Winter is the perfect time to switch up your nails, and with Winter 2025–2026 fast approaching, it’s time to dive into the latest gel nail designs. From simple, cute styles to festive holiday-inspired looks, this season’s short gel nails are all about creativity and ease. Whether you’re looking for a chic, understated design or something that screams holiday cheer, you’ll find the perfect color and design ideas right here. Ready to bring your winter nails to life? Let’s get inspired!
Red Christmas Trees for a Festive Look
This short gel manicure combines a rich red polish with a fun holiday twist. The red nails create a bold, festive vibe, while the accent nails with a simple white Christmas tree design add just the right amount of holiday spirit. It’s perfect for those who want something cute but not too over-the-top this season.
For this design, I recommend using a deep red gel polish like Essie’s “Bordeaux” and white for the tree art. The design is simple and elegant, making it easy to recreate at home with just a fine brush for the tree details.
To create this look, start with a base coat, then apply two layers of the red polish. After curing, use a small brush to paint the Christmas trees on the accent nails. Finish with a top coat, and you’re good to go. This design feels warm, cozy, and just perfect for the holidays.
Subtle Pink Sparkle for Winter Elegance
This design takes winter nails to the next level with a soft pink shimmer and elegant snowflakes. It’s delicate yet festive, giving you that winter wonderland feel without being too loud. The added rhinestones in the center of the snowflakes are a subtle touch of glamour.
For this, I suggest a light pink shimmer gel polish (like OPI’s “Princesses Rule!”) and a white gel polish for the snowflakes. The rhinestones add a bit of luxury, perfect for a subtle, elegant winter look.
To recreate this at home, shape your nails and apply a base coat. Then, apply two coats of the pink shimmer gel and cure each layer. For the snowflakes, use a fine brush to paint the design and place the rhinestones in the center. Top it off with a finishing coat. It’s a chic, easy way to brighten up winter.
French Tips with a Christmas Twist
If you love the classic French manicure, this red and white version is perfect for the holidays. The bright red tips with a clean white base give a fresh, festive twist, while the snowflakes on the accent nails add that seasonal touch. It’s a clean, fun, and easy design for anyone looking to add a bit of cheer to their nails.
You’ll need a red gel polish, such as Red Carpet Manicure’s “Red Carpet Ready,” and a white gel polish for the tips and snowflakes. It’s a simple yet effective design that screams holiday elegance.
After shaping your nails, apply a base coat, then paint the tips red, leaving the rest of the nail white. For the snowflakes, use a small brush to create the delicate design on the accent nails. Seal everything with a top coat. This design is classic yet festive—perfect for holiday parties.
Red and White Christmas Bows
Nothing says Christmas like a playful red and white design, and this nail art with little bows is the perfect example. The deep red nails paired with intricate bow designs give a sweet, charming vibe. The design is simple, but it adds just enough festive fun for the holidays.
For this look, use a classic red gel polish (like Essie’s “Really Red”) and white gel polish. You’ll need a fine brush for the bow details, and you can add a bit of glitter for extra sparkle.
Start by applying a base coat and painting your nails red. Once that’s set, use the brush to paint cute bows in white gel on accent nails. A touch of glitter on the tips adds that extra holiday charm. Finish with a top coat for shine and longevity. This design is easy to wear and absolutely adorable for the season.
Elegant French with a Snowy Touch
This design brings a festive flair to the classic French manicure with a fresh winter twist. The combination of red tips, a soft nude base, and delicate snowflakes is both chic and seasonal. It’s perfect for those who love a refined look but still want to embrace the holiday spirit.
For this look, I recommend a red gel polish like OPI’s “Big Apple Red” and a nude shade like Essie’s “Mademoiselle.” The snowflakes can be painted with white gel and a small nail art brush for a detailed finish.
Create this look by applying a base coat, then painting the tips red and the rest of the nail with a nude shade. Use a fine brush to paint the snowflakes on accent nails, and finish with a top coat for a flawless finish. This design is festive without being overwhelming—perfect for anyone who loves a sophisticated holiday look.
Green, Brown, and Gold Christmas Charm
This short gel manicure is perfect for the holiday season, featuring a mix of festive greens, browns, and gold. The design blends natural winter elements like pine branches and flowers with minimalist brown bows and matte green nails. It feels earthy and elegant, bringing nature’s charm into your festive look. This is a perfect balance of creativity and simplicity for those who want a chic, yet understated holiday design.
For this design, you’ll need a deep green gel polish, a matte topcoat, white and brown gel for the details, and a gold accent for the finishing touch. Matte finishes add a cool texture to this design, setting it apart from the typical glossy manicures.
Start by applying a base coat and then painting your nails with the deep green gel polish. After curing, use a fine brush to create the pine branches and flowers in white, with the bows in brown and gold accents to finish. Don’t forget to top it all off with a matte topcoat to create that velvety look. It’s a stunning design that’s both elegant and modern, capturing the essence of Christmas without being too loud.
Personally, I love how fresh and clean this design looks. It’s subtle but still makes a statement, perfect for anyone who wants something unique yet sophisticated for the season.
Red Nails with Sparkly Snowflakes
Red nails and gold snowflakes—this design is as festive as it gets! The rich red color, adorned with simple snowflakes and white dots, makes a bold statement, while the golden accents add a luxurious touch. It’s a perfect look for anyone who wants a design that’s playful but also classy, perfect for the holiday season.
For this nail art, you’ll need a classic red gel polish (something like Essie’s “Really Red”), a gold gel polish for the snowflakes, and some white for the small dots. The gold snowflakes give it a festive, luxurious vibe, while the dots add a cute detail that ties everything together.
Start by applying a base coat, followed by two layers of red gel polish. After curing, paint the snowflakes in gold with a fine brush, and add the dots for that extra touch of holiday spirit. Finish with a shiny top coat for a polished, long-lasting look. This design is super easy to recreate and brings the magic of Christmas to your fingertips.
I personally adore how bright and vibrant this design is—it’s bold, festive, and makes a statement without being too much. It’s great for any holiday event or just to brighten up your day!
Pink, Green, and White Holiday French Tips
This design is a fresh, modern take on the classic French tip manicure, with green and white tips paired with a soft pink base. The sparkling pink accent nail with a little snowflake adds a festive touch to the design. It’s playful yet sophisticated, making it perfect for the holidays.
To recreate this look, you’ll need a soft pink gel polish, a vibrant green gel polish for the tips, and a glittery pink polish for the accent nail. You can also add white for the French tip line to make the look pop.
Start by applying a base coat, followed by the soft pink base on all nails. Then, paint the tips green and add the white line for the French tip. For the accent nail, add the glittery pink and snowflake details. Finish with a top coat to seal it all in. It’s simple yet festive, with just the right touch of sparkle.
This design is one of my favorites because it’s so versatile. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of holiday glam but doesn’t want something too bold. Plus, the subtle pink is perfect for the season.
Midnight Blue with Snowflake French Tips
This design brings a touch of winter magic with a midnight blue French tip, highlighted with sparkling accents and a snowflake detail. The blue and white combo is classic and chic, while the thin gold line adds a touch of elegance. It’s the kind of design that works for both casual and festive occasions, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and fun.
For this design, use a deep blue gel polish for the tips (like OPI’s “Russian Navy”), a fine white gel for the snowflake detail, and a gold gel for the thin line between the blue and nude sections of the nail.
Apply a base coat, then paint the tips blue and create a smooth white French tip line. Add a snowflake detail to one accent nail and finish with a gold line between the blue tips and the nude base. Seal it all with a top coat for a clean and long-lasting finish. This design feels both fresh and festive.
I absolutely love how classy and wintery this design feels. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to stand out with a bold design that still feels elegant and refined.
Classic Red and Gold for the Holidays
You can’t go wrong with a combination of red, gold, and holiday-themed embellishments. This classic red and gold French tip design, with little festive charms like stars, bows, and a reindeer, is the ultimate holiday look. It’s fun, elegant, and perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
For this festive design, you’ll need a rich red gel polish, a metallic gold for the French tips, and some fun little charms or rhinestones like a star, reindeer, or bow to add a little extra magic.
Start by painting your nails with a base coat, then apply the red gel polish. After curing, create the French tips with gold gel polish and add the festive charms on your accent nails. Seal everything with a shiny top coat. This design is super easy to do and adds the perfect touch of Christmas cheer to your nails.
Personally, I love how playful yet classy this design is. The red and gold combo is timeless, and the little details like the reindeer make it feel extra special for the season.
Festive Red, Green, and Plaid Fun
This short gel manicure has the perfect festive vibe! The deep red and green nails are paired with a fun plaid accent nail, making it ideal for the holiday season. The vibrant red and dark green give it a classic Christmas feel, while the plaid design on the accent nail adds a unique touch. It’s bold, fun, and perfect for anyone who loves traditional holiday colors with a twist.
For this look, I suggest a deep red gel polish and a forest green shade. The plaid design can be done with a fine brush, and don’t forget to use some gold or white to highlight the plaid lines for extra detail.
Start by painting your nails with the red and green base colors, and once they’re dry, use a fine brush to paint the plaid design on the accent nail. It’s simple to do at home, and the result is super festive!
This design is one of my favorites because it combines bold, classic colors with a playful plaid pattern. It’s great for anyone looking to make their nails pop this holiday season.
Green Glitter and Stripes for a Modern Twist
This design brings a touch of modern glam to the holiday season with a shimmering green glitter base and bold geometric stripes. The glittery green nails make a statement, while the sleek stripes add a geometric edge to the classic Christmas colors. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a fresh take on holiday nail art.
To recreate this look, you’ll need a green glitter gel polish, white gel polish for the stripes, and a fine brush to add the details. The clean lines of the stripes contrast beautifully with the sparkly base.
Start by applying a base coat, followed by two layers of the green glitter polish. After curing, use a fine brush to add the white stripes, and top it off with a glossy finish. It’s an easy yet stylish way to give your nails a festive touch.
I love how this design combines the glam of glitter with the sleekness of geometric patterns. It’s super easy to create but looks so chic and modern!
Classic French Tips with Holiday Greens and Reds
This design is a classic French manicure with a festive twist! The green tips give a bold and fun look, while the addition of holly leaf details and red berries makes this design feel perfect for the holiday season. It’s an elegant take on the French tip, making it great for anyone who loves a bit of holiday cheer with their classic style.
For this design, you’ll need a green gel polish for the tips, white for the French base, and red and green gel polish to create the holly details. It’s a simple way to add a holiday twist to a timeless classic.
Begin with a base coat, then apply the green gel polish on the tips and the white polish for the base. Once dried, use a small brush to paint the holly leaves and berries on the accent nails. Finish with a top coat to secure everything.
This design is a lovely and festive take on the traditional French tip, making it great for anyone who loves clean, chic looks with a bit of holiday spirit!
Holiday Green with Bows and Berries
These nails scream holiday cheer with their green and red hues, paired with festive bow and berry designs. The rich green nails are accentuated by red bows and holly berries, creating a fresh, cheerful vibe. It’s a fun, elegant design that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a little sparkle to their festive season.
For this, use a deep green gel polish and red for the bows and berries. A fine brush helps create the intricate bow designs, while the berries can be added with a small dotting tool.
Start by painting the nails with the green base, then use a brush to create the bows and berries. This design is simple to recreate at home but brings so much holiday joy!
What I love about this design is how festive yet understated it is. The combination of green and red with little details like the bows and berries make it the perfect balance of fun and chic.
Pink and Green with Elegant Holiday Vibes
This design is for those who want something soft but still festive. The delicate pink base is paired with bold green tips, and the addition of small Christmas details like holly leaves makes it perfect for the holidays. It’s simple yet elegant, a great choice for anyone looking for a subtle but chic holiday nail design.
For this design, use a soft pink gel polish for the base and a rich green for the tips. The holly leaves can be added using a fine brush and some red dots for berries.
To create this, start with a base coat and apply the pink gel polish. After curing, paint the tips green and add the little holly designs on the accent nails. It’s perfect for a soft yet festive look that still brings holiday cheer.
This design is so elegant and soft, but the little holly details make it feel special. It’s great for anyone who prefers a subtle but beautiful holiday nail look.
Winter Snowflakes: Subtle Seasonal Elegance
This short gel nail design features delicate white snowflakes with pops of red and green. The soft neutral base with clean white details offers a perfect winter vibe without feeling too bold or overdone.
To achieve this, use a nude base, then paint snowflakes with a fine brush. Add red and green dots for the festive touch, and finish with a top coat for a smooth, shiny finish.
It’s a super easy way to keep your nails cute and festive for the winter season. I’ve tried it myself, and it’s become one of my favorites for holiday gatherings.
Sweet Cherry Tips for Winter
These simple yet cute short gel nails feature little cherries with green leaves, creating a light, fun winter look. The soft pink base complements the design, adding a touch of whimsy.
Start with a pink base, then use a dotting tool for the cherries and a fine brush for the leaves. It’s perfect for those who want a festive yet low-maintenance look.
I’ve worn this to casual hangouts and even to dinner parties, and it always gets a compliment.
Holly Inspired for the Holidays
This design combines the festive holly leaves and red berries with a neutral base. It’s playful yet understated—perfect for anyone who loves the holiday season but prefers something more elegant.
For this, start with a nude or light pink base, and use a fine brush to draw the holly leaves and berries. It’s a quick design that can be done in under an hour.
It’s a great design if you want something seasonally festive but not over-the-top.
Winter Green and Starry Night Nails
This design adds some sparkle to the season, with green swirls resembling Christmas trees and star accents. The subtle gold glitter background makes it stand out while still looking chic.
Use a nude base and green for the tree design, adding black and white stars for that extra touch of holiday magic. Top it off with a glittery coat for a starry finish.
I love how simple yet eye-catching this design is. It gives you that winter wonderland feel but in a modern way.
Snowy Blue Knit Effect for a Cozy Winter
The blue and white combo here is perfect for the colder months. The sweater knit texture and delicate snowflake detail give a cozy yet fashionable vibe.
Start with a pale blue base, then use a stamping tool for the knit effect. Add small snowflakes in white for that extra winter touch.
This one feels like wrapping up in a warm sweater, and it’s always my go-to for a chic, cozy winter look.
Winter Greenery and Snowflakes
These short gel nails feature a stunning mix of deep forest green and light nude hues. On some nails, there’s a snowflake design, while others feature holly leaves with red berries, creating a beautiful and festive aesthetic. The soft white dots on the green background mimic snow, adding to the holiday cheer.
For this look, start with a base of nude polish and apply the green polish on alternate nails. For the holly leaves and berries, use a fine brush and a dotting tool. Don’t forget to add the snowflake designs to some nails for that perfect winter touch.
This manicure is perfect for a Christmas dinner or casual winter gatherings. The combination of green, white, and red feels festive without being overwhelming. It’s one of those designs you can wear throughout the entire winter season!
Green Sparkle Fireworks
This design brings a bit of sparkle to your winter nails. The deep green base is adorned with fine white fireworks, accented with little gold studs. The look is simple yet dazzling, perfect for those who want to add a bit of glamour to their holiday season nails.
Use a dark green gel polish for the base, then draw fine lines radiating from the center of the nail to create a firework effect. Add gold studs to the tips of the lines for extra shine. This is a design that catches the light and adds a celebratory feel to any occasion.
I tried this look last holiday season, and it felt like a fun, festive way to stand out at New Year’s parties. Plus, the green and gold combination makes it look elegant and festive at the same time.
Holiday Plaid Vibes
These short gel nails feature a bold plaid design with green, red, and gold accents. The matte green nails pair perfectly with the red and gold checkered pattern on other nails. It’s a sophisticated take on holiday nails that’s easy to replicate.
For this, start with a green matte base. Then, use a striping tape or fine brush to create the plaid design with red and gold polish. The combination of matte and shiny finishes adds depth and makes the nails look extra special.
I love how stylish and classy this design is. It’s not too flashy but still festive enough for a holiday celebration or cozy family gatherings.
Holly French Tips
Here’s a twist on the classic French manicure—red tips and holly leaves! The red at the nail tips adds a playful holiday touch, while the green holly leaves with red berries bring the perfect seasonal vibe.
Start with a neutral nude base and apply red polish to the tips of your nails to create the French look. Use a fine brush for the holly leaves and dot the center of each for the berries. Top it off with a glossy top coat for a smooth finish.
I’ve always loved French tips, but this holiday twist makes it perfect for the season. It’s fun, stylish, and not too over-the-top, which is exactly what I’m looking for in winter designs!
Festive Tree Ornaments
These nails feature a whimsical mix of colorful dots and green pine tree branches, creating a joyful and bright holiday look. The playful dots look like Christmas ornaments, and the green branches give it a fun, fresh twist on the classic winter design.
Begin with a white base for the nails. Then, use a fine brush to paint the pine tree branches with green polish. Add colorful dots in various sizes to mimic ornaments. It’s a playful and vibrant design perfect for anyone who loves the festive side of the holidays.
I love how this design brings such a cheerful vibe to your nails. It’s simple yet so fun, and I find myself smiling every time I look at my nails.
