Santa nails show up every winter and yet they never get old. Maybe it’s the nostalgic red and white combo or perhaps it’s just the joy of the look. They take us back to those Christmas Eves spent listening for reindeer on the roof.
To help you get into the mood, we’ve collected Santa nail art to spark your creativity this season. Some of these holiday manicures even have an unexpected twist to surprise you.
Santa Nail Ideas
Christmas Classic French Tips
Red nails with a Santa hat are like a favorite Christmas sweater. We come back to them every year because they are easy to wear and fun. This particular set resembles juicy candy. The fuzzy ball and trim instantly turn them into conversation starters.
LAVIS C02 (Ver 2) - 07 - Gel Polish 0.5 oz - Scarlet Bloom Collection
Short Nails with a Seasonal Twist
Santa’s jolly face fits perfectly on short nails. See the empty hats? Those are for his helpers. Then there are snowflakes and swirls to set the scene. Would you add anything else? How about a plate of cookies?
OPI Gel Nail Polish Duo - HPS04 Spread the Cherry - Gel Polish
The Real Santa Claus
While we’re on the topic of Santa nails, let’s talk about how Santa Claus became an American icon. The way we picture him today started evolving from a poem published in 1823 in the US about St. Nicholas, the European saint. You’ve probably heard it before: “’Twas the night before Christmas…” It begins by describing a peaceful night in a home decorated for the holidays. The silence is disturbed by the arrival of an energetic, fur-clad man. The plump figure with a white beard comes down the chimney with a bundle of toys to fill stockings. He’s smoking a pipe and is full of good cheer. But there’s no mention of a red suit, not yet.
About forty years later in the midst of the Civil War, cartoonist Thomas Nast added the red suit when he illustrated Santa Claus and his home at the North Pole. At that time, Santa had holly leaves instead of a cap on his head and he held a long stemmed pipe.
In 1903, Artist Rosie O’Neill drew Santa surrounded by children for a magazine cover. You can clearly see his classic red hat and suit trimmed with white fur. A couple of years later, Santa is back on the cover about to kiss a lady’s cheek, definitely not St. Nicholas-like behavior!
Then, in the 1920s and 1930s, various beverage companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi published full-color advertisements featuring a red-suited, rotund, and cheerful old man promoting holiday cheer. That’s the image that stuck. As one actor and producer stated, Santa is the only male cultural figure who doesn’t carry a gun and is focused on peace, joy, and giving to other people.
Sculpted Santa Claus Nails
Santa’s been on a diet. Just look at that sleek belly on the pointer fingertip!
Wait a minute, this Santa nail set is actually like a costume—just look at the face. It’s like the beard and hat are ready for anyone to wear and pretend to be St. Nick!
LAVIS 3D Sculpture Gel - 02 White
Happy Santa Nails with Holly
Kris Kringle looks absolutely delighted here amongst the holly, sparkles, and mistletoe. It is his favorite time of year after all!
His name was popularized in the film Miracle on 34th Street, but it’s much older than that. The root is “Christkind” or the German word for baby Jesus, an angelic gift giver.
Of course, Santa is also known by the name Father Christmas, and he’s sometimes called St. Nicholas. But these are all actually different characters. Father Christmas is the personification of the holiday, and he wasn’t associated with gift-giving or children. St. Nicholas is a Christian saint of sailors, businesspeople, and students known for secretly giving gifts.
Santa Imposter
“Then he growled, with his Grinch fingers nervously drumming, ‘I MUST find some way to stop Christmas from coming!'” What would Dr. Seuss think of Grinch nails for Christmas?
We think they’re perfect for stirring up holiday excitement! Sometimes it’s hard to feel that seasonal joy, but somewhere deep inside there’s a Cindy Lou Who that still believes in the magic.
Krampus Nails
What about a whole other holiday vibe? Something like red, black, and fear instead of holiday cheer.
The Krampus is a European legend that’s persisted since Medieval times. No, he’s not a bad Santa. Instead, he’s St. Nick’s companion. When children are good, St. Nicholas brings them gifts. When they are bad, the Krampus shows up to spank them.
Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) is still remembered in Austria and other mountainous parts of Europe on the night of December 5. The next day is the Feast of St. Nicholas when children receive presents and treats if they’ve been well-behaved.
12 Grids of Foil - CB05 - Mixed Foil
Hand-Painted Elf Nails
If you’re doubting your ability to paint Santa nails, here’s a visual tutorial that uses simple shapes. Triangles and circles make up most of this miniature Santa or elf.
Sleigh Nails
On Dancer, on Dasher! Stamp reindeer and Santa’s sleigh over cat eye polish for a shimmery, magical ride.
LAVIS Cat Eyes CE17 - Set 12 - Gel Polish 0.5 oz - Stellar Shift Collection
Mr. and Mrs. Claus Nails
There was a whole Reddit thread dedicated to discovering Mrs. Claus’ first name. What do you think it is?
Did you know that she was first mentioned in a story from 1849? She and Santa were disguised as tired travelers who were given a safe place to stay on Christmas Eve. The next morning, the host family wakes up to find lots of gifts and the true identity of their guests.
Here’s the happy Christmas couple looking extra pleased on these glossy nails. We hope the holidays bring this look to your face also!
Down the Chimney
Here comes Santa Claus! Right to your nails! We hope you have fun with your holiday manicures and thoroughly enjoy the season in every way possible!
Conclusion
It’s time to stock up on holiday nail colors. We have the juiciest reds and brightest greens in stock for your Santa nails. Shop our store for holiday discounts plus free shipping!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas_(European_folklore)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas poem - Dr. Seuss: https://www.best-poems.net/poem/how-grinch-stole-christmas-by-dr-seuss.html