24 Nail Polish Colors That Will Make You Feel Festive All Season
The lights are twinkling, the gifts are wrapped, the pies are prepped, and there's time for one last finishing touch: your nails. Sure, there's so much more to think about during the busy holiday season, but don't you always feel just a little more put-together, more festive, more, well, manicured when there is a fresh coat of paint on your paws? I know I do.
As someone who has purchased literally hundreds of bottles of nail polish over the years, it's safe to say I know my way around the seasonal shades. Allow me to steer you toward hues that are ideal for celebrating the spirit of the season, whether that be Christmas, Hanukkah, or even a fun made-up holiday like Festivus. But before you start scrolling, here's a little tip: Those punny polish names can also be instructive—reds named from flowers like Geranium or Poppy are best for spring and summer, while those with precious metals or gemstones in their names are perfectly suited for fall and winter.
Whether you choose to DIY each night of Hanukkah or treat yourself to a salon mani/pedi that will last through New Year's, these 24 holiday nail colors will definitely help get you in a celebratory spirit.
Radiant Reds
It seems like a no brainer, but there's a reason red is our go-to nail polish color for the season—it's just classic. Below are a few of our favorite takes on the shade.
Deep Purples
These dark purple and wine-inspired shades are perfect for making merry, but subtle enough for the office, too.
Metallics
A full-on metallic mani might be hard to pull off during other times of the year, but couldn't be more perfect for New Year's Eve. Bring it on, 2021!
Winter Blues
I'll take any excuse to wear blue nail polish, especially on a cold winter's night.
Glitz and Glitter
Go ahead, add some bling to your bling with glittery nails that sparkle all season long.
Natural Nudes
Why mess with your go-to? If neutral nails are your thing, consider trying a new formula when practicing those DIY skills at home.
At-Home Essentials
It's easy to keep your nails looking good between manicures with these products in our at-home arsenal.
Gift Sets
Up next, check out the gift guide that is totally relevant in 2020.
This story was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.
Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks. Her personal style tends to favor the classics: She loves crisp white button-downs, sneakers, and skinny jeans—and no look is complete without a great pair of oversize sunglasses and a trusty leather jacket. After she finishes reading the entire internet every day, she can be found dining out at her favorite restaurants, trying new beauty treatments, or indulging her historical-fiction habit.
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