23 December Nails Simple Ideas for Effortless Holiday Style
December nails offer a chance to add festive cheer to everyday looks with simple and stylish designs. Many people prefer nail ideas that are easy to create but still capture the holiday spirit. These ideas balance classic winter themes with subtle touches that fit the season without being too bold.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you when you shop through my links.
Content Integrity Statement (Human Editing)
I create content to inspire creativity and share ideas. I use research tools, including AI, to help brainstorm, spark inspiration and outline content. All posts are then personally reviewed, fact-checked, rewritten, expanded, and edited by me to ensure they reflect my own voice, style & creative experience. All content is curated and refined with human judgement and purposeful intent. I often include styles and ideas that may not be my personal preference, because I want to support different tastes, personalities, and creative expressions — helping readers find what inspires them.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS.
PIN TO YOUR CHRISTMAS NAILS BOARDS ON PINTEREST
The best December nail ideas are simple, quick to do, and appropriate for a variety of occasions during the month. Whether for work, parties, or casual days, these nails bring a seasonal feel without demanding much time or effort. This article explores 23 easy nail designs that anyone can try.
1) Metallic royal blue nails with white snowflake accents
This look uses a deep, shiny royal blue as the base color. White snowflakes are added on top for a clean, winter feel. The metallic finish gives the nails a sleek and festive touch without being too flashy.
2) Simple red nails with subtle gold glitter tips
They choose a classic red base for a clean, festive look. The gold glitter is applied lightly to the tips for a subtle sparkle. This style is easy to wear and adds a touch of holiday charm without being too bold.
3) Maroon acrylic nails in a short, rounded shape
Maroon acrylic nails work well in a short, rounded shape. This style looks clean and is easy to maintain.
The deep maroon color fits the winter season and holiday vibes. It offers a subtle but festive look without being too bold.
4) Wine red nails with a glossy finish
Wine red nails offer a rich, deep color that suits December’s festive mood. The glossy finish adds a sleek shine, making nails look polished and elegant. This style works well for both simple and more detailed nail designs. It is easy to maintain and fits any winter occasion.
5) Classic French manicure with a twist: silver tips
This style updates the classic French manicure by replacing the white tips with silver.
Silver tips add a modern, shiny touch while keeping the look simple and elegant.
It works well for winter and holiday seasons, offering a subtle but festive change.
6) Red and white stripes mimicking candy canes
This design uses alternating red and white stripes to look like candy canes. The stripes are usually thin and evenly spaced. It creates a simple, festive look that fits well with holiday themes.
Using tape helps make clean, straight lines. The base is often white with red stripes added on top.
7) Minimalist white nails with tiny green holly dots
This design uses a clean white base for a fresh look. Tiny green dots represent holly berries in a simple, elegant way.
It works well for those who want festive nails without too much detail. The minimal style suits many occasions in December.
8) Clear nails with small red and gold festive decals
This design uses a clear base to keep nails looking clean and natural. Small red and gold decals add a subtle festive touch without being too bold. It works well for those who want simple yet elegant holiday nails. The colors fit well with Christmas themes while staying understated.
9) Short nails with matte dark green polish
Matte dark green polish is a great choice for short nails. It gives a smooth, elegant look without being too flashy. This color works well for December, fitting the winter and holiday season. The matte finish adds a modern touch while keeping nails simple and stylish.
10) Glossy nude nails with one accent nail in red glitter
This style features shiny nude nails that look clean and simple. One nail on each hand is covered in red glitter.
The red glitter adds a festive touch without being too bold. It fits well with holiday themes while keeping an elegant look.
11) Soft pink nails with delicate white snowflakes
This design pairs soft pink polish with fine white snowflakes. The white snowflakes are simple and placed lightly on the nails. It creates a gentle, winter-themed look without being too bold. This style works well for everyday wear during December.
12) Neutral beige nails with gold foil flakes
Neutral beige nails create a clean, understated look. Adding gold foil flakes brings a subtle shine and elegance. This combination works well for both casual and formal occasions. It is easy to apply and fits many styles without being too bold.
13) Deep plum nails with shiny top coat
Deep plum nails offer a rich, elegant look perfect for December. The color suits winter’s darker mood while still feeling polished.
A shiny top coat adds a glossy finish that makes the nails stand out. It also helps protect the polish, keeping the nails looking fresh longer.
14) Bright red nails with thin white diagonal lines
This design features a bright red base with thin white diagonal lines. It creates a clean, modern look that adds interest without being too busy. The contrast between red and white gives the nails a fresh, festive feel suitable for December.
15) Translucent nails with embedded tiny gold stars
They feature a clear, see-through base that looks delicate. Small gold stars are set inside the nail, adding subtle sparkle. This style is simple but elegant, perfect for December. It pairs well with any outfit due to its neutral look.
16) Bold red nails with tiny white bow stickers
They choose a strong red base for a classic holiday look. Small white bow stickers add a simple, neat detail without making the design too busy. This style works well for those who want festive nails with a clean, elegant touch.
17) Icy blue nails with silver glitter gradient
This design features nails painted in a soft icy blue shade. Silver glitter is applied at the tips, creating a smooth gradient effect.
The look mimics frost and adds a subtle sparkle. It is simple but elegant for December.
18) Simple green nails with a red polka dots
Simple green nails with red polka dots bring a playful twist to fall nails while keeping the design easy and approachable. The deep green base reflects the earthy tones of autumn, while the cheerful red dots add a pop of color that feels festive and fun. This style is perfect for those who want a manicure that balances cute and seasonal without being too complicated.
The polka dot pattern works beautifully on both short and long nails, and you can customize the size of the dots to suit your style. Small, delicate dots create a subtle and chic look, while larger polka dots add a bold, whimsical vibe. This nail idea is also easy to recreate at home, making it a budget-friendly option for anyone who enjoys DIY manicures.
Because green and red are complementary colors, this design can transition seamlessly from fall into the holiday season. Wear it with cozy sweaters, plaid scarves, or casual denim for an autumn look, or lean into the festive side as the year moves into December. Simple green nails with red polka dots are versatile, trendy, and guaranteed to stand out.
19) Classic red nails paired with gold French tips
This nail design combines deep red polish with thin gold French tips. The red provides a timeless, bold base.
The gold tips add a subtle shine and a festive touch. It works well on both short and long nails.
This style is simple but elegant, suitable for many holiday occasions. It balances classic colors with a modern twist.
20) Short nails painted in frosty white with silver specks
This design uses a clean frosty white base that gives a fresh, winter feel. Small silver specks add subtle sparkle without overwhelming the look. It works well for short nails, keeping them simple yet festive.
21) Subtle beige nails with a festive red tip
This design balances simplicity with holiday cheer. The beige base keeps the nails elegant and neutral.
The red tip adds a small but clear festive touch. It works well for those who want a holiday look without bright colors all over.
22) Glossy white nails with tiny Christmas tree silhouettes
This design features smooth, glossy white nails as a clean base. Small Christmas tree shapes are added as simple accents.
The trees stand out without overwhelming the look. This style works well for those who prefer subtle holiday nails.
23) Clear nails with red and green minimalist stripes
This design uses a clear base that keeps the nails looking fresh and simple. Thin red and green stripes add a subtle holiday touch. It is a clean and modern look suitable for any occasion in December.
