIY: YSL Beauty La Laque Couture in 92 Gold Fire

Winter Blue

A post shared by Jessica Washick (@jessicawashick) on Jul 2, 2017 at 8:00am PDT

A post shared by Shanna’s Nail Adventures (@shannasnailadventures) on Dec 1, 2017 at 8:59pm PST

A post shared by Karen (@minipolishh) on Nov 28, 2017 at 4:56pm PST

DIY: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in 619 Tidal Wave

Hearthside Burgundy

A post shared by Jessica Washick (@jessicawashick) on Dec 23, 2015 at 9:16am PST

A post shared by GOLDNAILS By Goldi Furman 💅🏻 (@goldnails_nailart) on Dec 2, 2017 at 8:04am PST

DIY: Butter London Afters Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer in Rather Red

Mix ‘em up!

A post shared by Alicia✨Rodriguez (@alicia__pauline) on Dec 4, 2017 at 10:09am PST

A post shared by SO HOT RIGHT NAIL (@sohotrightnail) on Dec 5, 2017 at 11:52am PST

A post shared by Chelsea King 💅🏻 (@chelseaqueen) on Nov 30, 2017 at 4:03pm PST

A post shared by Jessica Washick (@jessicawashick) on Dec 31, 2015 at 1:35pm PST

A post shared by SO HOT RIGHT NAIL (@sohotrightnail) on Dec 2, 2017 at 8:55am PST

A post shared by Karen (@minipolishh) on Dec 4, 2017 at 6:05pm PST

Featured image: Courtesy of @sohotrightnail and @chelseaqueen