Credit: Instagram/ @disseynails

• Candy cane nails are the unexpected holiday manicure that’s taking over this season.
• Go subtle with striped French tips or classic peppermint stripes, or shake things up with different colors and dramatic swirls.

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s the most wonderful time of the year for festive manicures. Staples of the season include icy glitters, warm reds, and timeless metallics. Yet there’s another pattern that’s fast becoming a favorite across social feeds: candy cane nails.

The iconic red-and-white stripes nod to Christmas without being too obvious, making it the perfect look for those who prefer a subtle mani. Plus, the possibilities are endless: some artists craft minimalist striped French tips, while others adorn their sweet designs with 3D gems and all the glitter. Whatever your preference, you’ll find a peppermint manicure that’s sweet and chic enough for holiday parties, Christmas shopping, and every wintertime activity in between.

If red’s not really your jam, candy cane nails (like their delicious namesake) come in other colors, too—greens, purple, pinks, you name it. Go for a classic minty look or a modern twist that incorporates the pattern in an unexpected way.

Ahead, find 21 candy cane nail looks to inspire you ahead of your next salon visit.

Mix and Match

@pristine_nails

This whimsical manicure shows off three variations of candy cane stripes. Pick one or mix and match all three.

Candy Cane French Tips

@disseynails

For a whimsical take on the candy cane nail trend, try a swirling peppermint patterned French tip with a 3D gem. Because the design doesn’t take up too much real estate, the manicure will go with any outfit.

A Very Merry Accent Nail

@gelsbybry

A candy cane patterned accent nail mixes well with alternating red-and-white French tips. This manicure strikes the ever-elusive balance of festive yet restrained.

A Neutral Take

@jessnailsit

Elevate the candy cane French manicure even further by adding a white border to a red French tip. It’s like an abstract take on a Santa hat.

Cable Knit Tips

@gabrielas_spot

This 3D manicure features textured cable-knit French tips. It’s a small detail that goes a long way.

Peppermint Swirl

@polishedbymckenna

Don’t restrict yourself to the traditional hook-shaped candy cane when there are plenty of other peppermint candies to inspire you. Here, a peppermint swirl design over a sheer nude base makes for a stunning accent nail.

A Candy Cane Border

@taynaildit

A candy cane-striped border around a nude nail is a festive-yet-minimalist take on holiday cheer. Use the design for the whole manicure, or mix and match with other designs. The holly-decorated stamp seen above is particularly sweet.

Snow Caps

@luxenailsxsam

A classic white French tip doubles as a snow bank when you add candy cane and gingerbread designs on top. To go the extra mile, make some of the tips a cable knit design.

‘Tis the Season

@poppinpolishldn

For a more literal interpretation of a Santa hat, drag the French tip down into a tail complete with a white pom pom. The candy cane accent nail done in red and white glitter makes this manicure really shine.

The More the Merrier

@lauradidmynails

Another festive French option is a red base with a white tip. Accent nails including candy cane stripes, bows, and stars really hammers home the holiday spirit.

Bowcore

@oliviaannicenailartist

For a fun and feminine nail look, use bright red and white polishes to create candy-cane-striped French tips, a heart, and a bow.

Rudolph

@oliviaannicenailartist

If candy cane stripes alone aren’t festive enough, throw in a Santa hat, bow-wrapped present, and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. What keeps this manicure cohesive is using the same three colors throughout.

Make it Pink

@jaymarie_beauty

If red isn’t your color, try a pink and white stripe. After all, candy canes come in all colors these days. The addition of chunky glitter makes it a manicure fit for the Barbie universe.

Festive Yet Minimalist

@thehangedit

A sheer pink base coat offers a blank canvas for seasonal embellishments. A thin, asymmetrical French tip featuring a candy cane stripe offers a more streamlined take on the festive pattern.

Gingerbread House

@polishedbymckenna

A candy cane and gingerbread man pattern on a baby-pink background makes for a super-sweet manicure. A frosted accent nail complete with a snowflake and glitter French tip adds a wintery detail.

Half and Half

@jaymarie_beauty

Give your eyes and hands a break and try doing candy cane stripes on only half of a nail. Sparkles and a gem ensure this manicure is still maximalist.

Glitter Stripes

@jaymarie_beauty

Use a glitter-specked shade of red for an extra festive touch. Ornament, gnome, and snowflake designs round out this holiday-ready look.

Glitter Tips

@jaymarie_beauty

Candy cane stripes, bows, and snowflakes—what more could you ask for? Using a glitter polish on the French tips adds a little extra something.

Silver Swirl

Instagram/ @bees.knees.nails

Just as silver tinsel adds extra sparkle to Christmas decorations, silver details in holiday nail art elevate it to merry new heights. This look pairs a candy cane accent nail with bows, snowflakes, twinkles, and ornaments for a maximalist design.

Chrome Candy Cane

Instagram/ @decenails

Don’t leave chrome behind in autumn. The glossy matte finish serves as an eye-catching backdrop for white stripes or swirls, creating the perfect chrome candy cane look.

Green Stripes

Instagram/ @aimeebellabeauty

Channel the brightness of wintergreen candy canes with a nail look that swaps red for a verdant hue. This nail art takes a glittery green as its accent color across festive French tips and sparkly swirls.