20+ Festive Holiday Nails for Winter & Christmas to Try in 2025

Confession time: my favorite season for nail art is hands down the holidays. As soon as the first chill hits the air, I’m already planning my winter and Christmas looks. There’s just something magical about a festive manicure, whether it’s a cozy sweater texture or a full-on glitter bomb. Your nails are the perfect tiny canvases to show off your holiday spirit!

Holiday, Winter, and Christmas Nail Ideas

1. Classic Scarlet Red

You simply cannot go wrong with a classic, high-gloss red. It’s the little black dress of holiday nails. I recommend a true, blue-toned scarlet or a deep crimson.

2. Delicate Snowflake Accent

This is my favorite way to do ‘winter’ without being over the top. I use a sheer nude or an icy blue base and add one or two delicately painted snowflakes on an accent nail.

3. Cozy Cable Knit Sweater

I wait all year for sweater nails! This 3D texture is made using gel polish and a dotting tool, and it gives that perfect, cozy cable-knit effect.

4. Emerald Green Velvet

If you want pure luxury, this is it. The ‘velvet nail’ trend is perfect for the holidays, and in a deep, rich emerald green? Stunning.

5. Gold Glitter Gradient

This is my go-to party nail. It’s festive, it’s glam, but it’s still super wearable. I start with a sheer nude or pink base.

6. Icy Blue “Frozen” Nails

Channel your inner ice queen! A pale, shimmery blue is such a beautiful, frosty color for winter nails. It’s a perfect alternative to the traditional red and green.

7. Candy Cane Stripes

It doesn’t get more classic Christmas than this! But it doesn’t have to be tacky. The secret is using a thin striping brush.

8. Cozy Plaid Accent

Plaid nails just scream “cozy winter cabin.” I like to ground this look with a solid color on the other nails, like a deep green or black.

9. Midnight Sky with Stars

This is so magical for winter. I use a deep, dark navy blue base—almost black. Then, I’ll add a sparse layer of fine silver glitter and paint a few tiny, crisp stars with a dotting tool and a thin brush.

10. “Ornament” Chrome Nails

The chrome trend is perfect for the holidays! Instead of the usual pearly white, try a festive, reflective chrome in red, green, or gold.

11. Minimalist Holly Accent

How cute is this? For my minimalists who still want to be festive, this is perfect. A clean, sheer, or milky white base with a tiny, hand-painted holly leaf and berries.

12. “Tinsel” Glitter Lines

This is such a fun, modern take on glitter. I paint the nail with a solid base color, like a deep green or black.

13. Rich Burgundy Wine

When in doubt, go dark. A deep, glossy burgundy or wine-red is my go-to for a sophisticated, vampy winter look. It’s festive, but in a more subtle, grown-up way.

14. Festive French Tips

Give the classic French a holiday makeover! I love swapping the white tip for a bold, festive color. A deep crimson red, a glittery gold, or even an emerald green looks amazing.

15. “Sugar Glitter” Texture

This is all about texture! The “sugar” effect is when you sprinkle fine glitter over a still-wet top coat and then *don’t* seal it in. It leaves a slightly rough, crystalline, sugary texture that is so cool.

16. Minimalist Reindeer

This is how you do a “character” nail and keep it chic. On a single accent nail with a nude base, I’ll use a thin brush to paint a very simple, minimalist outline of a reindeer head.

17. Snowy White & Silver

This combination is so crisp and clean for winter. I love a pure, opaque snowy white on most of the nails. It looks so fresh against winter clothes.

18. Matte Red with Glossy Details

This is one of my favorite “secret” designs. I paint the entire nail with a classic Christmas red and then use a matte top coat.

19. Simple “Gift Ribbon”

This is minimalist, festive, and so chic. I start with a clean, simple base—a creamy white or a pale nude looks amazing.

20. Nude with a Sparkle

For those who really don’t “do” nail art, this is your holiday entry point. A beautiful, clean, sheer nude manicure always looks polished.

My Final Thoughts on Festive Fingertips

I just love this time of year! I hope this list got you inspired for your own holiday, winter, and Christmas nails. From a super cozy ‘Cable Knit Sweater’ nail to a glamorous ‘Gold Glitter Gradient’, there’s truly a look for every mood and party. There’s so much room to play with classic colors and new textures.

What I’m really seeing for 2025 is a mix of texture and minimalism. We have the ‘Emerald Velvet’ and ‘Sugar Glitter’ textures on one hand, and then the ‘Minimalist Holly’ and ‘Delicate Snowflake’ on the other. It proves you don’t have to be over-the-top to be festive, which I love!

Whatever you choose, have fun with it and wear it with confidence! Your nails are the best conversation starter at a holiday party. For more of my personal tips, trend alerts, and tutorials, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter!