Christmas nails 2025 – trends, colors and eye-catching designs

Holiday nail trends 2025: what’s on top?

1. Glossy, glass-like Christmas nails instead of heavy glitter
   Glitter is still welcome, but in a “micro” version: fine particles, pearly sheen, glass effect. The finish should look like elegant jewellery, not like an overdecorated bauble.
2. Micro nail art – not only on red nails
   Thin lines, micro french, a delicate star, one snowflake on an accent nail. Minimalist, but with character.
3. Original Christmas nail textures: velvet, cat eye, glazed
   Velvet effect, cat eye, milky base with a pearly glow – in 2025, textures rule. Christmas nails become more “touchable” and multidimensional.
4. Christmas nails in a “quiet” version
   Mistletoe, branches, tiny Christmas trees, sweater texture – yes, but in a limited colour palette and on a clean base (milky, nude, beige).

The most fashionable colours for Christmas nails 2025

Red nails – the perfected classic

If there is one manicure that never fails, it’s red nails. In 2025 we go for carmine, cherry and cool-toned “blue red” shades. They look best in:

• almond or soft square shape,
• ultra-glossy finish,
• full-colour version (no nail art) or with a single micro accent.

Red nails are also the most photogenic choice – hands with red gel polish always look elegant.

Christmas nails inspired by mulled wine

Burgundy nails in 2025 are deeper and richer. Burgundy, plum, wine – these shades look luxurious even in the simplest design. They pair beautifully with:

• gold jewellery,
• black and cream outfits,
• satin and velvet fabrics.

If you love classics but want “something more” than red – burgundy nails are a perfect choice.

Red nails with gold – a Christmas no-brainer

Christmas without a touch of gold? Impossible. That’s why red nails with gold come back every year – but in 2025 they appear in a more refined version:

• gold micro french on red gel polish,
• a thin gold line near the cuticles,
• gold foil only on one nail,
• a subtle “gold dust” effect on the tips.

The result? Still festive, but without theatrical exaggeration.

Classic with a twist: chocolate, pearl, green and navy Christmas nails

If you want to move away from the obvious classics, try:

• dark chocolate – modern and luxurious,
• snowy white + pearl – a clean girl effect for Christmas Eve,
• bottle green and navy blue – “evening at the opera” vibes, even if you’re just going for beetroot soup.

12 Christmas nail ideas 2025 worth trying

1. Classic red + high-gloss top coat
   No nail art. Just a perfect glossy surface. A manicure that makes the whole look.
2. Red micro french on a milky gel base
   Minimalist but very on-trend. Perfect if you like delicate Christmas nails.
3. Red nails with a gold micro accent
   One nail with a thin gold line or gold foil. Little effort, big effect.
4. Burgundy total look
   Full burgundy nails – especially on shorter nails. Elegance at 10/10.
5. Burgundy gel polish + transparent nail art
   For example, an outline of a Christmas tree or star on one nail. Subtle, but festive.
6. Glazed pearl white
   Milky base + pearly top or pigment. Fresh, clean, very 2025.
7. Gold shimmer on a nude gel base or nude gel polish
   For when you want to look festive but still neutral. Ideal for the office.
8. Candy cane manicure in a premium version
   Instead of thick stripes – thin, geometric red and white lines. Modern, not childish.
9. Sweater texture on one nail
   Just an accent: thumb or ring finger. The texture sets the cosy mood.
10. Mistletoe on a nude gel base
    A tiny branch with red berries, but minimalistic. One of the prettiest motifs of the season.
11. Cat eye manicure in a festive version
    The magnetic line looks like a tiny Christmas light. Perfect for parties and photos.
12. Chocolate nails with gold particles
    An alternative to red. Warm, elegant and very wintery.

How to quickly choose a manicure for every occasion?

For a family Christmas Eve: milky base, micro french, delicate designs, pearl sheen.

For parties and New Year’s Eve: hypnotising cat eye manicure, gold dust, navy blue, deep burgundy.

If you’re short on time: one solid colour + glossy top coat – the easiest way to make your manicure look “expensive”.

If you love classics: red nails or burgundy nails – they always win.

Which Christmas nails work best on short nails?

On short nails, solid, deep colours look best. Try classic red, burgundy or chocolate brown. These shades visually lengthen the nails and look very elegant.

Cat eye designs and subtle nail art on a milky or nude base are also great options, because they don’t overwhelm the hands. The key to a premium look is simple: keep it short, clean and perfectly glossy.

Hand care in December: manicure starts before the polish

Even the most beautiful Christmas nails won’t look their best if your hands are dry (and December loves to cause that). The rule is simple:

• daily hand moisturising (cream and oil or serum),
• gentle hand scrub 1–2 times a week,
• cuticle oil at night,
• gloves for walks and housework.

Well-groomed hands are the best base for any look – from minimal to bold red nails.

Wondering if red nails are still in fashion?

Yes. Red nails are a Christmas evergreen. In 2025 we wear them more “polished”: thin layers, high gloss, and optional micro nail art.

We also recommend burgundy nails for Christmas. They’re elegant, wintry and look amazing in the glow of Christmas tree lights!

Gold nails for Christmas

Love gold? Go easy on it in manicures! Gold in Christmas nails works best as a subtle accent, not the main theme.

The most elegant effect comes from thin lines, micro french or gold dust on a single nail. Combine the gold detail with classic shades – red, burgundy, chocolate or a milky base.

With this balance, gold enhances the design instead of overpowering it and gives your nails a jewellery-like finish. In Christmas manicures, less really is more – gold should glow, not shout.

Christmas nails 2025: elegance, detail and a touch of sparkle

The 2025 season focuses on manicures that look like an intentional part of your outfit. Nails may be minimalist or shiny, but they’re always “on point”.

Whether you choose:

• pearlescent Christmas nails,
• classic red nails,
• glitter on a few accent nails,
• nail art with snowmen or reindeer,

your Christmas nails should be perfectly groomed and glossy.

Want tried-and-true options that always look stunning? Red Christmas nails, burgundy nails or red nails with gold – this trio is ideal for December!

Dreaming of a manicure with a hypnotising, three-dimensional light effect? Try the trendy cat eye nails. Pantone has just announced the colour of the year 2026 – and we already know which manicure will be on trend next year – check it out!