The Merriest Christmas Nail Colors for 2020's Holiday Season

By Southern Living Editors
Updated November 06, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: OPI

It’s time to deck the halls and your nails for the most magical season of all. Classic holiday red and cheery fir green never go out of style, but why stop the Christmas train there? There is a whole slew of shimmery metallic nail colors taking over the holiday season this year, from a gingerbread-inspired toasted taupe to a pale purple fit for the sugarplum fairy.

We’ve rounded up the most festive Christmas nail colors to get you into the spirit this season. Whether you're gearing up to decorate the tree, make all the hot chocolate bombs, or sing carols on the street, this gang of 18 holiday nail colors is here to help you ring in good tidings and plenty of cheer. 

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Red-y For the Holidays by OPI

Credit: OPI

You won't find a more festive red perfect for celebrating the season in style. It's similar to the iconic Big Apple Red shade, but with a more cranberry-inspired finish.

Shop It: $10.50; ulta.com

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Darjeeling Darling by Smith & Cult

Credit: Amazon

They’ll be no doubt of your merry level when they spot your Christmas nails decked in garland-inspired green.

Shop It: $18; amazon.com

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Gingerbread Man Can by OPI

Credit: OPI

We cannot get over how warm and cozy we feel when looking at this wintry toasted taupe with just enough metallic to feel ready for the season. 

Shop It: $10.50; amazon.com

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Obsessed by Olive & June

Credit: Olive and June

Here's hoping this brand-new take on classic merlot red is as moody as we're going to get all season long. 

Shop It: $8; oliveandjune.com

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Alpine Snow by OPI

Credit: OPI

This full-coverage shade is the perfect winter white for your nails.

Shop It: $9; amazon.com

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Wicked by Butter London

Credit: Butter London

This super shiny lacquer isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s just the show-stopping detail you need to take your holiday cocktail attire to new heights.

Shop It: $18; amazon.com

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Merry in Cranberry by OPI

Credit: OPI

Who says you can't do pink during the holidays? Give classic red a rest by choosing this equally cheery fuchsia nail color from OPI's holiday 2020 collection. 

Shop It: $10.50; ulta.com

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Under Wraps by Essie

Credit: Amazon

Inspired by holiday bows, the reflective glitter pearls add a sparkling finish to this pine green polish.

Shop It: $9; amazon.com

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OMG by Olive & June

Credit: Olive and June

This dark indigo from Olive & June's winter 2020 collection is all you need to cure the autumn blues and say hello to winter bliss. 

Shop It: $8; oliveandjune.com

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Rapid Red by Sally Hansen

Credit: Amazon

The holiday season can often be hectic so this quick-drying formula will save the day by allowing you to add a red polish to your nails at the last minute.

Shop It: $4; amazon.com

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Heart and Coal by OPI

Credit: OPI

Also from OPI's new holiday 2020 collection, this shimmery black nail color means you can still go dark without feeling lackluster. Consider it your new little black Christmas dress.

Shop It: $10.50; ulta.com

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Sugarplum Fairytale by Essie

Credit: Essie

Feel fresh out of The Nutcracker with a whimsical mani in this frosted lavender purple from Essie's winter 2020 collection. 

Shop It: $9; ulta.com

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Henna Luna by Base Coat

Credit: Base Coat Nail Salon

Swap your red Christmas nails for a royal hue that’s sure to flatter. This deep purple is destined to reign the holiday season.

Shop It: $20; basecoatnailsalon.com

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Glitter All The Way by OPI

Credit: Amazon

This sparkling gold shade will carry you through the holiday season and into the new year.

Shop It: $10.50; amazon.com

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Stay Up Slate by Essie

Credit: Ulta

This shimmery number from fan-favorite Essie reminds us of silver jingle bells. Now, isn’t that appropriate?

Shop It: $7.30; amazon.com

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Married To Mauve by CND Vinylux

Credit: Target

For a soft and slightly unexpected take on the holiday manicure, consider this smoky mauve.

Shop It: $10.59; target.com

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Hadley by Zoya

Credit: Amazon

Navy blue is having a moment and this midnight shade will be a welcome addition to any holiday ensemble.

Shop It: $10; amazon.com

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The Message by Smith & Cult

Credit: Amazon

A little bit of shimmer goes a long way with this 8-free crimson polish.

Shop It: $18; amazon.com

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Dressed to the Wines by OPI

Credit: OPI

It'll be hard to resist this alluring red wine-inspired metallic come Christmastime. It's guaranteed to steal all the glances. 

Shop It: $10.50; opi.com

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By Southern Living Editors