When one thinks of a Christmas manicure, it's reds, greens and golds that typically come to mind. But for those of us who aren't feeling festively inclined, either because the traditional colourways don't match your aesthetic or you just prefer a more minimalistic look, these black Christmas nails make a perfect alternative.
While we do, of course, love a shimmery, festive nail design and a metallic tinsel nail look, we can also relate to those who want to keep these sleek and subtle this year. After all, so many chic, minimalistic looks have emerged amongst the 2025 nail trends this winter. So, naturally, you might want to stick to those over the bright and sometimes a tad gaudy, festive colour palette and traditional designs. Thankfully, there are also plenty of simple Christmas nail designs sprouting up, too, balancing timeless shades and delicate details with the themes of the season.
That said, if even these options are still a bit too - for lack of a better - Christmassy, there's another chic but slightly unconventional option to consider. Black Christmas nails, while perhaps a little unusual, bring a real sense of high fashion to the occasion, and we've found 12 very luxe-looking options to consider.
12 black Christmas nails that offer style with just a hint of festivity
A black manicure can be a saving grace this time of year, especially if you're not a lover of the classic party season colour palette, as it never fails to look expensive. Like a nude or milky pink, black is also incredibly versatile and, in a similar way to how your favourite pair of black jeans matches all of your tops and sweaters, a glossy black nail look will easily complement every outfit and occasion. As for the holiday season, it's also very easy to add a bit of festive flair to a black manicure. A chrome coat, for instance, or glittery, velvet French tips are all very stylish options that would rival a Christmassy red or green.
So, whether you opt to use it as a base colour for a silver shimmer top coat, to mimic a wintry night's sky, or pair it with a few white snowflakes (or even just dots for die-hard minimalists), the following 12 looks prove this colour can look surprisingly festive. We've even rounded up some of our favourite at-home essentials for the aspiring nail artists among you...
Our black Christmas nail essentials
If you're planning to create a chic, black Christmas manicure at-home, we've also rounded up three essentials, from a glittery polish to a glossy top coat.
RRP: £8.99
To recreate the looks in this roundup at home, you'll need a classic black nail polish, and this one fits the bill perfectly – and like most essie nail polishes, costs under a tenner. Simply apply two to three coats for a complete, glossy black manicure or use it in tandem with a nail art brush to create designs like a French tip, for instance.
RRP: £17
For a wash of celestial shimmer or to create black and silver star nails, a shimmer - like Nailberry's Cosmic polish - is a must. This shimmer polish is also part of Nailberry's oxygenated range, meaning it's breathable and still allows moisture to permeate down to the nail bed - promoting a healthier manicure.
RRP: £9.95
Digital beauty writer Naomi Jamieson swears by NAILKIND's Plumping top coat for a glossy manicure at home. It glides on like a dream, without disrupting your base colour or design, and imparts a reflective and plump (hence the nail), gel-like gleam to your talons.
1. Black glitter French tips
A black glitter French tip manicure is the perfect example of how to achieve a chic look that is still on-theme for the season. It's subtle but elevated, especially when applied to short squoval nails – which also just so happen to be a popular choice right now.
2. Black polka dot nails
Polka dot nails have been such a popular design this year and are a great way to elevate your nails for party season, without opting for a shimmer or bold pop of red. This pairing of a milky white base and black dots feels especially timeless and stylish.
3. Black glitter nails
This would definitely constitute a classy Christmas nail look. It's festive but not overly so and will catch the light beautifully – especially in a party setting – while also easily complementing your winter wardrobe.
4. Chrome French tips
You really can't go wrong with a French tip, especially not a black metallic one. It's stylish but also edgy – for those of us who want a hint of glamour but also want to rebel against the more conventional gold, red and silver glitters that the festive season typically brings.
5. Black and silver double French tips
Sticking with the French tip theme, silver and black are such a classic and glamorous combination – especially in winter – so a double French manicure using both of these hues feels like a no-brainer.
6. Glossy black squoval nails
Much like a burgundy or dark green, a glossy black manicure is a very chic choice for the winter – and, by extension, the festive period. It's sleek, timeless and can easily be dressed up with a glitter top coat or metallic chrome.
7. Black cat eye nails
Cat eye nails, or velvet nails as we like to call them, have been so popular this year, especially as we amped up towards the festive season. A black and silver shimmer is a great option for adding a touch of elevated, party-ready glamour, without your manicure becoming too eye-catching. A red or green shimmer will feel quite dated, post-Christmas, whereas a black will easily carry you through until New Year's.
8. Black nails with white dot details
If you're not a glitter or French tip fan, you could opt for a more monochromatic look. A white dot at the base of your nail or a simple star, for instance, can easily make for a wintery, festive look – and can also look really classy on short nails, as seen here.
9. Black star nails
Star nail designs are also proving to be very popular this season, and when paired with a sleek, black French tip, a milky pink base colour and silver chrome (for creating your twinkling star design), you've got the perfect festive, but luxe-looking Christmas manicure.
10. Black, white and gold nails
Black, white and gold are another winning colour combination for a party-ready manicure, no matter what design you opt for – but we love the use of gold foil and abstract lines in this look.
11. Black micro French tips
Of course, you also have the option to just keep things classic and simple by opting for some black French tip nails and calling it a day. This design is chic, timeless and easy to recreate at home with some practice and the help of a thin nail art brush (like this brush set from Amazon).
12. Black Framed nails
For a modern and contemporary design, we love this framed look. There's a really sophisticated and elevated feel to it, without any of the festive trimming that you might be keen to avoid.
