20 French Nails Designs for December, From Peppermint Tips to Burgundy Bows

January 4, 2026 Mariana Nails

Your French manicure should feel fun and festive for December.

A French manicure is the perfect, classic base for a customizable manicure.
Make your manicure festive with the addition of snowflakes, candy canes, and gift wrap.

December is the end of the year, but in many ways it’s also a brand-new start! A start to the holiday season, the beginning of winter coat weather, and an excuse to get a fresh new manicure. You know you’re going to see family, which means photos, photos, photos—and you’ll want that manicure to work for all of them.

As you make your December manicure decision, might we recommend the classic and timeless French manicure? It works with everything, it’s completely customizable, and a nude base will mean nobody will notice if they are grown out at the end of the month.

With the holiday season coming up, there’s no need to search far and wide when it comes to design inspiration. Snowflakes, candy canes, and gift wrap are just some of the winter motifs that can lend to a gorgeous French nail design.

Not sure where to start? InStyle has you covered with 20 fabulous nail designs to inspire your next salon trip.

Starry Night Nails

@sansungnails

Is it cold and windy outside? Stay warm by appreciating the art of a local museum —or get the same effect by looking at the masterpiece on your nails. These gorgeous and artisanal nails are inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” painting.

Peppermint Dreams

@lolo.nailedit

The holidays are here, and for those who don’t hold back when it comes to festivities, look no further. These red, white, and gold nails are perfect for unboxing your holiday hauls.

Floral Setting for 10

@sansungnails

Going to a big family dinner means that the nice dishes are coming out for their yearly appearance. Take inspiration from the gorgeous florals of fine china for this cute, dusty blue-green set.

Blue and Bejeweled

@sansungnails

These nails just say frosty to us, and we’re obsessed. The light blue cat-eye polish is the perfect base for icy gems, while the copper French tips add a warm pop of color.

Christmas Tree Farm

@melissasnails83

If you yearn for the smell of a fresh Christmas tree in the winter, then these nails are for you. The cute, sparkly green tips perfectly match the modern and abstract Christmas tree design.

Wintergreen Chic

@pristinenails

Perfect for the many holiday outfits you have lined up, this shiny green French design has the cutest hint of gold to match the tinsel that accompanies the season.

5 Golden Rings

@nailartbymolly

A festive take on the classic French manicure, these gold tips are metallic and eye-catching. These nails prove that sometimes less is more.

Santa’s Slay

@gelsbybry

How cute is this take on Santa Claus’s hat? Use this cute design on all ten nails, or just do a few to add a bit of holiday flair to your red French mani.

Tied neatly with a bow

@aimeebellabeauty

Another classic design, this classic French manicure looks pristine on an almond nail shape. The burgundy bow accent nails instantly make this look a holiday staple.

More bows, less problems

@aimeebellabeauty

Bows, bows, and more bows. You really can’t go wrong with these neat designs during the holiday season. Adding one small bow on each tip is an easy way to elevate your classic French mani.

Gift Wrapped

@disseynails

We’re absolutely obsessed with this olive green, martini chic color. Perfect for a Christmas in Manhattan, this set is for someone who can’t wait to see what gifts the city has in store.

North Star

@polishedbymckenna

For those who like an animal print year-round, a burgundy croc is perfectly moody for the winter season. Totrishelle and burgundy French tips with gold stars add even more dimension to this trendy set.

Christmas at Disneyland

@pinkbunnynailz

Wish you were walking around Disneyland for Christmas, taking in all the lights and the festive Mickey-themed decor? Channel that energy with this cute and tasteful Disney-inspired nail set. Cable-knit, 3D French tips to round out the look.

Snowflakes

@gelsbybry

This gorgeous red shimmer is the perfect holiday shade. Whether you cover a full nail with polish or create one perfect square French nail, these nails are the equivalent of a house that is tastefully decorated for the holidays.

Burgundy French

@polishedbymckenna

These burgundy French tips are practically perfect. They stand out while blending in—they don’t cause a ruckus, but they know exactly who they are.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

@thehangedit

Channel your inner child with these adorable baby cartoons on colorful French nails. At the end of the day, nails should be fun, and that’s exactly what these are.