You may have noticed by now that we love using nail designs to celebrate the season. In fact, if you’re like us, you may still have some easy ones Thanksgiving nail art at your fingertips. Put the nail polish remover to the test because it’s time to get inspired with some creative, easy Christmas nail designs to celebrate the season! Looking for a festive nail design to elevate your look beyond the typical Christmas nail colors? This post is for you! One thing about the holiday season is that we are BUSY! For this reason, we have focused specifically on cute Christmas designs for short nails. Read on if like us you like to keep things cute but low maintenance and easy!


These designs are made to keep things low maintenance. This means you can get these designs done on your natural nails – no nail appointment necessary! Of course, you can always bring inspiration and add your design ideas to short gel or SNS nails and still have room to grow during the holiday season! Either way, check out our favorite Christmas nail art ideas to get inspired!
Classic and festive reds
If you are looking for Christmas designs for short nails, red should definitely be included! Anything can look like a festive design with classic red hues – from candy canes to red ribbons, this color instantly conjures up images of the Christmas season.
Holly Christmas Nails
Celebrate the festive season with elegant red holly accents. The design by @nailsbyheathere adds instant holiday style to shorter nails while maintaining style and timelessness. Choose one accent nail or several – the choice is yours!


Red Starburst Christmas Nails
If you love a classic red manicure with a playful twist, these star nails created by @gossipandgloss are the perfect choice. Little white stars add a festive sparkle that feels fun, yet elegant.


Christmas nails with a candy accent
Turn your nails into a treat with this candy look @nailsbymets. The red and white stripes add a cheerful, festive touch that makes short nails sparkle all season long. Choose a classic dark red nail polish or a brighter one like the red used here – whatever you have on hand works!


Catchy holiday patterns
Get into the holiday spirit with festive patterns for the holiday season. With these short Christmas designs, your nails will look beautiful as a gift under the tree!
Wrapping paper nails
Get into the holiday spirit with this look inspired by wrapping paper @lolo.nailedit. Use any holiday colors already have on hand to create this look! This festive look makes them the perfect combination for a night of gift wrapping and mulled wine sipping.


Festive nails with confetti dots
We love a twist on the classic French top. A splash of red, green and white dots gives these nails a confetti look @lolo.nailedit the perfect pop holiday entertainment. Light, fun and totally wearable, this look is an easy way to freshen up short nails for the season.


Glitter Polka Dot Christmas Nails
Short nails get a subtle holiday glow with these sparkly polka dots from @onenailtorulethemall. The glitter dots add just the right amount of sparkle without overpowering the neutral base. This is a great choice for a fun Christmas nail design that keeps things simple and uncomplicated, but still results in a wonderfully elevated look for a Christmas party!


Red Plaid Holiday Nails
These festive red check nails from @aliciatnails bring cozy, festive charm to your holiday look. The playful plaid pattern looks seasonal without being overly themed.


Soft, minimal and neutral holiday looks
If you’re looking for inspiration for short Christmas nails, there’s a chance you’ll love the natural beauty of simple nails. And if that’s the case, the following ideas are for you! They’re a great choice if you love the idea of a holiday nail design, but may prefer a clear nude base over a bold holiday color.
Christmas nails with minimal crystals
Short nails stay chic with these minimal Christmas rhinestone nails from @gossipandgloss. A delicate nail crystal over a bare or clear base adds sparkle and holiday cheer while keeping things simple and festive.


Christmas tips with golden glitter
Who says you need bright colors to add a touch of holiday cheer?! These cute Christmas nails with gold glitter borrow from the classic look of French tips from @bycheznails bring instant holiday sparkle to your manicure. A sheer pink base keeps things soft, while a gold fade adds the perfect festive touch.


Easy Christmas Nail Kits
Pressing nails is my favorite shortcut to a beautiful nail design. These short press on nails feature a fun Christmas nail design with no nail art talent required.
Minimalist Christmas details
This push of set by Olive and June it features the tiniest Christmas details we couldn’t dream of painting by hand – it’s definitely worth opting for pressing for that adorable minimalist look! Olive and June is our pick for a sleek, short but elegant press on nail. Definitely check out the rest of their Christmas designs!


Christmas Nail Press Box
Get festive in minutes with this curated collection of press-on Christmas nails from The Tiptop Official. The handmade press-ons include three sets of festive nail art, perfect for short nails that still deserve a little Christmas cheer.


Christmas tree accent
With glittery, soft green solid nails and two different nail accent options (including the cutest little Christmas trees), it was our favorite Christmas press kit. Glamnetic’s short press on nails are the perfect length, the oval shape keeps things classic and elegant.


Christmas nail designs for your unique winter style
We hope you found the perfect idea for a fun holiday manicure in our list of Christmas nail designs! Enjoy short, low-maintenance nails that will add a little festive flair to all your outfits as you enjoy the endless holiday festivities of the season! If you’re more inclined to embrace the season with festive color rather than design, you should check out our list of Christmas nail color ideas for more inspiration! Then don’t forget to get inspired with DIY ideas for socks and DIY Advent Calendar Ideas to tap into your crafty side this holiday season!





