On the 12th day of Christmas, my FYP gave to me… nail ideas that seriously sleigh. OK, I’ll do my best to lay off the puns. I’ll admit that when it comes to holiday styling, I’m not all in for “ugly” festive sweaters, and red and green don’t exactly go with my wardrobe’s typical color palette. If you can relate, don’t worry. Holiday nails are one of the easiest (and chicest) ways to get into the festive spirit, whether you’re team “appointment with my nail girl booked weeks in advance” or team “DIY at midnight with a YouTube tutorial.” From cozy cranberry reds to snow-dusted French tips, there’s a holiday look for everyone. And if you’re indecisive like the rest of us? Don’t worry — the inspo is endless, and there’s a winter manicure for every aesthetic, budget, and level of sparkle tolerance.
Let’s be real: TikTok has arguably become the ruler of all beauty trends, and holiday nails are no exception. Scroll for five seconds and you’ll run into a creator showing off gingerbread brown nails, glossy green chrome, or candy cane motifs so good, you’ll swear they were sculpted. It’s basically a digital North Pole for manicure inspo, but maybe without the reindeer. The only downside? There’s so much content that choosing a design can feel like a full-time job. But I got you covered. Here’s some holiday nail inspo for 2025 that will keep your manicure merry, bright, and ridiculously pretty all season long.
- Winter-Coded French Tips
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These aren’t your average French tips. For this festive mani, all you need is some glitter polish and some carefully-painted snowflakes. This one might require a trip to your nail tech, but if you wanna add some personal flair, this is the set to do it with!
- Gold Glitter
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“Is It New Years Yet?” by Sabrina Carpenter started playing in my head the moment I laid eyes on these nails. They’re simple, chic, but oh-so-elegant. Add as much (or as little!) gold glitter as you want and you’re all set.
- Red & Silver Set
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This nail inspo calls for loads of self-expression. And red. I’m so here for the ribbon because these nails sure look like the gift that is definitely giving.
- Silver Glitter
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If short nails are more your vibe, this is the look for you. It’s so simple, too! All you need is some silver glitter polish — and maybe some Christmas music while you’re painting.
- Pink & Gold Glitter
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As a pink girlie, I definitely approve of this one. The glitter, the snowflakes, the ornaments? Checks every box in my book.
- Ralph Lauren Christmas Nails
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This undeniably chic set is a high-fashion dream. With the shiny chrome finish, ribbon, and adorable teddy bear, this set is the best way to have a Ralph Lauren Christmas.
- Candy Cane Claws
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I can’t even lie, I gasped when I saw these. The 3D candy cane swirls and little bow detail is just to die for.
- Red & Polka Dots
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If you’re looking for something that’s not aggressively festive, this subtle but still eye-catching look is the way to go. With the polka dot details and pearl details, there are so many different ways to make red your vibe.
- Christmas Tree & Presents
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Now, this is Christmas. The pine tree, gold details, and red candy cane swirls are perfect for those seeking the ultimate holiday nails.
- Twinkly Tree Tips
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This is how to trim the tree in the manicure world. The shiny finish is what really makes this set pop.
- Cozy Tortoiseshells
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Who said brown couldn’t be a Christmas color? It’s the gold tree topper detail that makes this holiday-approved.
- Berry Tones with Shimmer
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If you wanted to experiment with a new color this holiday season (or are already a fan of the berry hue), this set is perfect for you.