20 New Year’s Eve Nail Ideas Perfect For Ringing In 2026

New Year’s Eve can come with a lot of pressure. For some people, finding a raucous dance floor with the perfect crowd is of the utmost importance; for others, the goal is to ring in the new year at a house party surrounded by friends. For many, the plan isn’t to “ring in” anything at all, but to simply wake up to a new digit at the end of the date. One thing, however, applies across the board: Whether it’s a sparkly mini dress or your favorite PJs, your NYE ensemble should include a fresh set of nails.

And, much like how there are endless ways to spend the holiday, there are endless options for New Year’s Eve nails. Do you prefer to keep things classic and simple? Consider a solid color in the associated color scheme: silver, black, or gold. Is your style more maximalist? Get in on the velvet nails aesthetic with sparkly magnetic nail polish reminiscent of snowflakes, or top your mani with loads of rhinestones or chrome accents. A fan of bright, fun colors? Add a wintery chrome topper to a pink or lilac manicure for a glazed donut effect.

Ahead, TZR gathered 20 of the best looks to inspire your New Year’s Eve manicure. Scroll on to find your perfect manicure to start 2026 in style.

Solid Black

Sleek and sophisticated, you just can’t go wrong with a solid black manicure. (Plus, it won’t look too tied to a holiday as the month goes on, if that’s a concern.) Opt for a longer length and super glossy top coat to start the year with maximum impact. Nail artist Kim Truong created this set for another Kim — Kardashian, that is.

Mismatched Black & Silver

With French tips, polka dots, and plenty of glitter — all in the classic black and silver associated with the holiday — this mismatched mani by nail artist Aistė Haas is peak New Year’s Eve. Choose one of the designs for a more staid mani, or wear them all for maximum festive energy.

Snowy Velvet

It was another big year for velvet “cat-eye” manicures, which are well on their way to transitioning from trendy to mainstay. This sheer silver velvet set by nail artist Dayanna Issey Sapiens evokes a fresh snowfall, while the studs add a party-friendly touch.

Bronze Stars

You aren’t obligated to stick to the black and silver color scheme. This set by nail artist Brittney Ellen takes a classic NYE motif, stars, but swaps out the silver for a chocolate-tinged bronze. It’s stunning as is, but you could also add a chrome finish to the stars to really up the shine.

Glitter Stacked

Seeking a super-easy DIY? Nail artist Melanie Graves dubbed this mani technique “glitter stacking.” For a similar vibe, just paint on two different glittery polishes with different-sized sparkles (no base color required) and head out the door.

Disco Ball Nails

Upgrade a classic black manicure by adding a little disco ball flair, as seen in this manicure by Iram Shelton. You can get the look by using tweezers to add small iridescent squares over a solid or shimmering black nail polish (or by booking an appointment with your go-to nail tech).

Icy Prismatic Chrome

Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik created this prismatic chrome manicure for his daughter — and it looks absolutely flawless wrapped around a glass of champagne. He shared the tools he used to achieve the look on IG.

Bedazzled Tips

Dress up a classic French manicure by accenting your white tips with a slew of colorful rhinestones and crystals. Keep your base neutral so the jewels really sparkle.

Martini Nails

Take a cue from Hailey Bieber’s birthday martini nails and pay homage to the cocktail you’ll be sipping on all night long. If you want to take the look for a spin for New Year’s Eve, manicurist Zola Ganzorigt used an off-white shade as Bieber’s base then added hand-painted olives to a few of her nails.

Half & Half

If a full-on glitter manicure feels a little too over-the-top for your taste, try painting half of your nails and leaving the other section nude. You’ll still get all the sparkle you’re after without stepping out of your comfort zone.

Midnight Black Tips

Coined “midnight black tips” by nail artist Betina Goldstein, her design is a perfect New Year’s nail look for anyone who likes to stick to subtle manicures. Taking inspiration from the night sky, she used black glitter polish to create a slim French tip on a glossy black base.

Bring On The Bling

How much glitter is too much glitter on New Year’s Eve? The limit doesn’t exist. So if you’re a maximalist, go all out and top off your sequin dress, silver heels, and sparkly clutch with a dazzling manicure. This one features rhinestones scattered on a sheer silver glitter base.

Holographic

No doubt about it, chrome manicures remained as popular in 2025 as they were at the top of the decade. So why not kick off 2026 with this holographic lilac look? The foil-like coating gives the soft purple hue a new-age feel that’s party-ready and cool.

Metallic Accents

Think of this contemporary nail design as an accessory to your look. Like a delicate necklace or glittering tennis bracelet, it has all the right elements for New Year’s Eve. The baby pink jelly polish is sophisticated yet natural, and the artsy metallic pieces add a subtle elegance that will turn more than a few heads throughout the evening.

Invisible French Manicure

You don’t have to go overboard with glitter to get a stunning New Year’s Eve manicure. If you enjoy minimalist looks, consider this your go-to design. It uses a thin strip of gold polish to update the classic French and add a bit of sparkle. To get the full effect, opt for long almond extensions that will enhance the iconic curve.

Pearl Nails

Oyster nails have become a chic alternative to a classic nude nail. While this trend featured some maximalist elements, the pearly hue is the perfect shade for manicure minimalists. In this look, the color gives the nails a glistening effect. The simplicity has a timeless appeal that’s great for the evening — no matter where the night takes you.

Liquid Gold

Take your manicure to the next level with this gilded look. The high-shine finish and liquid-like appearance give the simple gold hue an expensive feel. Even better? The simple effect is a great fit for short and natural nails.

Strawberries & Champagne

‘Tis the season for bubbly. With this ombré set, you’ll be the talk of the evening. At first glance, it may seem simple, but thanks to the ombré technique, there’s more than meets the eye. It flawlessly blends champagne, rosé, and berry hues for a delicious-looking manicure.

Cross-Hatch Nail Art

Want to make a statement that’s bold, artistic, and unexpected? Look no further than this alluring manicure. The natural nail is decorated with a white cross-hatch design that is striking on its own. But the cherry on top is the rhinestones, delicately placed at each intersection for a truly dazzling finish.

Blue Aura Nails

Get ready to see blue nail looks everywhere. As one of the top winter colors, the dreamy hue is the ultimate trendy choice for NYE. Instead of opting for a solid manicure, consider trying this cool aura style. The mélange of shades ranges from pastel to chrome, and radiates main character energy.