43 Festive Short Christmas Nails You Can’t Miss To Recreate This Christmas Season
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Are you looking for the most festive short Christmas nails to recreate this year? These festive short nails for Christmas are too classy to just pass on.
The holiday season is the perfect time to get festive from head to toe, and that includes your fingertips! If you’re looking to add some holiday cheer to your beauty routine, short Christmas nails are a fabulous and practical choice.
Whether you’re baking cookies, wrapping presents, or attending holiday parties, short nails can offer the perfect canvas for festive designs without getting in the way of your holiday activities.
From classic red and green hues to sparkling glitter and adorable holiday motifs like snowflakes and reindeer, the possibilities are endless.
Not only are short nails easy to maintain, but they can also be just as stylish and eye-catching as their longer counterparts. In this post, we’ll explore a variety of stunning short Christmas nail ideas that will make your holiday season even more magical.
Get ready to be inspired by chic and cozy designs that are sure to bring joy to your fingertips.
Let’s dive into the world of short Christmas nails and find the perfect style to complement your festive spirit!
Festive Short Christmas Nails
1. Short Candy Cane Christmas Nails
Short, sweet, square, and coming to a hand near you: 10 adorable little gifts in the shape of nail art.
I know I’m being dramatic here, but I really do mean it. This manicure is just such a treat and you know you deserve it.
I’m getting excited for the holidays just looking at them, they really are that brimming with fabulous festive cheer. I’m in love.
2. Christmas Has Entered the Chat
Starry night nails will never not be a favorite of mine. And I know that some of you think the exact same way, because this look didn’t become a Christmas classic by accident.
The manicure captures the magic of childhood Christmas nights, where everything seems so exciting and spectacular.
Of course, you spend a lot of time looking skyward, hoping to catch just one glimpse of Santa. And the twinkly stars reflect that feelings.
3. Extremely Christmassy Set
There’s two types of people in the world. Those who want to leave the Christmas tree up all year around and those who don’t.
If you, like me, fall into the first category then you’ve probably thought of sneaking a cheeky Christmas tree into you seasonal mani this year.
If that’s the case, be sure to place a cute star on top and add baubles using various glittery nail polish colors.
4. Black Friday Magic
Exquisite is the only word that comes to mind when I see this manicure. It’s edgy in a sophisticated that stilettos and feather boas are.
Each nail is brimming with personality and they all combine to form a powerful look that’s ideal for Christmas parties of all kinds.
This mani is definitely DIY doable if you’ve got the skill and patience.
5. Cute short Red and Snowflakes Nails
I love any manicure that makes me think of sweet treats and all things nice. Here, I’m getting berries and cream which is of course, a Christmas staple.
So why not indulge a little and live a lot with these gorgeously darling nails. Just be sure to use nail tape on the split nail and dip a toothpick in polish for those finer lines.
6. Holly Berries Short Christmas Nails
If this is your first year doing Christmas nails, consider this look your starting line. It’s mostly natural nail with some detailed festive nail art, with the obligatory sparkly pinkie included.
Really, it’s the most welcoming look that conveniently also welcomes you into the world of fabulously festive nails. You got this. And don’t forget to enjoy.
7. Short Wrapped Christmas Nails
I can already see these nails wrapped around a champagne glass as you have the time of your life.
In other words, these are party nails and yes, they will last you to New Year’s. You can choose either silver or gold sparkly polish, but be sure to pick the brightest white polish you can find. And don’t hesitate to go a little bigger on the diamond stud.
8. Short Icy Blue Nails
Every single season has its chill manicure and this just happens to be the Christmas one. It’s laidback, easy-going and oh-so chic all at the same time. I also personally love it because baby blue is a favorite of mine and has a habit of bringing out icy vibes in festive nails.
Also, the look pairs perfectly with diamond jewelry if you’re planning on having a bling Christmas this year.
9. Santa Hat Frenchies
I adore how soft, lush, and bubbly this Christmas manicure looks. It’s almost like I could reach out and feel the Santa hats.
I think the gorgeous glossiness plays a huge role in bringing the look to life. In fact, this look is probably one of the cleanest on the list and is certainly striking.
Just imagine how good that’ll look in photos.
10. Not Too Christmassy Nails
Abstract nails were gifted to us by designers who weren’t fond of seasonal and themed nails. So, this one goes out to you girlies who don’t want to go all-out Christmas but still want fabulously festive nails, in the most low-key and pared back way possible, of course.
The double-tone franchise are so stylish and unique with the gold thread line bringing a hint of magic and glam which is what Christmassy nails are all about really.
11. Green Christmas with Candy Cane
If you’re scrolling through here looking for a Christmas mani that doesn’t scream Christmas but instead whispers it, then it’s your lucky day.
There’s only one nail in this whole manicure that has anything to do with the festive season. You can choose to keep it to one hand, or you can repeat the same design on the other hand. It’s entirely up to you.
12. Gingerbread love
This is such a homely and cozy look that’s ideal for any girly who’s expecting a snuggly Christmas. They look like freshly baked Christmas cookies smell like.
And I absolutely adore the minimalist Santa hat-inspired frenchies that are just darling.
If you’re going to go it alone, be sure to have plenty of small nail polish brushes or toothpicks at the ready.
13. Simple French Tip Nails for Christmas
I consider these princess nails and you should too. They just exude elegance and grace in a way that only classic Frenchies can.
And as for the festive accent nail? I really can’t get enough of it.
This manicure is so doable on your own but if you feel like treating yourself to an early Christmas present, definitely get yourself down the salon for these beauties.
14. Sparkly Christmas Short Nails
Meet your glamour girl nails. They don’t scream Christmas, but they do whisper it gorgeously.
What they do scream is striking beauty and lavish lifestyle. If you see these nails out and about, you just know the wearer likes the finer things in life and regularly gets them, too. They’re also a little Barbie, which I love, and in a chic way, which I also love.
15. Bottega Christmas Nails
Green is often overlooked when it comes to Christmas nails but I won’t let that slide. So I’m sharing my favorite deep green festive manicure with all of you.
I hope you can appreciate just how naturally elegant the green makes literally everything and the French tip combined with the wreath is just to die for. Can you see my point now?
16. Short Christmas Light Nails
It’s funny how the quirkiest nails are also the easiest to do. Trust me, I’ve tried these ones out many times before and it’s only a matter of getting the black line right, with a small brush or toothpick, of course.
After that, whatever sparkly nail polishes you choose for the baubles is entirely up to you.
17. Short Candy Cane Lane Nails
Blush nails are the definition of beauty. Sprinkle a few candy canes on top and I can barely take my eyes off it. I just love the warmth of the look.
It’s really buzzing with Christmas magic and reminds me of freshly baked Christmas goodies.
The shade and shape give a chic edge that’s absolutely stunning.
18. Santa Baby Short Nails
I can’t get over how each nail is like a little gift here. So short, square and sweet. I just love it and I’m sure everyone else will too.
The best part of doing red sparkly nails is that they can be worn long into the New Year so don’t hesitate to paint over the little Santa tips even though it’ll pain you to see them go.
19. Peekaboo Christmas and Snowy Tips
Just when you think you’ve seen every manicure nail designers have to offer, they go ahead and change something oh-so slightly, and I fall in love with manicures all over again.
I am obsessed with the idea of having the Christmas classic nail art essentially peaking up from your cuticle.
The white dots really make it. And as for the sparkly French tip? I’m head over heels.
20. Subtle Festive Mani
Claim your queen vibes this Christmas and own these nails that are absolutely the essence of royalty. I mean, those pearls? Please.
They’re almost dripping with elegance and sophistication. Don’t even get me started on the rich red color or the stately shape.
Even the snowflakes breathe a certain classic grace into the manicure in the most marvelous way possible. Absolute perfection.
21. Velvet Blue Snowflake Nails
These nails are so mesmerizing. I could actually get lost in them. I really appreciate how the designer made the full-colored nails look like snow storm skies, it’s just so captivating.
As for the double lined French tips, expect to see a lot more of this gorgeous trend this year as everyone falls for its gorgeous chars.
22. Classy Short Christmas Nail Designs
There’s something wedding or marriage about this manicure, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the ornate look or the elegant vibe, but I’m really getting a ceremonious feeling off these lovely nails.
Plus, they’re really shimmer and shine and all things fine which is always a plus. If you’re thinking of taking Christmas serious this year, these are the nails for you.
23. Short Christmas Gift Nails
The gift-wrapped nail has always been the easiest way to turn a regular look into a festive manicure, not that shimmery red French tips have ever been regular in their life but you get what I mean.
What I am saying is these are the nails for the gal who doesn’t want to go all-out seasonal and who also wants to be able to wipe one nail away to claim an all-season look. So versatile. I love it.
24. Short Pink Metallic Christmas Nails
If I lived in a palace, these are the nails I’d wear all Christmas long. Just look at their beauty from tip to cuticle.
The hot pink shimmery shade is absolutely sublime and paired with the gold sparkles it’s like a little explosion of glamour on every nail. This is definitely one to get your bling on with so don’t hold back.
25. Another Classic Red Nails for Christmas
I think we could all agree that there’s something velvets about these nails. The polish looks like it flows as it shimmers and sparkles in the light.
The French tips aren’t a necessary because the snowflakes will look stunning either way.
They pop a little less with the French tips if you’d like to keep things subtle. Go large with full color if you’re feeling a little extra.
26. Festive Sage Christmas Glitters
Sage is one of the most beautiful green polish shades of all. It’s just so whimsical and fun, quite light-hearted too.
I usually see it around Spring-time, but I’m liking it here too. It’s not all-out Christmas but the snowflakes definitely up the festive factor.
You can go short or long, or any shape with these nails really, it’s entirely up to you.
27. Cartwheeling into Xmas
Sweet and spice and all things nice is what comes to mind when I see these oh-so fun nails.
They’re just bursting with personality and some of the season’s rarer nail art, all of which makes them quite one-of-a-kind in my books.
The dotted cuticle is particularly unique and an absolute must here.
28. Pink Holiday Nails
Sorry, but why can’t I wear these nails all year around? They’re the type of nails you snap a million photos of from every single angle to post, yes, but also just to look at whenever you catch a moment.
Dopamine style was trending for a while last year and these nails are definitely bringing it back because their perfect princess pink has got a hold over me.
29. Candy Cane and Glitter Tips
Do you know that feeling when the snow first starts to fall and everything feels magical? That feeling is what these nails look like.
I love how the shimmery backdrop continues on passed the dotted line, it all looks quite natural as though the glitter is actually tumbling over your nails.
I feel like the soft oval shape is a must here.
30. Green Christmas Land Nails
Whatever nail designer genius decided to do a split nail with a gift-wrap effect forever holds a special place in my nail-loving heart.
I mean, it’s just gorgeous. The rest of the manicure is relatively simple but it doesn’t need to be anything special when there’s already an amazing accent nail.
I can easily see this look wrapped around a champagne class or pulling open ribbons around presents.
31. Holly Jolly Nails
Can it get any more classic than this? Seriously, if you’re looking for the most reliable and much-loved look then here it is. These literally are THE Christmas nails, which makes them the perfect starting spot for any aspiring nail fashionista. They’re just the right amount of everything and easy to replicate so why not get started? What are you waiting for?
32. Green Glittery Christmas Wreath Nails
The wreath here is all I need to see. This look already owns my heart and soul. But of course, the green shimmer nails are also effortlessly flawless and honestly, I love a high, barely sloping French tip.
There’s just something so dainty and elegant about it.
33. Red Swirly Glitter Nails
These are disco girl nails. So full of fun, so extra, and the life and soul of every party.
While being completely unapologetic about it too, of course. I just adore the dramatic yet chic swirls that are executed perfectly and don’t even get me started on that striking length.
It’s all so perfect and passionate.
34. Flash Short Nails For Christmas
These nails literally look like a Christmas party, but if you’re still trying to keep it toned down for the office, then these are the nails for you.
They’re just the right amount of flashy and you could always go a few shades lighter if you’re worried about them being too much.
But don’t hold back on the shine because you deserve it.
35. Red Classic Short Christmas Nails
These are the most understated red nails on the list. They remind me of a manicure that Hailey Bieber or Kendall Jenner would wear, just the right amount of chic and casual but also effortlessly cool.
They’re definitely IT girl nails and really, would even looks as good at the office as they would at a VIP event.
36. Red Reflective Short Nails
Reflective nails never go out of style but they definitely get more popular around the festive season.
Maybe it’s because everything sparklier and seems brighter around this time, but the nails just look shinier too.
The little white twinkly stars are the perfect way to highlight the shimmer and shine of this look and of course really pops against the red backdrop.
37. Flash Red Nails
These are possibly the most modern and futuristic nails on the list, and in the most simple and chic way too.
The slanted tips are quite abstract in their own unique way and when paired with the trendy white dots, it’s just such a futuristic treat.
That said, the full-colored short Christmas nails are an absolute gorgeous classic in their rich red that shimmers like the winter night sky.
38. Green Festive Lights Nails
I love the slight shade of chrome I’m seeing here, it adds just the right amount of shimmer to the manicure.
And while the accent bauble nails are gorgeous and fun, I don’t think they’re a must here.
If you’re looking for a more simple and casual festive look, then try painting all your nails this mesmerizing shade.
39. Cherry Mocha Nails
I’m going to state the obvious and say that each nail here looks like a gorgeous chocolate gem.
And now maybe the less obvious and say that this look is so rich girl. I mean just look at how luxurious the glitter frame is alongside the sumptuous brown shade.
It’s almost as though each nail is a luxury ring and I’m more than here for it.
40. Purple Short Nails for Christmas
I’m really loving how nail art is being incorporated into split nails lately. It’s quite genius and really bring the whole mix to life.
The bauble nail is also quite fascinating in that the fade effect makes it look 3D.
A fun idea could be to do a split French tip too or to add little diamond studs to the nails.
41. Neutral Short Christmas Nails
Clean girl aesthetic isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Instead, we’re seeing it in all of its many beautiful versions.
And really, I want this manicure on my nails right now. The encrusted little nail has my while hard alongside the snowy stripes that are just the right amount of 3D.
The glossy nails are just the cherry on top of this beautiful manicure.
42. Short Pink Santa Hats
Who says that pink can’t be a Christmas color? I would argue that being so close to red, it actually makes a perfect alternative to the classic shade.
It’s fun, funky, and oh-so pretty so what’s not to love? I also love how minimalistic the look is with just two adorable Santa hats really stealing the show.
43. Red Santa Hat Short Christmas Nails
Consider these nails a little gift to yourself, especially if you have short and sweet nails. They add so much fabulous festivity in such a simple way. It’s completely no-fuss and entirely fashionable.
You might want to consider painting a white base on the bow nail to really help the nail art pop.
