DIY Holiday Nail Designs for Christmas & New Year

The holidays are the perfect time to bring a little joy—and a little sparkle—to your nails. Festive nail art doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. I always love simple, elegant designs that anyone can recreate at home with just a few thoughtful shades and easy techniques.

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, ringing in the New Year, or embracing winter glam, these looks rely on smart color choices, a hint of shimmer, and minimal tools. Here are my top DIY holiday nail designs using JINsoon’s high-performance shades.

Golden Dots on Reds

Sometimes the simplest idea makes the biggest impact. Golden dots on bold reds instantly feel festive without being over the top.

How to achieve the look:

• Paint each nail a different red: Vanity, Heroine, and Audacity.
• Add soft gold dots using Baroque.
• Finish with a clean gold cuticle line.
• Keep the placement loose for a modern, celebratory feel.

3D Nail Appliqué Explosion

A bold, artistic holiday design with layered dimension.

How to achieve the look:

• Start with Chillin as your base shade.
• Apply multiple Constellation Nail Art Appliqué on each nail.
• Layer stickers to create depth and a three-dimensional ornament-like effect.
• The result is playful, unexpected, and highly creative.

Abstract Tree Design

A modern interpretation of a holiday tree, created entirely with dots.

How to achieve the look:

• Apply Nova as your base.
• Create dots using Coquette, Palma, Absolute White, and Audacity.
• Arrange the dots into a triangular tree shape.
• Keep spacing intentional for a clean, graphic look.

Christmas Lights

A joyful, nostalgic design inspired by twinkling holiday string lights.

How to achieve the look:

• Start with Akoya as your pearly base.
• Draw the wire using Absolute Black.
• Add colorful bulbs using Palma, Vanity, Cool Blue, and Tweety.
• Keep the bulbs slightly irregular for a natural light strand effect.

Holiday Stripes (Matte Edition)

Earthy tones paired with crisp holiday stripes create a cozy yet elevated look.

How to achieve the look:

• Paint each nail a different earthy shade: Fire Clay, Sea Clay, Green Clay, or Earth Clay.
• Use Baroque to draw slim or slightly thicker stripes.
• Seal with Matte Maker for a soft matte finish.
• The final effect resembles chic winter scarf patterns.

Bright Pop Holiday

A cheerful, vibrant manicure inspired by colorful Christmas lights.

How to achieve the look:

• Paint each nail a different shade: Palma, Absolute White, Vanity, or Tweety.
• Keep the colors bold and playful.
• Finish with a glossy top coat.
• This mismatched look feels lively and modern.

White Ombré with Glitter and Crystals

A dreamy, luminous look perfect for Christmas or New Year celebrations.

How to achieve the look:

• Create a soft ombré fade using Absolute White.
• Layer Absolute Glitz for shimmer.
• Add a few colored crystals for dimension.
• The layered effect creates subtle sparkle and softness.

Sparkle Around

A dramatic yet simple halo design that glows beautifully at night.

How to achieve the look:

• Use Absolute Black as your base.
• Outline the nail edges with Absolute Glitz.
• Keep the glitter line thin and even.
• This look makes a perfect New Year’s Eve statement.

Hot Red with Clear Crystals

A glamorous twist on a timeless red holiday manicure.

How to achieve the look:

• Apply Vanity as your base.
• Place clear crystals in a scattered or structured pattern.
• Keep the design minimal for a chic finish.
• Perfect for parties and classic holiday styling.

Metallic Touch

Minimalist but striking, with a diffused metallic glow.

How to achieve the look:

• Alternate Heirloom and Nifty as base shades.
• Sponge the contrasting metallic shade into the center of each nail.
• Blend lightly for a soft-focus finish.
• The result feels futuristic yet wearable.