Holiday Nail Ideas: Must-Try Trends for the Festive Season

BY MAMELLO MOKOENA
Dec 18, 2024
4 min read

As the holidays are unfolding, it is the perfect time to refresh your nails before the real festivities with some fun and stylish trends. Whether you’re looking for bold designs that make a statement or subtle looks that quietly impress, there’s something for everyone this season. Nail art has become an exciting way to showcase your personal style, and these festive trends are the perfect opportunity to experiment.

Here are 7 of the season's hottest nail trends to inspire your next festive manicure.

1. Turtle shell print

Tortoise shell nails are a chic twist on traditional nail art. Whether you choose to call them tortoise shell or turtle shell nails, the results are pretty much the same. They all feature warm shades of brown, caramel and black that mimic the natural marbled effect of tortoise shells. They pair perfectly with gold jewelry or neutral holiday outfits, offering a dash of sophistication to your look.

2. Cheetah girl

Cheetah prints bring a fun and edgy vibe to your look. Opt for classic gold and black for a more timeless appeal, or experiment with glitter accents, colourful patterns, or matte finishes to make the design your own. These animal prints are versatile enough for both casual gatherings and glamorous parties so this set can carry you well into the New Year.

3. Glitter glamour

For a bit of holiday sparkle, glitter nails are a must-have. This season, cat-eye nails are stealing the spotlight. These designs use magnetic nail polish to create shimmering, multidimensional effects that catch the light from every angle. Think of them as the nail equivalent of twinkling holiday lights or shiny Christmas ornaments. You can choose classic metallic shades like silver and gold for a timeless look or try jewel tones like emerald or sapphire for a festive, luxurious feel. For something bright and summery, you can go for yellow or pink tones. Glitter nails can be worn as a full set, or you can mix them with matte or solid colors for a trendy, modern twist. They are the perfect way to add some bling to your outfit.

4. Butterfly girly elegance

If you love soft-girl, feminine styles, bow and butterfly nail art might just be your perfect match. Bow designs are cute and because they resemble tiny gift wraps on your nails, they can also fit the festive vibe. This year, bows had a massive comeback and who is to say they cannot be added to your set? You can keep it simple with delicate outlines or go all out with 3D embellishments for an eye-catching effect. Butterflies, on the other hand, bring a sprinkle of whimsy to your manicure. Using duochrome or holographic colours can help bring out the beauty of the butterfly wings by giving your nails an iridescent finish that shifts in the light. These designs are definitely for the demure girlies who want something unique yet elegant for the holidays.

5. Floral subtle sophistication

For those who prefer a more simple look, delicate floral patterns and fine china-inspired designs are trending this season. Floral nails aren’t just for spring, they’re perfect for adding a touch of softness to your holiday style. Opt for muted tones like blush pink, soft lavender, or pastel blue for a subtle, feminine touch. Porcelain nails include fine china designs, inspired by intricate blue and white porcelain patterns exude sophistication and fine gold accents can add a timeless charm to your. You could also use chrome polish for both looks to achieve a more classic and rich look. These styles are ideal if you want a refined look that pairs well with neutral outfits or classic holiday dresses.

6. Aura nails

Aura nails are all about creating a glowing, gradient effect that mimics the ethereal beauty of energy fields. This trend blends soft, vibrant colours, such as pink, purple, blue or green, at the center of the nail that seamlessly fades into a neutral or darker base. The result is a dreamy, halo-like appearance that feels artistic. For a bold and mysterious look, dark aura nails are a must-try this holiday season. Inspired by the soft, glowing gradients of aura art, these nails create a dramatic, smoky effect that is really edgy. Typically done in deep shades like black, burgundy, navy, or forest green, the aura effect is achieved by blending lighter, glowing colours like neon pinks, purples, or icy blues at the center of each nail. The result is a mesmerising, almost otherworldly appearance.

7. Red nails

Red nails are a timeless holiday favourite and this year, shades like cherry red and maroon have been especially popular. These rich, vibrant colours capture the warmth and excitement of the season, making them the perfect choice for a festive nail set. You do not have to stick to a full set of red nails, though. Lean into the Christmas spirit by incorporating fun details, like tiny cherries for a playful twist, candy cane stripes for a classic holiday vibe, or other red accents like holly berries or bows.

Whether you want to go bold, keep it simple, be really festive or try something entirely new, these nail trends offer endless possibilities to express your style this holiday season. You could be attending a glitzy party, a relaxed family braai, or a casual get-together with friends, the right manicure can tie your whole outfit together. So, head to your favourite nail salon or gather your supplies for a DIY session. Experiment with colours, patterns and finishes that make you feel confident and holiday-ready. After all, there’s no better time to shine, sparkle or make a statement than during the most festive time of the year!