Go festive with a monochromatic red manicure.

• Red Christmas nails feel festive and capture the qualities that make the color a classic—they’re alluring, timeless, and universally flattering.
• From subtle French tips to a full set of glittery almonds, there are countless ways to customize a red Christmas mani.

While red and green are the traditional colors of Christmas, you can still embody the holiday spirit with a monochromatic take. Going red—arguably the most alluring of the two hues—is a striking way to approach a Christmas nail design and put a festive spin on red nail theory. It’s not just about personal preference, either: Red nails look good on everyone.

“Red nails are great because there are so many different shades and undertones that can be paired with any skin tone or personal preference,” Mazz Hanna, celebrity nail artist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood tells InStyle. “Red nails are truly timeless and chic.”

There are many ways to make classic red nails even more merry and bright. Forget visions of sugarplums. Think of all the classic elements of a festive mani—like bows, shimmer, and French tips—done in red. Instant improvement.

Below, find 21 red Christmas nail ideas below to get inspiration for a fabulous December manicure. Whether you love a simple or spectacular look, we’ve got options for you.

High Gloss

@gossipandgloss

A high-gloss finish can make a simple manicure look incredible.

Sweet French

@klawsbysonia

Clean and classic, a French nail design is great for any season. But when done in a festive hue? It’s perfect for Christmas.

Simple Red

@rachelsuenails

Sleek and simple, a red manicure is more than enough to get in the holiday spirit. The look is classic, paired with a clean almond shape.

Dainty Holly

@gossipandgloss

For a holly jolly accent nail, go for a white base topped with a blend of evergreen stems and red holly berries.

All That Glitters

Instagram/ @missbellatracey

Get the best of both worlds with a festive look that incorporates red and green. A gorgeous glitter fits right in with the shimmering tinsel and twinkle lights around Christmastime.

Polka Dot Medley

Instagram/ @nailsby_bridgett

Polka dots are one of the nail-art world’s biggest trends, so why not incorporate the pattern into your Christmas manicure? Make the set more unique by adding polka dots along the bottom edge of French tips.

Sparkly Finish

@tipsxtara

A chunky sparkle encased in a high-shine red is a glitzy approach to a red nail. With a glitter this large, having it mixed into the polish rather than sitting on top allows for a sleeker finish.

Red and Gold

@Danaturenails

This metallic nail design focuses on red. It features a gold base topped with red jelly polish on the majority of the nail.

Wrapped With a Bow

@nailsby_bridgett

For a short Christmas nail look, top a shimmery red polish with a bow accent nail.

Velvet Accent

@nailsby_bridgett

Velvet polish is perfect for the holidays. This design features a mix of red velvet polish with a matte milky nail topped with a garland design.

Red Velvet

@nailsby_bridgett

For a simple yet striking design, go for a velvet polish, aka cat eye, look on each nail. The design is created by holding a magnet over a magnetic polish.

Coffin Tips

@klawsbysonia

A sharp coffin is the perfect way to add some edge to a Christmas nail design. Especially with a red French tip.

Bow-Tied Bordeaux

@klawsbysonia

Although bright red is the classic choice, you can still get that Christmas look with a deeper hue. This look features a red wine base topped with stars and a bow.

Peppermint Twist

Instagram/ @pinkbunnynailz

A wavy stripe is always chic, but done in red and white, it’s simply parfait. This look uses the pattern on both accent nails and French tips, combined with dotted snowflakes and abstract bows.

Red Chrome

@klawsbysonia

Take a simple red mani to the next level with a topping of red chrome powder. It’ll make your nails as reflective as an ornament.

Metallic French

@klawsbysonia

This striking design blends French tips with a cuticle nail design. It uses a blend of metallic red and a snowy white.

Reflective Shimmer

@gossipandgloss

For those who love a full- glitter look, take it to the next level with a bow on each hand.

Glittering Plaid

@gossipandgloss

Plaid embodies the cozy vibes of this time of year. It’s the perfect accent in a red Christmas nail design—especially with an added touch of sparkle.

Little Gifts

@disseynails

Red ribbon stands out against this classic French tip. The bows are hand-painted in a shimmery red polish with a touch of silver glitter in the middle.

Exaggerated French

@klawsbysonia

For a funky take on the French manicure, take the ends of the arch far beyond the smile line and continue them to the base of the nail.

Candy Tips

@disseynails

Blend red with white to create this candy cane French tip. It’s highlighted with a silver gem.