As the holiday season approaches, it’s tempting to go all out with festive nail designs. However, if you’re looking for more subtle options, there are plenty of black Christmas nails ideas that are stylish and perfect for showing your holiday spirit. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest riffs on minimalist nail art for the holiday season, including negative space, French manicures, and subtle sparkle. So grab some hot cocoa and check out our favorite black Christmas nail designs for 2022.
Chic Snowflakes
Who says holiday nails have to be red or green? This delightfully dark design proves it. DIY with Essie’s Infinity Cool, and top with snowflake stickers.
Gingerbread Mani
This gingerbread manicure is the sweetest-yet-chicest festive mani we’ve ever seen. Recreate the style with a teddy brown polish, like Chanel’s Impulsion, and trace with a white polish pen.
Iridescent Emerald
This iridescent emerald mani is equal parts festive and fashion-forward, and the best part? It’s easy to recreate. Get the look with Kelly’s Emerald by ORLY.
Candy Cane French
Candy cane, but make it fashion. Get this charming look with OPI’s Big Apple Red and a white polish pen, or opt for candy-cane-patterned stick ons.
Delicate Diamonds
If you’re looking for something more low-key, look no further than this delicate design. Simply top your glazed donut mani shade with a shimmer top coat like ILNP’s Poise, and you’re good to go sleigh riding.
Snowy Sapphire
Give Blue Christmas a whole new meaning with this sapphire style. Paint your nails with Cirque Colors’ Sapphire and decorate with festive decals.
Cosmic Christmas
This abstract design is perfect for celebrating with friends and loved ones, once again proving that festive nails are by no means required to be red or green. DIY with a mix of navy blue, black, and silver, finished with a holographic topcoat like ILNP’s Mega.
Snowflake Tips
Snowflake tips are elegant, festive, and laid-back when it comes to DIYing. Simply paint your tips with OPI’s Happy Anniversary and top with snowflake stickers.
Pretty Presents
Dress up any design or your natural nails with a delicate bow for some holiday pizzazz. They’ll look so cute while holding one of these Christmas cocktails.
Sparkling Santa
Put a fierce spin on a classic French mani with these showstopping tips. For extra holiday spirit, turn one (or a few!) into a Santa hat. Get the look with Cirque Colors’ Garnet.
Earthy Ombré
Match your mani to the Christmas tree with this earthy ombré style. Add emerald green, gold, and festive decals to make it your own.
Silver Blues
Everything about this sparkling silver polish, embellished with blue and turquoise flakes, is giving winter in the best of ways. Get the look with Stella Chroma’s Snowed In.
Jolly Jewel
This metallic moss green with fine golden shimmer is giving the Christmas tree a run for its money. DIY with Lights Lacquer’s To the Nines.
Skittles Nails
Red, green, and something in-between-make it purple for an unexpected twist. Try Essie polishes in Heart of the Jungle, Adrenaline Brush, and Flowerista for a similar vibe.
Gold Dust
A sprinkle of gold leaf makes an otherwise subtle mani feel special. If you don’t have some on hand, a dollop of gold polish will do the trick.
Silver Sprinkles
A hint of silver glitter is like icicles catching the light and adds a little something to your favorite sweaters.
Festive Ombré
Olive & June dubbed this the candy cane ombré, and I couldn’t think of a better name if I tried. Pick up the brand’s Candy Cane set for everything you need to re-create it.
Holiday French
Add a little Christmas spirit to one of the coolest nail trends with red and green tips. Bonus points if you match your coffee cup.
Frosted French
Icy silver tips are one of our favorite winter nail ideas this year. Try Ella + Mila polish in Moonshadow for the glittering tips.