These 14 white Christmas nail designs are as elegant as they come (2024)

When we think of the holidays, often shimmering gold or bright red nails come to mind, but if you favour more of a minimalist aesthetic, these white Christmas nail designs are so sophisticated - but no less festive.

Whether you're planning a new set of BIAB nails or a Christmas French nail design, white is the perfect expensive-looking nail colour to wear this season. Not only does the shade mirror that of freshly fallen snow and glittering icicles, but it's also timeless and subtle enough to compliment any outfit.

White nails are also flattering for every season, meaning if you're planning long-lasting nail treatments like acrylics or gels, a milky hue will not look out of place come January. So, for those seeking a muted and stylish nail look - that is festive but not garish - here are 14 white Christmas nails to request or recreate at home...

14 white Christmas nails to bring all the elegance this season

From trendy 'Glazed' nails to delicate snowflake decals, there are few shades in the colour wheel that match the festive assignment so well - well, bar red Christmas nails perhaps.

And while you might think the monochromatic shade is a tad limiting, we've rounded up not one but 14 classy white manicures that are sure to elevate your partywear and beyond.

Our go-to white nail polish picks

To get the most out of your crisp, white manicure, be sure to incorporate a cuticle oil - like OPI's cuticle oil (available at Amazon) and the best nail strengtheners into your nail care routine. A glossy top coat, like this one from Essie (at Amazon), will also help to elevate your chosen nail shade and ward off chipping.

1. Timeless milky white nails

If you're looking for a really classic and hassle-free manicure look, you can't go wrong with a wash of milky white nail polish. It's chic, elegant and perfectly winter ready. It also suits all nail shapes and can be elevated further with a pearly or glittery top coat.

2. Micro French tip nails

For a very subtle option, a micro French tip is so stylish and really easy to recreate with the help of a thin nail art brush or nail stamper. We'd suggest opting for a bright, crisp white but you can also use more of a milky shade or a shimmer, for an extra Christmassy touch. The beauty of a micro French tip is that it looks so clean but won't overpower or steal focus from your outfit.

3. Gold line nails

Is there a more luxe-looking combination than white and gold? An abstract gold line-art look over a white base is perfect for party season and is so easy to recreate at home, with a nail brush and your go-to white base coat.

4. Subtle glitter nails

If you want to add a touch of sparkle to your look, whilst still keeping your look very classy, this manicure design is perfect. It features just a dab of gold glitter over at the centre of the half-moon (at the base of the nail), while the rest of the nail is left creamy white.

5. Glazed nails

Glazed nails are still very popular, especially around this time of year because not only are they winter-ready but they also add a touch of glamour to your look - ideal for parties and dinner settings. Simply opt for a white shimmery nail polish, or a pearlescent chrome powder, which you should seal in with a high-shine top coat.

6. Chrome Snowflake nails

Snowflakes are a classic symbol of winter and Christmastime, so adding a few of these delicate white decals to your fingertips is a no-brainer. We love that these nails incorporate a chrome finish, which just add to their festive appeal.

To recreate, you'll need your thin nail art brushes for this one, and your pearlescent chrome powder.

7. White marbled nails

These speckled, marble-like nails are a good way to spice up a plain white nail look. You can either opt for a polish with this style of marbled formula or mix your own, selecting your favourite shades and swirling them together before applying.

For a similarly speckled look, apply your creamy base coat and while it's still drying, use a thin brush or dotting tool to swirl and dab on your other shades.

8. Gold stars

Like the star atop the Christmas tree, this manicure brings the festive cheer. It's subtle but thanks to the subtle gold stars dotted around, it's perfect for party season. You can either add a star to every nail, or just opt for one feature nail - you could even opt for a gold glitter polish - the choice is yours.

9. Snow-covered French tips

Now these nails might fly under the radar on Christmas day, but we just can't get over how cute they look and how reminiscent they are of snow-covered branches and windowsills. This look is also ideal if you haven't quite mastered the perfect French tip curve yet.

10. Icy pearl nails

These pearly feature nails are the epitome of a chic white Christmas nail look. They play with both a classic French tip and block nail look, creating a very interesting and sophisticated manicure.

11. Gift-wrapped nails

Making your nails look like tiny presents is another good use for your trusty white nail polish. The crisp colour looks so effective against a more sheer, milky base coat and is so easy to recreate.

12. Candy cane nails

If you're looking to add a pop of red, a candy cane-style colourway is another great option for the festive season. Just a few alternating dots or cherry red and white will create a very cute and recognisably festive look, with fairly minimal effort.

13. Irish cream squoval nails

If bright way is a little too much, a white-cream is the perfect, muted alternative and reminds us of Baileys or Eggnog. It's a timeless look that will tide you over well into the New Year and beyond.

14. Teeny white hearts

Last but by no means least, we have these teeny tiny white hearts. If you prefer very low-key manicures, but still want to feature a nod to the season, a few hearts dotted on a creamy white base is definitely the way to go.