The holidays are coming around again- and, as you are all like me, your Pinterest boards are already brimming with warm-up lights, mugs of cocoa and even a folder that you labeled Christmas Nail Inspo. So, what’s new for 2025? Are we following the traditional red-and-green color scheme or making it modern? The designs of the Christmas tree nails of this year are like a love letter to the nostalgia, yet with that polished, fashion-friendly touch that we are all longing to get. Now then, wrap up the prettiest things that will make your hands appear as part of the celebration.
Evergreen Glam: The Classic Christmas Tree Nails
Forest-green glitter-covered nails- deep and a touch of white artistry- this appearance is like the wrapping up of fingertips in the magic of a winter month December night. The sparkle is enough to reflect the holiday decorations, and the very thin Christmas tree painted on one nail enhances the personal style and the holiday spirit. It is not subtle, it is sophisticated, and it is aimed at the woman who is fond of her traditions but with a touch of modernism. I love the way the smooth finish makes a plain green look like velvet in the candlelight.
To wear this design, I would go to OPI’s Stay Off the Lawn! to use as a base, because it has the nice emerald feel that is yet not too dark. Afterwards, just a top layer of glimmer like Essie Set in Stones to make it shine. In the case of the tree itself, you will find a white gel polish and a slim nail art brush as your best friends. Between steps I always cure the design under a UV light, this prevents the smudging of small areas and gives the polish that salon finish.
The last time I made a similar look in December my friend could not help but stare at my hands whenever I picked my coffee. It is the type of manicure that is basic enough to put on with a sweater, but fancy enough to consider a little luxury.
Golden Forest Whispers: Luxe Holiday Green
The deep evergreen, metallic rose gold and candy-striped details have something mesmerizing. This design has hit the nail on the head between historic Christmas and the contemporary sophistication. The shininess of alternating nails is not obnoxious and demanding attention, and the accent of the Christmas tree makes its story, the shininess, the manifestation, the regularity of it all speaks of opulence.
Once, nail artist celebrity Tom Bachik even stated that a touch of metal makes any manicure an accessory. I couldn’t agree more. In order to achieve this appearance, you will be in need of a high shine rose-gold chrome powder, a forest-green gel polish, as well as a thin striping tape to make those candy-like lines. It is all about the balance, too much metallic will overpower the green, yet a good amount of it will make it shine.
Whenever I view this combo, I think of the clinking of the champagne glasses with twinkle lights. It is holiday, female and, just timeless good idea, which perfectly works when you are going to some holiday dinner or even when you are just warming up in the house and watching some movie on Hallmark.
Starry Pines: Festive Sparkle and Gold Magic
It is a story of a nail, pure Hollywood, the one where the streets shone and all the trees are twinkling. The deep green ground is decorated using small golden lines, which wrap upwards in bands like garlands on a Christmas tree, and is fringed with tiny white and gold details which resemble snowflakes and ornaments. It is not lavish in terms of color.
Due to the desire to do it, it can be quite unexpectedly done. I prefer to paint a base of Wyatt by Zoya and then apply gold nail tape or metallic gel polish using a detail brush to make those fine, spiraling shapes of trees. Stick a dots of white gel polish to signify snow, and coating with a high gloss finish. The secret, according to the nail editors of Allure on many occasions, is to hold your brush steady and allow each coat to dry before mixing up those nice lines.
I recall having gone out in one with a party on New Year Eve,- a time when I wore this kind of look – it showed up in the light each time I lifted my glass. Understated, classy and unmistakable.
Velvet Green Elegance: The Minimalist Statement
This is the appearance of the lady who does not want to be glamorous, but rather serene. The gold botanical strokes on the matte emerald nails present a sense of luxury in the most subtle manner. They are as if couture, elegant, contemporary and very seasonal. The pattern of the gold leaf induces movement, which reminds me of winter branches covered with light.
I would recreate this by applying a matte top finish on a dark green gel base such as Gelish Amazon Flirt. In the case of golden details, the best tool is the fine brush and metallic gel liner- Beetles Gold Art Gel. The contrast between the matte-gold makes this so beautiful. According to Vogue, which recently wrote on matte textures, less shine, more sophistication is how luxury is redefining itself.
Whenever I am wearing matte nails in winter, I believe I am in my soft luxury era. They go with wool coats, heavy scarves and dim lights, everything that December is.
Holly Jolly Touch: The Playful Christmas Charm
Red, white, and green never appeared so white – literally. It is a glossy green glitter mixed in with snowy white polish and holly-leaf decoration that will make that traditional Christmas cheer have a designer touch. It is adorable, full of life, and full of character. The red dots in it are sufficiently festal.
At home, go to OPI Alpine Snow and China Glaze Emerald Sparkle in order to accomplish this. In the case of the holly art, you may make use of nail stickers in case you are in a hurry, or you can take a tiny detail brush and paint the leaves. Attach a chrome red accent nail that makes a dramatic statement, chrome finishes are big now, and as Betina Goldstein, the celebrity manicurist, says, one metallic nail is enough to give your nail drama instantly.
I wear something like this to the casual Christmas parties, it is like fun, flirtatious and sure to get compliments. And it maintains the playful spirit, to make us not take beauty too seriously.
Silver Spark & Evergreen Dreams
These nails are the touch of a shiny winter evening – traditional Christmas trees with bright golden stars, silver ornaments, and silver tips, which reflect the light of fresh snow. The combination of nude polish and metallic silver is a classy touch without losing that home-like, vacation vibe. I adore the way the design is a balance between minimalism and festivity, yet it does not come across as overdone, but rather just a sound elegant joy right on your fingertips.
In this type of design, a neutral nude foundation is essential. I typically wear Essie Ballet Slippers or OPI Bubble Bath as a base-coat- that provides that smooth clean base. Afterwards, I paint the trees with a fine nail art brush and dark green gel such as Beetles Gel Forest Green. Finally, it is topped with silver glitter tips (I cannot live without OPI My Voice is a Little Norse), which provides it with the frosty appearance. It is stylish, holiday and can even be worn throughout the year.
Whenever I put on glitter tips I feel that I have just left a holiday movie. It is little things like these that can make you feel happier at a time you are even found staring at your hands in the car light at night.
Golden Glow Pine
Gold and green – this is a combination which never leaves me indifferent but buoyed up. The emerald nails, big gold glitter, and the small pine decoration are the elements of winter luxury. It is so daring and so effortless to dress it up with either a cashmere sweater or a sequined dress.
In recreating this appearance, I begin with a glittery green Zoya Merida polish, it has that slight glitter effect in sunlight. To the accent nails, I put gold foil flakes (try Orly Luxe) and seal it with a glossy top. The pine branch detailing could be done with the fine brush by using the black and metallic gold liner gels.
Once when I was wearing a similar appearance, I was asked twice whether they were press-ons in a salon or not. They were not – and that is the genius of a design of this kind. It has all the right polishes and patience, and it will make it pure DIY glamour.
Olive Frost: Nature-Inspired Holiday Vibes
A more natural path into nail art Christmas is adopted in this design. The black trees, the golden dots, the olive-green matte finish, all combine in a feeling of coziness, rustic and definitely chic. It is Christmas, and the minimalist can still use a statement.
I prefer OPI Suzi – The First Lady of Nails because it is that neutral muted olive. Apply a mat top coat to change the whole vibe. In the case of the plaid and pine art, a black striping brush and a gold dotting tool will miraculously work. According to Vogue Beauty, which has recently announced that earthly greens are the new neutrals of this season, this manicure is precisely the reason why.
This one recalls me to hot cocoa, warm blankets, and night before the fire. It is not flashy, but carries with it that silent luxury vibe that never appears accidental.
Gilded Symphony: Christmas Trees with a Twist
When you are in need of a manicure that will seem luxurious, but at the same time playful, it is your sign. Pine designs are delicately filled on a transparent foundation that is gracefully curved, with interventions of red and gold crystals that glitter at every turn. It is classy, creative and not ashamed of being celebratory.
In order to make this, you should start with a milky base such as Essie Sheer Fantasy. The trees are outlined in fine, curvy lines of green gel polish and then accented with rhinestones or with gold studs. Betina Goldstein once wrote to nail artist that with the right gems strategically applied to any nail art it could bring it to a couture level- and that is what this look has.
As an individual, I enjoy wearing such nails with plain gold accessories. It makes the centre where it should be on that faint glitter of the season.
Red Pine Chic
Nothing like red nails in Christmas – but sprinkle a touch of green pine in it, and it is fresh all over. It is a manicure that balances the traditional and natural nature of a red polish. It is self-confident, it is happy and a little flirting.
To achieve this appearance, use the brightest red such as Essie Forever Yummy it is one of my colors every December. On the accent nails, apply a nude base and paint with deep green polish tiny pine leaves on them. The inclusion of tiny white dots provides a snowy smooth surface that is lovely and contemporary.
I can do anything when I have red nails on, it is such a confidence color. It is even more special with the greenery added to this version. It is a celebration without being foreshadowed.
Mini Tree Magic: Short & Chic Christmas Nails
Candy wraps sometimes have the loveliest gifts. These are tiny nude nails with mini Christmas trees and colorful ornaments, which is bringing glamour to the holiday in a very subtle way. Every nail has a small tale of glittery festivity, though the general appearance remains light, feminine and can be put on any occasion, whether in the office or at holidays parties.
The first step I take to make this style is to put a creamy base such as OPI Samoan Sand it has that your nails but better feel. In the miniature tree design, I apply a fine detail brush loaded with Gelish Emerald City Queen and small dots of red and gold as ornaments. It is all beautifully sealed by a fine coating of gloss.
These black nails are comfortable but assembled. I am a fan of how they show that you do not have to wear long claws to make a statement, you can add a little touch of sparkle on a natural base and feel festive and fresh.
Snowflake Symphony
The design unites two of the most beautiful winter symbols snowflakes and pine branches in a manicure, which is artistic and cheerful at the same time. Snowflake dots is red and it is placed upon a cream ground, which makes that ideal holiday contrast. It is as though the fragile loveliness of the first snow fall coupled with a cup of hot chocolate and laughing it off with your friends.
The trick to achieving this appearance is to apply a transparent white gel base and draw in red snowflakes with a fine brush (you can also use nail stickers as you are in a hurry). Balance with small details of green pines. Red is the final color power color when it comes to nails, according to Allure once, who says that it is a nail of confidence and celebration in one swing.
I wear red in winter, and I always feel like celebrating when I do it, it is as though the clothing is acting as a source of warmth. It is the energy expressed in these nails with their red, white, and green balance.
Frosted Pinecone Elegance
There are big walks into the snowy forest vibes with this manicure. It is luxurious and earthly at the same time consisting of a gorgeous mixture of deep-red glitter, natural pinecone art, and white dots of delicate snow. It is celebratory, but rooted, as though a dream of a holiday made come to life.
That rich and glowing depth is added by the red glitter polish – think China Glaze Ruby Pumps. In the case of the pinecone, I apply a combination of brown gel and a detail brush, tracing the scale lines to the top, and finishing them with a coat of matte topcoat to make them feel like. The snow effect is an effect that is achieved by dotting a dotting tool into white gel polish.
It is a manicure, which immediately transports the warmness of winter. I recall that I had done a similar glance once and I was unable to stop smiling when I happened to see the gleam during daytime-it is that good.
Holly Berry Luxe with a Plaid Twist
Plaid and holly, a holiday match in heaven. It is the appearance of wrapping paper in motion, and the nails are glossy red and white, decorated with holly berries and having a single ideal red-black plaid accent. It is vintage and chic at the same time, old school and Instagram worthy.
The foundation behind the white nails may be Essie Blanc, and with the plaid nail, I use red and black striping tape or fine liner paint applied with a thin liner brush to paint the design. Apply a top finish with a high-gloss finish. The hollies and berries may be made with green and red gel liners.
The design will always give me the impression of warm, cinnamon candles and cozy flannel shirts, cozy, homey, with just the right bit of fancy. It is a type of manicure, which causes every movement to be deliberate.
Snow-Kissed Holly Perfection
This white manicure with shiny holly accents is a contemporary update on classic Christmas images – it is fresh, shining, and at the same time not too festive, not too trendy. The red berries and rich deep green leaves are beautifully contrasted on the white base to give the design a crisp look that reflects all winter light.
In the case of the base, I am fond of OPI Funny Bunny, soft, clean and milky. This is done by placing the holly leaves on a dark green polish using a detail brush, and the berries are placed by use of a dotting tool. To that delicate luster, I even rub a thin line of golden shine around the edges then apply a glossy finish.
It is that winter wonderland feel, subtle and smooth and beyond stylish with this look. It is ideal in case one wants to have the nails that cover their nails saying class but not screaming it.
Evergreen Elegance with a Festive Glow
It is as though it is Christmas magic in your fingers. The dark green French tips fuse together to form a nude base, and the pine needles and red berries bring a holiday just rightness. Every nail seems to be brushed with a touch of frost, a touch of holiday all-purpose- every nail is ready to invite you to a candle-lit evening or a tree-night. It is elegant and at the same time light-hearted, an expression that makes it appear as if he/she is about to take a holiday, but does not scream.
In order to reproduce this manicure, I tend to apply a light pink or beige base coat such as OPI Bubble Bath in order to get that natural look. Then I paint pine branches with Essie Off Tropic and small dots of ruby red gel polish to resemble berries with a fine liner brush. A top coating of glitter on one or two nails provides that faint glimmer when the light strikes especially when holding a mug of hot chocolate.
According to Allure, celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik once stated that the trick to a classic holiday design is to combine both matte and glossy finishes to make it appear high-fashion. Nothing could have suited me better – this gaze is lavish, and at the same time easy.
Snowy Pines for Minimalist Spirits
In some cases, less is more. This is a light nod to the holidays that has tiny pine trees and soft snowflakes on this short nail design. The gray beige ground is similar to freshly fallen snow, and the fine trees of the green color provide it with the necessary detail to turn it into a festal one. It is adorable, contemporary and ideal in case you adore that Scandinavian minimalism look that is trending currently.
My preferred way of a mani is to make it simple: a soft nude base (such as Zoya Taylor), detailed small points with a micro brush, and a green gel polish (such as Olive and Junes WKF). The snow is created by tiny white dots that are created using a tooth pick. Apply a high shine glossy top coat to make it look like frosted glass.
There, frankly speaking, this design makes me think of wrapping presents during a cold evening in December – the atmosphere is peaceful, warm and full of small delights.
Deep Forest Glam
In case, you are attracted to deeper colors, this emerald green manicure with accent nails with pine branches is becoming your winter dream. The slick texture provides a contemporary touch, and the accent nail makes the appearance less harsh and more of an art of nature. It is classy and strong – as the velvet dress you put on over Christmas dinner.
In order to achieve this shade, I would rely on OPI Stay Off the Lawn! or the Essie Wicked Green. Apply a white cream on one or two nails as a ground on which to lay the pine. In drawing the design of the branch, use delicate lines with a thin drawing brush and a darker shade of green paint. To add texture, apply a bit of varying green-colours- it makes the appearance more three-dimensional.
According to Nail pro Jin Soon Choi, a story in Harper Bazaar said that green is the surprise neutral of the season. This design completely attests it. It is cool enough yet making statements.
Black, White & Silver Holiday Chic
This is a contemporary twist on Christmas nails and is daring. The single-color scheme black, white, and silver glitter reminds of high-end holiday party atmosphere. The line art of Christmas tree gives a minimalist touch which is ultra-fashionable. It is celebratory without a trace of the cliche and it suits all things ranging to sequined dresses and smooth black suits.
To make this, I base it with Gelish Black Shadow, do the accent nails with OPI Alpine Snow and a thick silver glitter polish such as the China glaze Fairy Dust to make it stand out. A striping brush can be used to obtain those sharp lines of trees.
My favorite part of this design is the way it makes the transition between Christmas and the New Year Eve. It is a little gritty, a little glam-all-the-more and completely memorable.
Golden Lights and Emerald Trees
Honestly now this is holiday opulence. The gold glitter combined with emerald-green nails is very royal, party-perfect. The small gold studs in the form of tree resemble decorations that reflect the Christmas fireplace rays. The manicure is done to celebrate the month of December, either at a Christmas dinner or when you are celebrating the champagne under the mistletoe.
Essie Good as Gold is a good base to the gold and CND Vinylux Emerald Lights is the perfect deep green. The metallic studs may be glued on using nail glue or put under a thick gel top coating in order to become stable.
According to Byrdie, the word of celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec, quoted once, it is the jewelry of your hands, that is, gold details always make a manicure fancy. I completely agree. The design is similar to statement earrings except that it is smaller and shinier.
Classic Red with a Playful Twist
And the Christmas happiness of this one in a manicure. The high shine red polish is immortal, yet the small Christmas tree and snowman on the accent nails make it cozy and joyful. It is that ideal blend of nostalgic and contemporary one what you can do is watch Home Alone, with a glass of wine and your favorite red lipstick on. The mix of vivid red, and white is defiant but comfortable simultaneously.
My favorite red is always Essie Forever Yummy or OPI Big Apple Red. A white gel base is bright and will assist the tree and the snowman to pop- take a fine art brush and outline the tree using green polish and dot red and gold to represent ornaments. The toothpick or a small dotting tool could be used to accomplish the face of the snowman.
In an article published by Vogue, nail artist Betina Goldstein once said that red is a universal power color because it makes one put together at the first glance. It is precisely the feel of this mani, childlike yet polished without much effort.
Midnight Luxe with Golden Trees
This is the manicure that would be the most epitome of holiday glam. The thicker, darker, gold-accented nails with Christmas trees and snowflake on them add a high-end, nearly couture look. The combination of the color is sophisticated, resembling the winter nights with stars through the frosted window. This design is ideal in case you admire statement nails which are also stylish and comfortable to wear.
To do this I would begin with a navy gel base such as OPI Russian Navy and apply thin metallic gold details with foil or stamping polish. Gold trees may be freehanded using stripling brush or using nail stickers in case you want it to look cleaner. A coating of clear gloss covers all that to finish it off with the mirror-shine.
Metallic accents, according to Harper Bazaar, are the trend of 2025 – they can be an expensive-looking nail decoration on the most straightforward style of nail art. And honestly? I adore the fact that this one seems like a designer holiday card that comes to life.
Emerald Chrome with a Touch of Magic
This design is a full winter fairy-tale. The chrome deep green impression is luxurious and technology-focused. The accent nail designed with a golden-bead Christmas tree is welcoming the nostalgic holiday feel. The combination of textures, glimmering metallic and the velvety milky bases builds a manicure that is elegant and alluring.
In order to have this appearance, I would use Born Pretty Emerald Cat Eye Gel to get that reflective glare and OPI Alpine Snow to get that creamy accent nail. These small gold dots or micro beads are either put in the form of a tree with nail glue or put in wet polish gel and allowed to cure. Top with that liquid-glass look with a top coat.
I once did a similar design during Christmas last year and I still recall how the lights of the tree were glittering my nails like jewelry. It is that small thing that makes the holidays special.
Holiday Harmony in Red, Green & White
Such a design is what one defines as balanced beauty. The changes of the nails into red, deep green shimmer and white with holly accents makes all the traditional Christmas sounds get together in such a classy manner. It is jovial and old school, yet smooth and contemporary in its rhythm that is ideal in 2025.
I would cross over to Zoya Sooki on red, Essie Wrapped in Luxury on green shimmer and Gelish Arctic Freeze on white. A delicate-looking brush is necessary to draw the leaves that form the holly and the tiny red berries. Such a combination of glittery and metallic finishing gives depth to the design, making it suitable to be used in any party.
One celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi has once noted that holiday nails have to be fun and refined at the same time and this nail design is a perfect representation of a balance between the two.
Frosted Evergreen French
This last design is one of those who like a twist to an old classic French manicure. The bare nude bottom merges into classy green ends, with little evergreen trees. It is ascetic, but, admittedly, one of those that are festive: a bow to nature, encased in a sleek, polished cover. The perfect nails that one would love to have on and still look chic every day.
I tend to recreate this appearance using OPI Bare My Soul to make the naked base and Essies Off Tropic to make the green ends. There is a micro brush to outline the delicate trees and a touch of glitter on the tip line to give it a sparkle.
This manicure makes me think of mornings in the house, drinking coffee, wearing oversized sweaters and with flickering lights outside the window-it is sophisticated, soothing and so quiet holiday.
