The holiday season is magical something special, and the air is crisp, there are lights glittering in every single street, and all at once even your order of coffee gets a holiday touch. But as far as I am concerned there can be no faster method of slipping into that cozy-joyful mood than to give your nails a holiday makeover. The type that would make you wish to put your hands round a mug of cocoa just to show off.
What then are the popular types of Christmas nail tattooing this year? Blasts of glitter or bare snow-flakes? Dark jewel shades or jocular red and white classics? I have been scrolling, swatching and chatting with pros to know. Here, I am telling you about my top personal favorite Christmas nail designs of 2025 – based on real looks that you can definitively duplicate at home. Let’s unwrap them together.
Frosted Plum Elegance
Unusually classy looking plums in Christmas. Rather than the typical reds and golds, this manicure combines a deep purple base with the gentle lilac accent, all topped with a faint glitter gradient across every nail end. The snowflake pattern provides a little bit of playfulness without being too aggressive to the elegance. It is dark, shinny, and low-key celebratory- like that velvet dress you wear on your preferred holiday dinner.
To achieve this appearance I would use OPI’s Good Girls Gone Plaid as the base and Essie Lilacism as the accent shade. In order to re-create the shimmer, apply glitter polish finely such as Zoya “Astra” on the ends. You can gain that frosty fineness with a slim detailing brush or snowflake decal, and no muss and no fuss.
I have tried something similar last winter and I knew how well it should be transferred to the everyday wear. It is celebratory, but in that you will wear it to brunch style. It is the best of it, a design suggesting rather than screaming Christmas.
Holly Berry Delight
Classic is not boring, particularly in the case of Christmas nails. No one will ever tire of this combination of eternal combo of holly leaf and red berry upon a sharp white base and this design is a happy bow to the traditional with a modern twist. The green glitter on the accent nail permanently unites the whole, and it feels balanced and entertaining.
To make it, I would take OPI as a base with the Alpine Snow and Essie as a top with the office green leaves. A dotting tool is used to put the dots of the berry-red color just right – Butter London has a dotting tool in their “Her Majesty’s Red” to make that candy-apple pop.
I have always been fond of the fact that this appearance immediately sets me on the vacation spirit. It makes me think of the process of decorating cookies with sugar or wrapping presents late at night and seeing the old Christmas movies. It is jocular, warm, and most evocative.
Elegance in White and Red Gift-Wrapped
This design is a literal interpretation of the concept of Christmas gifts, as the white nails are bound with red glittery bows. It is sweet, smooth and impeccably thematic without being kitschiy. The smooth surface makes it sophisticated and the bow decoration gives it the right touch of holiday fun.
I apply OPI Alpine snow as a base and DND Gel Polish in Ruby Red as the ribbons to achieve this appearance. The lines of the ribbon can be drawn with the aid of a fine liner brush and then the tiny decals of red bows can be applied. After a coat of glossy top is applied and it seems a minimalist designer wrapping paper comes alive.
I once used this manicure in a pre-holiday brunch, and people immediately felt that my nails were covered in a salon. My friend was joking that my nails were those that belonged to a luxury boutique.
The thing I like about this one is that it manages to reconcile cute and elegant so easily. It is the type of appearance that will put a smile on your face whenever you see it in the mirror as though a gift that you have bestowed upon yourself.
Cranberry Luxe
In case deep and elegant sound is what you like then this is its pure perfection. The vintage but contemporary feel of the matte cranberry finish combined with the golden lattice and one snowflake accent reminds of an old Christmas card that is made alive.
I would create OPI Malaga Wine as the base of the deep red and Butter London The Full Monty as the golden details. The technique of maintaining the pattern symmetrical is done using a fine liner brush or thin striping tape.
Matte top coats are what make the difference here, making a glossy polish look smooth and velvety and ultra-luxurious. Even the most outrageous colors can be couture with the help of a matte finish, which is the words of Elle Gerstein, a celebrity nail artist, who is often correct.
This design is strong – graceful but not obnoxious. I had something like that last winter I had a forest-green coat and gold earrings, and it was such a vibe. It is ideal to those who are willing to emulate a more sophisticated and vintage Hollywood style of holiday glamour.
Silver Snow Wonderland
Red nails covered with silver say holiday magic like no other thing, it is perfection in a glance. The background, which is a loud cherry red, is lifted up with silver snowflakes and Christmas tree accents and the twinkle of the season is provided without being overdone. Just the right touch of the playful, the polka dots introduce with a certain sense of snow under fairy lights.
In case of the red, I would go with the Forever Yummy of Essie, which is a classic color that suits all skin tones. The silver is optional: you can apply Sally Hansen’s “Celeb City,” or even a metallic gel pen when you are in a pinch. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein tip: dot your snowflakes right after smudging.
It is a manicure which will never leave me in a bad mood, easy enough to do on a Sunday night, but fancy enough to put on to a Christmas Eve party. And each time I go down the stairs I am sure I can hear Jingle Bell Rock.
Wine and Snowflake Accents Themselves are Frosted
It is a design that is mulled wine by the fire, warm, deep and comforting. The matte burgundy nails are immediately classy and the snowflake and candy-stripe accents make it festive but not less elegant. It is particularly beautiful due to the combination of textures that is soft matte finish and glossy dots and metallic lines are luxurious enough to have enough light.
To achieve this appearance, I prefer OPIs Malaga Wine as the primary colour with a mat height top. To make the white stripes I use a thin liner brush dipped in Gelish Arctic Freeze, and the silver dots are done with a dotting tool or the tip of a bobby pin which I tend to use the dots with.
The concept of holiday contrast is frequently discussed by nail artist Elle Gerstein (who has worked with Blake Lively) this is the ratio of rich color and winter brightness. That idea really shines here. You are marrying warm and cold in a glance.
I wore more or less of it during a movie night with my friends in December – warm sweaters, dark lights and these nails made me feel more Christmas-y. It is something about winter nail art that makes it seem like self-care in a bottle.
Wine Snowflakes and Matte Gold
This is my choice of one design, which characterizes quiet holiday luxury. Matte burgundy paired with metallic champagne gold makes it soft with warm and regal feel. The floral snow patterns are delicately white, and a sense of elegance is brought to them festive, never obtrusive.
I begin with CND Vinylux Bordeaux Babe to achieve the matte look and Essie Good as Gold to achieve the metallic nails of the accent. The brushed-metal look can be achieved with the help of the gold polish in thin layers and completed with the velvet matte surface finish. A fine brush or a stamping plate can be used to free hand with snowflakes.
One such tip, which I learned at Nails of LA by the founder, Brittney Boyce: “Even an ordinary manicure can be editorial with a mixture of matte and metallic textures. She is correct about that, the appearance is magazine worthy and, at the same time, simple to make.
The latter one is like having jewelry on your fingertips. I would well imagine it with a glass of champagne or candlelight at a Christmas dinner. Uncomplicated, classy, memorable.
Red with Holly Berries Classic
Christmas without traditional red nails on your nails? The appearance is a resurgence of the joyful spirit of the season, and one of the accent nails has a green holly leaf and red berry. It is festive in the most homesick sense of the word the type of manicure that makes you think about warm sweaters, warm cocoa and classic Christmas film.
In the case of basing, I opt to use Essie Forever Yummy, which is a red, creamy and pure colour that never fails. The accent nail decal may be either applied using a small detailing brush or nail decals: a shortcut is Olive and Junes Holiday wraps. I apply the entire matte top coat on it to give it that velvety modern touch.
It is well known by celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec that red will never go out of fashion as long as there is a purpose behind it. And this look? That is precisely what it is; so joyful and nostalgic, and yet completely wearable.
I like this one, as it is personal – like being a bearer of a small part of vacation happiness in every movement. It is celebratory with little ado, adorable with hardly any work or even an effort and it will always receive one or more compliments.
Rose Gold Snowfall
This design is all summer romance in case your style is soft and elegant. Neutral pink foundation merges into white and rose gold glitter ends all topped with subtle white snowflakes. It is as new a snow sparkling in candlelight. This is in favor of the girl who relishes her Christmas nails but does not want that glamour.
I have found such types of looks on Pinterest that were coupled with cozy cream sweaters or champagne dresses – classic and subtle. To reproduce it, I would take the naked base of OPI as the Bubble Bath, and a rose-gold shimmer such as that of Essie as the Penny Talk. Finalize with a fine snowflake stamp or decal to have the lines straight.
I love how this manicure does not appear fancy by making an effort to appear expensive. I have worn one like this to a wedding in December– and needless to say, even the bride enquired where I had them made.
Midnight Starry Sky
This is a dreamer one – the deep navy base and the icy white designs are providing the full night-before-Christmas feel. The subdued stars and frothing details are ethereal almost in being frozen painted. It is enigmatic and quiet and, strangely enough, it is easy to reproduce at home.
To the blue, OPI “Russian Navy” and to the white details, China Glaze “White on White.” Introduction of tiny rhinestones to add a dimension – they reflect light well. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik has frequently referenced that contrast is “drama instantly” and this appearance demonstrates this point flawlessly.
I had navy nails last Christmas Eve, and? I could not take my eyes off them with the twinkle lights. And they were very small galaxies in my fingers. It is the type of manicure that makes one feel really down-to-earth and enchanted at the same time, such as making a wish upon your own little universe.
Golden Pines on Deep Red
This is my favorite Christmas glance because of rich red nails, which are rich and romantic, combined with golden pine figures, which create a subtle festive atmosphere. That reflection of a mirror is enhanced by the glossy finish which makes every fingertip appear like a gleaming decoration on a holiday tree. It is bold and timeless and has a just right amount of shine to make you feel like you are going to a party but not too much.
In order to replicate this design, I begin with a creamy burgundy gel nail polish of one of the colors such as the Got the Blues of Red by OPI, and use gold foil or metallic stamping polish. The art is to have the gold sharp and shiny. I like to stamp with a thin stamping plate and less than heavy pressure – the shapes of the Christmas trees are soft rather than heavy.
It has been argued a number of times by celebrity manicurist, Betina Goldstein that contrast and symmetry do the right work, and she is correct. Here, the presence of heavy color and gold to think over has made it feel so high.
I had a variation of this in a December dinner last year and every time I took my glass, one of them inquired where I had my nails done. Nothing is a better compliment than easy grace, something that seems a lot more complicated than it really is.
Blinging Red and Gold with a Fancy Flair
With the little butterfly detail, there is something playful with this combination of red, gold, and white nails. It provides the classic Christmas sounds with a new, light-hearted touch to it- almost a fairytale about Christmas. The design is composed of structure and softness and the specific gold accents do not miss on the relaxed nature of the butterfly art.
On the base, I usually go through with the Russian roulette by Essie and the Goldie by Zoya. A small detailing brush is used to outline the shape of a moon and decals or hand painted butterflies on the accent nail give it that custom touch.
I have been experimenting with this style, and the white nail is serving as a visual reset between all the glitter and color, it makes everything look balanced. Nail artist Tom Bachik, who nails J.Lo, never leaves out on the significance of negative space or less intensive colors to provide the eye with some respite. It is so real even minor experiences of white make your manicure look more planned.
Whenever I see nails like these, I remember that the holidays are not only magical but modern, it is quite acceptable to enjoy and be elegant at the same time.
Starlit White Glam
Small white nails steeped in golden stars – this one is as much like the night sky in winter just before Christmas morning. It is dreamy with the clear white foundation, but has the metallic sprinkling stars and small gold dots, making it appear luxurious, which appears amazing in the twinkle lights.
I mostly begin with a bantry white gel such as Bio Seaweed Gel Milkshake that provides that milkshake base that is cloudy and ethereal. Afterwards I use gold star stickers or pieces of foil with a dot of clear top coat to keep them at the same time. An ultimate glittering signature maintains all things smooth and shining.
Manicurist Sarah Bland, featured in 2024 by Allure on winter nails, told me that her favorite piece of nail polish is white, as it makes a manicure look fresh and festive. I could not concur more, it is graceful, forgiving, and chic without strains.
This is the type of nail design that I use when I desire to look good without straining too hard. It coordinates with all the garments, such as a knit sweater and a sequin dress.
Black and Gold Star Drama
Every manicure has its manicure that captures attention – and this one is this one. The final power couple is black and gold, and this must be done with a gradient of glitter and motifs of stars. It is cool, glittering and slightly enigmatic to the eye – the right thing to say on the New Year Eve.
I use Gelish Black Shadow as the base of the gradient but mix the upward direction with loose gold glitter with the help of a sponge to give it that soft fade. The gold and silver stars can be transferred by use of a small brush or tweezers, which have fallen into the top coat to fix them in place. The trick? Have the stars of different sizes–it creates the effect of motion.
One of the celebrity nail artists named Chaun Legend (who worked with Kylie Jenner) once remarked that black is your most effective backdrop when every sparkle matters. I still have that line in mind– and this appearance proves it.
I have collected this design to winter parties when all people had red or nude nails and, I can say, mine received the most compliments. It is daring, contemporary and unashamedly celebratory.
Silver Starlight Magic
A glance at this face is like winter nights in the fingers, warm nude and shining through silvery spangles, and fine white bursts of stars, which are like fairy lights. It is one of the cheap Christmas nail designs that makes it look costly without trying very hard. The silver-white gradient provides the element of modernity and frosted glass that is festal and elegant.
I prefer OPI Funny Bunny as a base to achieve this heavenly appearance and Essie Set in Stones over it to provide the glitter gradient. In the case of the stars, it only takes a fine nail art brush and white gel polish such as Gelish Arctic Freeze. A shiny top dust glosses it and gives that fresh out of the salon look.
The gradient is not as complicated to make as it sounds – sponge the glitter polish as far downwards as you want to, leaving it lighter at the tip to create a soft ombre. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein usually recommends a silicone brush to fix the blend; a little detail but everything.
I put on some variation of this to a Christmas party last year, and, believe me, everybody questioned me about it. It is the type of manicure that suits all winter with sequins to cable knit and is a classic winter favourite.
Emerald & Gold Holiday French
Emerald green combined with gold is royal in its ways, it is luxurious and at the same time comfortable as taking a glass of champagne next to a Christmas tree. This manicure adds a contemporary twist to the traditional French tip which is replaced with dark green and the shimmering gold which gives a party-like feel.
To replicate it, I would begin with Zoya Hunter or OPI Stay Off the Lawn! as the base color, and add Sally Hansen Golden Rule on the tips. The trick to it is in maintaining the curve clean – it is a good practice to make that half-moon finish smooth with tape or a flexible brush.
To achieve a long lasting shininess, celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik suggests applying two layers of clear nail polish on top of the metallic polishes – this will increase the polish shine and will not crack off on this hectic holiday days.
It is daring yet is still elegant and frankly, it matches perfectly well with gold jewelry or a black velvet suit. I call it my “holiday confidence” manicure because it really looks like something you saw on the fashion week runway, but can be done on an evening when no one is around.
Gilded Snowflakes
When it comes to fashion, there is always something that never goes out of style and this is the snowflake manicure. However, this 2025 version is a step higher in the form of sweet gold snowflakes on a cold white foundation, accompanied by a gleaming champagne shimmer. It is civilized and celebratory, as putting a gift into a satin ribbon.
I usually resort to Essie Blanc to do the base and OPI Glitzerland to do the soft gold accent on the look to achieve the desired effect. It is foolproof with the help of gold snowflake decals or a fine stamping plate, no free hand is needed.
Use a matte finish to the white nails to achieve the frosted window feel and a perfect contrast is achieved using the gold on accent nails. Nail artist Julie Kandalec told Allure that it is necessary to balance shimmer and matte finishes to add depth but not to be too excessive, and this is the effect this design brings.
I like the fact that this one is wearable. It is either you are baking cookies or going to an office party, it lends that smart, wintry quality, which is both festive and fancy.
Candy Cane Pop
It screams Christmas cheer this one just and therefore, the ideal balance of red, green, white, and gold that immediately lifts your spirit. Imagine it is the manicure version of your favourite holiday movie: it is wholesome, nostalgic, and you cannot stop smiling.
In the case of the red and green, then Essie Forever Yummy and Olive and June Into the Trees are just the right options. Apply white strips with the help of a thin art brush or with striping tape and complete with the help of a gold accent nail to make it shiny. It is celebratory and yet not clichéd, but light-hearted and mature.
The secret with this is accuracy – I tend to do one colour at a time and allow it to dry first before applying the next. Byrdie nail gurus usually recommend that a peel-off barrier is applied around the edges of the nails to ensure that lines are sharp and minimum cleanup is needed.
This design is reminiscent of gingerbread house decorating as a child – sweet, bright and joyful. Whenever I put it on, it simply puts me in a better mood (and I will admit that it makes holding a peppermint mocha even more on-theme).
Snowy White Magic
Nothing is as calming as pure white nails with a coating of silver snowflakes – you can feel like the winter peace in your fingertips. This glance conveys the image of a snowy morning: frosty, soft and light. The creamy white to pale frost gradient creates the effect of freshly fallen snow that is both classy and easy to adore.
To create this Christmas nail design, I would begin by applying a mat finish base coat, and then apply OPI Funny Bunny or Essie Blanc to achieve that creamy look. The metallic stickers can be used to draw the snowflakes or one can do it by hand using China glaze Silver Lining. The design is sealed with a touch of fine glitter top coat – consider it as catching the snowlight.
I had a variation of this last December when wrapping presents, and I can not explain to you the number of compliments I received in the coffee shop. It is timeless, there is that manicure speaks not of screaming holiday, but of it.
Golden Fir Glam
This gold Christmas nail design is a good balance between something stylish but also not too conservative. Fir trees made on the golden base of neutral nudity in a delicate way – it is festal minimalism in action. The mixture of metal gloss and geometrical accuracy creates the impression of the combination of the holiday ball and the art gallery.
To achieve that warm gold look I would use Essies good as gold or Sally Hansen Miracle Gel game of chromes. Draw trees with a thin nail brush or use decals in gold foil to create a reflective finish. Nail artist to celebrities Jin Soon Choi has frequently added that the accent of metallics makes the manicure appear deliberate and opulent, and this design is evidence.
I admire it as a Christmas dinner dress or office party dress – it is fancy, clean, and posh enough to induce your champagne glass to be jealous.
Festive Lights Revival
Nothing is as nostalgic as twinkling Christmas lights, and this manicure is a reminder of such a thought that is brought directly to your fingertips. Both nails are in the middle of the play in the dark shades of red, green, and teal, with small bulb-like accents. It is lighthearted and imaginative and the type of design that makes you smile immediately.
I would recommend OPI Malaga wine, zoya hunter, and Essies go overboard to recreate it. Trace the wire with a fine point brush to a dark brown or black and dab drops of metallic polish, gold, blue, and red, in place of the light bulbs. And a top coating of glassy festive shine.
I had attempted something like this the previous season, and so far each time I looked at my nails, I was transported back to childhood and spending time with the tree and being able to decorate it. It is an immediate serving of holiday spirit – brushstroke by brushstroke.
Starry Midnight Dreams
Navy blue and gold: there is hardly a combination which proclaims more loudly than this one the night sky of a holiday. The matte surface creates a soft, dreamy texture and the golden constellations add a worldly touch to it. It is elegant, mystical and incredibly modern, and suits those who do not like too much of glitter but glamour.
Begin with the Midnight in Moscow of OPI or the After School Boy Blazer of Essie. Dry it up and then draw fine constellations with a metallic nail pen or fine liner with Sally Hansen “Golden-I”. Sprinkle with a sprinkle of gold micro-glitter or tiny studs to resemble stars.
Once I went to a New Year dinner in a dress like this, and, really, it seemed that the entire evening was about those nails. They glowed like candles in a kind of hypnotic manner.
Lavender Frost Fantasy
This design is one that will transform the concept of Christmas nails; just because soft lavender is not the first idea that comes to mind when we talk of Christmas nails. The blend of frosted lilac, glittered tips, and one white snowflake is bringing a dreamy icy ethos that reminds a winter fairytale.
In this winter nail art, I would apply the Essie color, Lilacism, and then add a gradient of glitter with Zoya, Astra. The snowflake decal or stamp is the final detail that is added in perfecting the work. In order to make it shiny and fresh, pour over Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.
Something very soothing in this appearance, a sort of silent luxury, which is only too pleasant to be worn in a cashmere sweater by the light of candles. I have always kept lavender nails longer than I had intended to whenever I did them in winter. They’re too pretty to let go.
And this is the beauty of it, you do not spend hours or professional equipment to get into a festive and polished mood. These simple Christmas nail designs demonstrate that holiday glamour can be entertaining, classy and easily achieved at home. You can lean towards classic reds and cozy neutrals, or shimmery metallics, but no matter what your mood is in December, there is a design that suits you.
Sometimes all you need is a new nail polish, I keep telling myself about this time of the year: it really makes you feel a little more like yourself, only with a trace of sparkle. And then take your favorite polish, and put on a candle, and have your hands participate in the feast.
