The holidays are a whirlwind of lame glitter, funny jokes, and all kinds of dumbed-down sugar cookies-but isn’t that the charm of it all? Every year, I crave something little bit more, something that leads to the felt joy of the season straight up to the tips of my fingers. Literally. If you are enjoying cocoa by a roaring fire, frantically packaging last-minute presents, or dancing at December parties, your nails deserve to sparkle just as you do. So let’s explore this year’s Chic Christmas Nails 2025 – designs that strike a harmonious balance between delightful nostalgia and adorned sophistication.
As an earnest kindred spirit, I say let your manicure be a part of your holiday mood board.
Candy Cane Glam
The first glance represents the essence of the holidays in as sweet a way as they come – candy canes in couture. The long silhouette of the stiletto immediately creates a theatrical effect and the red-and-white swirl stripes evoke that quintessential Christmas sweetness. But what really makes this manicure pop are the delicate tendon rhinestones that line each of the stripes, giving the look some bling worthy of brightening any festive affair. It’s a bold, championship-quality polish-it’s one of those polishes that puts a bowl of menthol latte in your hand and tells you to finish it as well.
OPI Big Apple Red with a clean white gel polish like Gelish Arctic Freeze is the perfect combo for a perfect red. Whilst steady hands may be required for that of this trick, it’s a secret only a thin striping brush can tell, keeping things clean with a little bit of tape. Generally, I end up finishing with a layer of glossy top coat to trap in that candy polish shine.
Celebrity manicure artist Tom Bachik, who works with stars like J.Lo, once said that the key to stress-proof holiday nails is texture and shine (and this design does both)
Mint & Bow Elegance
Soft mint green may not be a Christmas color immediately at first glance, but it is the subtle beauty that makes this set so refreshing. The subtle interplay of mint and candy-cane stripes and delicate 3D white bow takes something as simple as this and transfigures it into something spectacular. Decorations of pure gold provide heat and a little luxury, such as gold jewelry for your fingers. It’s that balance of playful and chic – perfect for all of those people who love the spirit of celebration but don’t want to be overdone with glitter.
This can be replicated by using Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” as the base. For the accent nails, apply red and white striping gel and for the gold accents, use small studs. For the bow, you can get small ready-made nail charms – you can just glue it on with a thick builder gel. But it is a process, worth every minute of it when you catch that light catching those gold accents.
This is the type of manicure I’d be wearing while attending a warm Christmas brunch – where every latte and mimosa is an occasion to give a show off your nails.
Crimson & Emerald Spark
Nothing is more traditional than the Christmas color scheme of red, green, and gold. This manicure pays homage to these classic colours but with a high shine twist. The deep metallic red of some contrasted against delicately jewel-encrusted nailsregistry a shimmering jewel bling of Christmas tree shape on other nails. It’s luxurious, glamorous, and a little naughty – like your favorite holiday dress to wear in your nails.
For this one I’d go for Zoya’s “Blair” (a deep ruby red) and OPI’s “Stay Off the Lawn!” for the green. Add flat-back rhinestones painted in red/gold and green and set in tree shapes and gradient clusters. Pro tip from Allure’s nail man Jin Soon Choi: for rhinestone placement utilize a fine-point wax pencil – it saves so much time and frustration.
Somehow, red nails in December never fail to make me feel good – they are confident, festive and timeless at the same time.
Holly-Tipped Minimalism
This grunge design is perfect for those who are not into maximalist manicures. The soft nude base with minimalistic holly leaf detailing is an easygoing chic choice. It has enough holiday spark for you – not for those wanting all the dazzle – that’s good for office parties, more understated holiday parties, or for someone who just wants a moderate amount of sparkle. The little red berry dots and thin green leaves feel like they have been painted, but they also have a personal feel and taste so sweetly of tradition, but not too perhaps.
For getting the clean base, I will recommend CND’s “Bare Chemise.” Use a fine tip nail art brush with OPI “Christmas Gone Plaid” for the green, and bright red gel for the berries. Complete with a matt top coat to give it an editorial finish – matt holiday nails are having their big comeback this year!
Sometimes less really is more and this minimalist design can make you feel festive without all the extra shininess.
Frosted Pink Whimsy
Who said that Christmas nails have to be red or green? This is so frosty and pink that this combo is what modern holiday cheer is all about. The interwoven soft lavender pink and magenta shades accented with delicate snowflakes and stars are like dreams, and anew feminine. It’s naughty but nice – the kind of manicure that looks just as pretty holding a glass of rosé as it does around a mug of hot cocoa.
Using Orly’s Kiss Me I’m Kind as my pink base and then covering it with snowflake decals and sealing with a high gloss gel top coat, this look seems to work. Byrdie’s beauty editors have been calling pink “the unexpected winter neutral,” and honestly they’re correct – it brightens all lengths of skin and lends a new element of interest to standard-wintertime makeup.
This pattern tickles each of your fingers, like VF holiday joy made flesh.
Snowy French Charm
There’s something so timeless about a French manicure – and this one gives it a fresh upgrade for the winter. The almond-shaped nails, a soft nude pink, with crisp white tips and small festive elements, a fine white bow and delicate red and white art of snowflakes. It’s the type of look that is classic and new, elegant and playful. As for the design, it reminds me of lace and warm winter light – great for brides and holiday parties too, or when you just need something so nicely touched up.
To get this frosty French effect I like CND “Romantique” for the base and Gelish “Arctic White” for the tips. The details of bows can be drawn with a thin nail art brush or underground with a prepackaged decal – both look equally stunning. Finish it all with a thin layer of Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for an extra-glittery finish that shimmers with every twink of light.
Celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein once explained in Vogue Beauty Magazine that “classic nails do not have to be boring, they just need a twist.” And this set is proof.
Red Velvet & Gold Luxe
And when it comes to Christmas luxury, this combo – deep red, gold sheen and snowflake details – hits all the notes. The long square shape makes a statement while the balance of a glossy red to a gold metallic gives a festive, couture-like feel. It’s daring and feminine at the same time, ideal for holiday dinners, office parties or nights spent in golden fairylight. There is something warm and rich here which can never become out of fashion.
For the red, I love OPI “Im Not Really a Waitress,” one of those camera-ready, classic, a given-on-any-skin polarity colours that works like a beauty text. Combining it with Essie “Good as Gold” and a fine tip brush will give you the attitude to paint on the white snowflake accents. Allure ruled before that gold embellishments could make a manicure look more expensive “on the spot” and really, it’s true.
This set is all like holiday confidence in nail form, it is effortless, glamorous and totally unforgettable.
Festive Evergreen Sparkle
If there’s one design that represents pure Christmas joy, it’s this one. The pomander rife with emerald green holly leaf details, chocolate-apple red glimmer, and glitter encrivings gives the effect of holiday time encapsulated in ten fingertips. The oblong shape distorts the integument of the hand and creates space for ingenuity with each nail becoming its own little masterpiece. Between its shimmer, glaze, and considered design, it’s the manicure version of a well wrapped package.
If I could remake it I would use Zoya “Logan” as the green base and China Glaze “Ruby Pumps” for the red glitter. The holly leaves can be punched out with a fine tip brush, the berries with the point of a dotting tool. Finish with a thick finish coat to make it all be smooth like glass.
According to Byrdie, green nails are “one of the quiet-luxury color trends of 2025” – this design demonstrates precisely why: festive but sophisticated, trendy yet timeless.
Emerald Starburst
Modern, sleek, and slightly cosmic, this unveiled green matte manicure featuring white starburst patterns is like Christmas and couture combined. And the geometric angles, sparkle of gold and small crystals provide dimension and texture without being overly garish. It is sophisticated, graphical and very funny for people who prefer architecture to a cliched image. I adore the matte finish, it allows the details of the custom fairy to come to life, while giving off an air of luxury and serenity.
OPI Stay Off the Lawn! is a good example of a microgrind lacquer that can be applied over matte top coats and other matte finishes from Butter London, such as “Matte Finish Shine Free Topcoat”. Add some thin lines of white gel paint to form stars and a dash of Gold Foil Dust for contrast. As celebrity manicure expert Betina Goldstein told Harper’s Bazaar, “Matte-dulti-texture brings dimensional appeal even in simpler designs.” Couldn’t agree more.
And it is a festive occasion, but dress it up with style.
Winter Holly Tips
For those who enjoy something soft, but clearly seasonal, this manicure is the very definition of perfection. The almond shape, nude base and clean white lobing keep things polished while the holly leaf accents and small berries give a touch of sparkles. It’s cozy, feminine and the right amount of traditional and trendy – a look that will feel right with you at home whether you are baking cookies or attending a family dinner.
To achieve that appearance, use OPI “Bubble Bath” as the base coat and a stark white for the tips. Use CND “Green Scene” and a bright cherry red for decoration of the holly. So seemingly unassuming, secretly conceited, I’ve always thought of this type of manicure as a silent attention grabber – it demands no further attention or conversation.
And in my humble opinion, this is the perfect epitome of those reasons which make Christmas Nails 2025 in Chicago so exciting: celebration made real in a way which still feels genteel and personal.
Classic Holly Revival
This is a design of all things elegant about the tradition meets new polish. The almond shape makes things sophisticated, and the crisp white tips paired with delicate green holly leaf are dance prettily across your nails. The scent is gentle, designed for delicate use; even among the ruby-red gems, there are small decorations emergent, reflecting the light in small explosions of shine. It’s swoon-worthy in its restraint – it makes us love Christmas in all its nostalgia without all the glitter.
For the base I used Essie “Ballet Slippers”, coated in a high shine top coat for that glassy finish. The holly leaves can be finished with a fine nail brush using CND “Green Scene” and you can pop the berries in OPI “Big Apple Red.” Allure’s nail experts have often pointed out that little jewel touches “elevate minimal nail art into high style” – and this set shows how much.
This one is my favorite too-it’s all dainty, but there’s a party that seems to be quietly going on at your fingertips.
Rose Gold Frost
This look is sheer sophistication with a bit of a hint of winter magic. Metallic rose gold nails used with soft nude and minimalistic art produce cool, modern look. The design contains snowy branches and clean white stripes, a perfect combination of glitz and restraint. It’s a happy kind of celebration, no need to shout about it, perfect for warm evenings or that “you could have anything and not care how good it was to eat it” sort of December feeling.
For that high gloss metallic sheen then OPI “Penny Talk” and Zoya “Rue” in the nude shade would be my go to. The secret is that things must be very precise – thin brushes for the branches and striping tape for the white lines. Celebrity nail artist, Julie Kandalec, once said that “mixing textures- matte, metallic, glossy is the new modern French”, and this manicure is the perfect example.
It’s subtle, elegant and feels like the jewelry of the season.
Midnight Star Power
For something a little edgy, let me present the following. This manicure blends deep black and nude tones with dramatic starburst lines that give the devotional impression of a celestial look as well as festive and fashion-forward. The short square form is modern and practical, the contrast of black and nude is an instant shot of chic confidence. It’s a manicure for those who want to add a fancy twist to Christmas nail art – less sweet, more statement.
I would do OPI Black Onyx and Essie Bare With Me for the base, and then I would do the sleek stars which I would do with a piddling detail brush. The result? Understated drama. Vogue Beauty recently called black nails “the power accessory for winter” and I couldn’t agree more. They provide exactly the right amount of mystery for a holiday look.
This set reads like the perfect finishing touch to a velvet dress and red lips – it’s Christmas chic, redefined.
Sweet Candy Gift
This design is the nail form of joy in gift giving. Glossy red and white comes into contact with parksie 3D bows, snowflakes, and stripes that resemble candy canes. There’s shimmer, shine and some fantasy here-it’s the manicure equivalent of that great deal of unwrapping you do when you receive your favorite present. Every detail is joyful and nostalgic and whimsical in a balance of glam and girlish fun.
For this I love Gelish “Hot Rod Red” and OPI “Alpine Snow.” Use 3D applicatory bolster mat acrylic or gel bows or apply decals if you’re not keen on an easier DIY. To make it look frosty, lightly dust it with iridescent powder. Byrdie’s stylists have pointed out that “holiday nail art can be maximalist and still elegant if the palette is cohesive” which this set nails perfectly.
It’s fun, quaint and sure to make you smile as you look down at your hands every single time you take a look.
Holiday Holly Glam
This last look is Christmas elegance tied in a bow. The combination of emerald green, soft nude and fiery red make the ultimate holiday color harmony. The hand-painted holly branches and glossy red ribbon detail adds dimension and artistry while the almond shape adds beautiful finger elongation. Decorative but smart – the sort of manicure where one can eat Christmas already though it’s only December.
For my bright green I would use Zoya “Hunter”, and a deep red like Essie “Forever Yummy”. The trick here is in the layering – use the bow art in thin strokes, cure in between layers for perfect definition and top with a glossy finish. Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik has once said that, “Holiday nails should look like they could double as accessories.” This design absolutely does.
If Christmas could sum up to be one manicure it would look like this – festive, luxurious and full of heart.
Rose Gold Snowflake Elegance
The season has a way of reminding one that shimmer is in the air. This mirror-like rose gold chrome with jet-black accents seems to be on my mind a lot lately. The contrast is very almost cinematic, like the glint of streetlights on a wintry night. The snowflakes that peek out in white scarify delicate metallic fleur patterns on the dark background create an upscale sense of elegance, glamour, and glamour while retaining a sober feel. It’s festive, but in the silent boastful rush of the season we all thirst for.
For this look I’d use OPI “Black Onyx” for the base and cover it with Chrome Powder in Rose Gold by Daily Charme, with a high gloss top coat. The snowflakes can be done in a fine detailing brush and metallic gel polish. Don’t forget to add a thin layer of builder gel to make it look that salon shine and to make the chrome really sparkle.
These days a luxury editorial in Vogue Bible often appears and commenting on an image of some lovely and unique creation worthy of adornment on each fingertip, celebrity manicure specialist Betina Goldstein once explained that “holiday nails should feel like wearable jewelry for your hands.” That’s the feeling of this place – classy, austere without being clinical and bright enough to draw an eye as you go get your chocolate milk.
Chocolate Drip Delight
A rich chocolate is something wonderfully surprising at the holiday season. Instead of classic red I opted for a shiny cocoa brown which instantly evokes to me the thought of hot fudge on Christmas Eve. The melting white “icing” detail makes this manicure pretty playful but refined like dessert for your fingertips. If you are a lover of subtle art but still wish to have something joyful and unique, this one’s for you.
For that smooth brown, Essie’s “Wicked Sweet Cocoa” or Dandy Nail Dip Gel 449 Mocha Latte are both great choices. Use a fine dotting tool to draw the white “drip” design in OPI “Alpine Snow.” Add little red and green studs to combine that holiday fascination.
Nail artist Tom Bachik, who comes up with manicures for J.Lo, often stresses the importance of having elegance, but fun. His tip on this is: “Nail art works best when it feels like an accessory, not a costume.” This design walks that fine line perfectly – it’s stylishly sweet without ever being childish.
Emerald Frost Glam
There is something about deep emerald that simply feels luxurious. Paired with tartan patterns and little white snowflakes, this design is like wrapping paper from a dream. The highly contrasting shades of deep green work beautifully against flash uses of gold glitter and flesh transparency – depth and detail is everything. I love what the plaid adds in a little fashion forward to something classically festive.
To recreate it, the first step is to use CND Vinylux “Emerald Lights”, which is a tame and glittery green. Collection Plaid Effect Use a thin striping brush and white and black gel liners. Use a gold foil accent on one or two nails to complete the entire look. A green gel matte high gloss finish on the entire nail tip will put you in top-quality fashion from runways for winter.
This style reminds me why I love playing with winter nails as a genre– that sweet synergy of heat and light. It has a self-assurance, an elegance, and just enough boldness to stand out under a string of fairy-lights.
Golden Noel Luxe
Some looks for holidays are just timeless. White and gold in combination feels like champagne bubbles and candlelight – classic, radiant and pure celebration. I love the soft elegance of milky white with gold metallic tips and 3D emblems that look like miniature ornaments. There’s a Christmas tree made out of minimal pearls and a delicate snowflake motif, both of which immediately make this look feel couture.
For the base Bio Sculpture Gel “Snow White” creates the perfect clean canvas. For the construction of this festive tree, I would use Born Pretty Gold Chrome Gel to accentuate the tree and use tiny pearl charms from Daily Charme. If feeling indulgent, if top it off with a thin gold leaf for an editorial level glow.
“White nails with gold accents always say quiet luxury,” says celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec. And in fact, there’s a certain gentle sophistication in this look that need not be understood to be shouted at. I would wear it with a comfortable cream sweater and gold jewellery, while sipping mulled wine next to the fireplace.
Forest Green Minimal Magic
Sometimes the most unobtrusive designs can be the most dramatic. Matte forest green blended with crisp white and sparkling emerald glitter has a comforting feel but a high level of luxury – like a stroll through a snowy pine forest. Minimalist Ornament Art brings a sprinkle of surrealism while being not too overboard. It’s festive nail art reworked for the woman who loves quiet details and clean lines.
To re-create it, change its matte green to OPI “Stay Off the Lawn!” and its contrast to Orly “White Tips.” For the glitter try Le Mini Macaron ‘Emerald Crush.’ The drawings of the ornaments can be done in the same way with a precision brush in black gel polish – but you need to keep them thin and delicate.
There’s a reason minimal holiday nails are trending across the entire scope of Pinterest this year-they’re sophisticated, modern and easy to match with literally any outfit. Personally, this design reminds me of that balance we are all seeking in December; festive but easy.
Classic Holly and Snowflake Tips
There is something impossibly comfortable about a design that feels as if it could be used on a Christmas card. Deep forest green tips meet dainty white snowflakes and small holly leaves, which make this manicure both traditional and trendy. I love the playful polka dots floating on the sophistication of the snowflake art. It’s festive, cheerful and still chic enough for any kind of December party.
While creating the base color, I would use Gelish “Ivy League” as the primary color and OPI “Funny Bunny” honey sheer for the base color. A tiny precision nail art paintbrush is essential to outlining the holly and snowflake designs (patience isn’t needed though as it’s really hard to mess up those crisp white lines!). Custom-make with a high gloss top coat to make every snowflake sparkle.
The award-winning nail artist Chaun Legend has said before that “the rich feel of a design is not about complicity, it’s about nuances.” This style proves to be, in case it satisfies this by way of every curve and also dot, adding to the charm, without overpowering. Personally, I’d wear this when giftrawing ( wrapping the Christmas presents) and sipping on peppermint lattes, it just seems right.
Whimsical Starry Swirl
This one’s for all those who like a little magic in their manicure. A soft almond base runs in graceful teal green swirls of dots that are made of golden stars and ruby red gems. The composition has a transcendent quality – like Christmas lights moving in space. It’s fun, innovative and oh-so-glamorous, yet does not tip into kitsch territory.
To obtain that great colouring effect take GelBottle Inc “Sea Foam” for the swirls and LeChat Dare to Wear “Gold Leaf” for those little stars. A neutral base such as Essie “Ballet Slippers” keeps the look in balance. Small rhinestones or metallic studs can take it to the next level.
I love that this design has a story-like quality in motion- it’s got movement, sparkle and elegance within a single design. Fashion forward nail artist Mei Kawajiri once commented, “Nails should be like accessories to your mood.” This one seems to reflect that to a tee – a little bold and slightly dreamy – and totally wearable for holiday nights on the town.
Frosted Crystal White
For people who prefer understated elegance, this design is like fresh snow touched by moonlight. Soft white ombre blends in well with a porous base and silver rhinestones sparkle by the edges like frost on a windowpane. It’s gentle, modern and quietly entrancing.
This can be achieved by starting with OPI “Funny Bunny” or CND “Romantique” as a milky gradient base. With nail glue apply Swarovski crystals or Preciosa rhinestones on the sides and fix with a mixture of a thin coat of glossy top coat. The trick here is to keep this application symmetrical yet soft – it should be like snow dust and not like sequins.
This manicure is ageless and pure. I’d wear it with silver jewelry and soft knit clothes, it’s the ultimate minimalist winter look. Sometimes, simplicity is more effective than shine.
Snowflake Bow Charm
If there’s one design that screams “holiday cheer” in utter grace it’s this one. Pure white nails decorated with a 3D bow and crystal adorning snowflake – How could you not smile looking at it? It’s adorable, pretty and totally on point with the introspective cuteness of Christmas 2025.
For the base, I would use Gelish “Arctic Freeze” and then would sculpt the 3D bow with acrylic powder or hard gel. The tiny rhinestones can be attached with builder gel to make sure they are secure through the season. The snowflake pattern? Stamping plate helps those who are not quite freehanding happy, saving the time and accuracy.
According to Elle Gerstein, who has often ordered manicures on celebrities, “One 3D detail and we go from polish nails to couture nails.” She’s right. This look is festive art that is joyful without being overdone.
Red Velvet Glamour
Red nails never go out of style – but this version takes things up a notch. Lavor etching meets metallic gold detailing, metallic gold pleather design, with a bow motif and deep cherry lacquer to get right off the holiday runway. It’s sultry, opulent and made for anyone who loves to be the best-dressed guest to the Christmas party.
Try is OPI “Big Apple Red” and Zoya “Blair” for that perfect red tone. For the accent nail try applying Ciate “Gold Digger” as layer C under the 3D gold bow charm, then top up with a high gloss nail polish. And other nails should be uncomplicated but perfectly polished; only allow golden bow on it to form a hero.
Celebrity nail stylist Tom Bachik says, “A red manicure is confidence in color form.” This one radiates this energy. Every move is graceful, every moment – purposeful. If there was a signature Christmas nail then this might just be it.
Soft Nude with Silver Accent
There is strength in simplicity, and especially during the holidays when everything else is bright and sparkling. This nude manicure with silver crescent tips is what I would call minimalist glamour. The deep blush base is natural and classic and the fine metallic work is so subtle that it’s just the right amount of flashy without screaming attention. It is ideal for individuals who favor looking glamorous without overloading on glitter.
For this manicure, I would use Essie “Mademoiselle” as the base color – it gives the nails a soft, healthy glow – and Butter London “Diamond Geezer” for the silver tip. If you would like a fine line for the half-moon or French outline, the use of a fine striping brush or nail tape will be precise. Cap it all off with a clear finish coat for a mirror smooth finish.
Once Jin Soon Choi, a celebrity manicure artist, said, “Elegance is all about balance – knowing when to stop.” And indeed, the style described here is perfectly balanced. It’s fresh, contemporary, and goes well with cozy sweaters and sequin dresses, amongst others.
Icy Mint Snowflake French
This frosty creation is perhaps one of my favorite winter nail designs of the year to date. It combines a subtle nude-pink base with glistening mint-green French tips complementing it with delicate silver snowflakes. It is cool and elegant; like the tranquility of an early morning snowfall. The gentle sparkle gives a dreamy touch that is feminine and fresh
To recreate this look you will begin with OPI “Bare My Soul” as the basis and use CND “Mint Convertible” or Zoya “Tiana” for the mint tips. The snowflakes can be painted on using silver gel liner or done using a stamping plate for crisp results. Use Essie “Set in Stones” to touch up the edges for that frosting effect if you would like.
I love that this design is so effortlessly luxurious and at the same time calm. It’s a sort of manicure that impresses with some modesty – it is perfect for holiday brunch, winter bridal showers or even the daily wear if wanting some type of seasonal deco in the icy shimmer.
