39 Sparkling Nail Ideas to Help You Ring in the New Year

Whether you’re dressing up for a black-tie soirée or getting cozy and watching the ball drop from the comfort of your own home, one thing rings true for December 31: Fabulous New Year’s nails will always help you get in the festive mood.

Sparkly silver glitter and bejeweled embellishments on winter nail colors are a staple; nothing says New Year’s Eve quite like shiny nail art. For those looking to take those classic New Year’s nail designs—the French manicure, ombré nails, matte effects, etc.—to the next level, opt for cool-girl metallics or holographic finishes. Maybe even add some textured grooves or unexpected decals. The options are endless.

To help get those creative juices flowing for NYE, we’ve rounded up the best nail-art inspo we could find on Instagram, all from our favorite celebrity nail artists. Below are 39 New Year’s Eve nail ideas that will get you excited for when the ball drops. Read on to find the mani that will help you bring in a happy new year.

Silver Shine

It only seems fitting to ring in the new year with the color we couldn’t stop obsessing over over the years: silver. Opt for a chrome finish for your silver nails with high shine with some jeweled details, like this stunning mani on Megan Fox. Created by celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce, these nails feature 14-karat white gold stiletto nails embellished with diamonds.

Winter Blue

Blue is one of our favorite shades for winter, and it makes for one of the great holiday nails. Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik uses a deep ocean blue on Jennifer Lopez’s long, almond-shaped nails to really make a statement.

Pearl Accents

The holiday season calls for all types of embellishments, but if you’re especially fond of pearls, then this is for you. Chanel nail artist Betina R. Goldstein uses a pearlescent powder to give nude nails a shimmery iridescent shine before placing real freshwater pearls all over.

Let It Snow

Throw some shimmer and adorable snowflake decals. Celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, whose clientele includes Hailey Bieber, Christina Aguilera, and Adele, paints on a sheer glitter polish on top of a classic French mani and adds snowflake details for a festive finishing touch.

Glitter Party

Glitter nails are synonymous with NYE, but you can make it even more fun with a bold, flashy color. Celebrity manicurist and educator Mimi D opts for a sparkling purple polish and goes for either full coverage or mesmerizing swirl designs with negative space on each nail.

Red Siren

One can never go wrong with a red mani. Celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri uses red glitter on top of a dark base for a deep shade of crimson that’s moody and alluring. Perfect for a festive manicure.

Soft Ombré Shimmer

Ombré nails make for a dynamic design, especially when you pair two contrasting colors. Celebrity nail artist Alicia Torello has a faint coral blend into a soft silver shimmer for a simple yet still striking New Year’s nail.

Good as Gold

If you’re a warm-toned metallic girly, then opt for a gold nail. Celebrity nail artist Thuy Nguyen, who counts Olivia Rodrigo and Lana Condor as clients, uses a deep mustard gold for a full-coverage nail look that doesn’t need any embellishments to shine.

Minimal Sparkle

For Sandy Liang’s spring 2024 ready-to-wear collection, celebrity nail artist Holly Falcone took inspo from the magical and majestic sea. These “crystal barnacles and pearl seashell nails” add some minimal shine to bare nails in a chic and unexpected way. Plus, it makes for a great DIY nail idea.

Copper Texture

Giving some texture to a single shade is one of the easiest ways to elevate your New Year’s Eve nail art. Celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen gives these bright copper nails indents and grooves for a unique way to dress them up.

Classic French

When in doubt, turn to the French manicure. Doja Cat’s go-to nail artist Saccia goes with a classic white tip along a square-shaped nail and a bare base.

Galaxy Vibes

Created by nail artist and Nike design director Jessica Washick, this ethereal mix of sky blue and lavender with silver lining details makes for a mesmerizing nail look.

Vampy Violet

Dark and moody (in the best way possible), celebrity nail artist Kim Truong calls this dark purple nail color “Vampy Violet.” With such beautiful, deep pigment, it stands great on its own.

Disco Party

Natalie Minerva, celebrity nail artist and nail lead on Euphoria, has created the ultimate party nail. This disco ball-inspired design involves gluing on tiny mirror pieces all over to reflect shine, perfect for when you count down to midnight.

Multi-Chrome French Tips

Beloved for its versatility, the French mani can be whatever you want it to be. We especially love painting different colors on the tips for a fun spin on the classic nail look. This mix of bright green, blue, and pink in a chrome finish by celebrity nail artist Britney Tokyo just screams NYE party.

Holographic Shine

When thinking of ultimate shine, the iridescent finish of a holographic nail is top-tier. Celebrity nail artist Eri Ishizu gives Lizzo’s long stiletto nails the holographic effect that reflects the prettiest pink and purple light.

Lunar Eclipse

In honor of the Lunar New Year, celebrity nail artist and nail brand founder Jin Soon Choi created this ultra-chic black and gold nail design that features the moon in all its phases. Use this nail art to bring on the good and positive vibes, no matter what new year you celebrate.

Dainty Details

Sometimes you just need a few embellishments to really make a statement, like this look from celebrity nail artist Sreynin Peng.

Mixed Metals

Celebrity nail artist Chan Legend, whose work has been seen on Khloe Kardashian and H.E.R., mixes stunning shades of fuchsia, orange, emerald green, and gold for a mesmerizing chrome mani. The silver accents are a nice added touch.

Bejeweled Rainbow

Why not go full glam for New Year’s? Cardi B’s go-to nail artist Jenny Bui uses multi-colored rhinestones to dress up long nails with some major sparkle.

Minimal Pearl

Who doesn’t love a pearl detail? Goldstein dresses up a chic black mani with a pearl decal for some added contrast and subtle iridescent shine.

Golden Hour

Chrome nails work for any occasion, but as a NYE nail, it’s just fitting. We especially love this gold tone that brings a lot of warmth and shine. Pro-tip: She suggests using a toothbrush and soap to get rid of excess chrome powder

Velvet Dreams

Texture nails can elevate any nail look, and we love velvet finishes for their mesmerizing nature. Something is just so magical about the swirls of shimmer, and who doesn’t want some magic when the clock strikes midnight?

Fairy Dust

Sprinkling on even more whimsical vibes is what Bachik has coined “fairy dust.” It’s a translucent pearl blue base with just a hint of shimmer.

Chevron French Mani

Can’t go wrong with the classic French mani. Here, Bachik opts for chevron-shaped tips and a chrome-like finish for some extra shine.

Hypnotic Aura

Dark and moody, this combo of black and indigo makes for a striking aura nail.

Gothic Chrome

The silver chrome press-ons are bold enough for your New Year s nails if you want to make a statement. But adding some gothic cross decals just takes the look to a whole new level.

Winter Wonderland

It may be the start of a new year, but we’re in prime winter season come Jan 1. We love this stunning winter wonderland-inspired look with a soft baby blue base and jeweled silver details.

Bright Merry

Why not carry the Christmas nails into the new year? This cherry red French has the most adorable bow details that we want to wear all year long.

Chrome Swirls

One of the best nail trends, this futuristic take on metals is sure to impress your friends.

Butterscotch Nails

Creamy and bright, these butterscotch nails make for a subtle pop of color. Goldstein layers a bare base with a shimmer polish to get that gold and glitter nail that’s super pretty.

Metallic Chrome Finishes

For New Year s, Queenie Nguyen is a fan of metallic and chrome combos. This nail look she created mixes a warm brown velvet base and gold edge details for added dimension.

Martini Olives

Goldstein loves an olive green to ring in the new year. Queenie uses the shade for her base and adds some sparkle and shine in this look for something a bit more festive.

Deep Jewel Tones

If you’re looking to keep it fairly simple with your NYE nails, opt for one shade. Queenie Nguyen loves a deep jewel tone, and this deep ruby red with velvet finishes is moody, romantic, and just mesmerizing to look at.

Navy Skyline

Goldstein predicts that deep navy blue will also be trending this NYE. “[It’s] channeling the essence of a midnight sky,” she says. Opt for a polish like the Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Fugueuse for that stunning midnight navy.

Milky Neutrals With Sparkles

Milky nails are whimsical and dreamy; they add a magical element to your overall nail look. Queenie Nguyen especially loves this look with added sparkles.

Metallic Reds

New Year’s and metallics just go so well together. For this year, Goldstein loves a metallic red for a striking and bold look. And if you’re trying to manifest a new romance for the new year, there is the red nail theory. Something to think about.

Unexpected Pops of Texture

Queenie Nguyen says to go for fun textures this New Year’s Eve. Goldstein created this fluffy cheetah-print design that you (and anyone who crosses your path) will want to feel, if not pet, all night.

Silver Hoops

Goldstein says classic silver will continue to be big in the New Year. But instead of opting for a silver polish, why not opt for a silver detail. Here, she adds silver hoops to a bare nail for a more eccentric NYE nail. It’s the perfect conversation starter while you party before it hits midnight.

Save to wishlist

Dolce Gabbana

Nailed It! Quick Dry Nail Lacquer

$25

DOLCE GABBANA

Save to wishlist

Chanel

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour

$32

CHANEL

Save to wishlist

Londontown

Enhanced Color Long Lasting

$16

AMAZON

Save to wishlist

OPI

Nail Lacquer Nail Polish

$12

AMAZON

Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.