The holiday season is upon us, which means festive manicures are at their peak. Though red is a natural choice for this time of year, there’s something to be said for the other unofficial color of Christmas: green. A forest or emerald green manicure offers a more subtle nod to the season. It’s festive but still timeless, perfect for those in search of a manicure that won’t look dated come December 26. Many of the manicures below could take you right through New Year’s and into January.

The thing about green Christmas nail looks is there’s something for everyone. On the understated end of the spectrum, there’s the simple emerald nail and the green French tip. Those looking for something more celebratory, but still subtle, might add a chrome coat or decorate with 3D gems. For a sleek but straightforward approach, add a Christmas tree or holly leaf design. And maximalists can mix red and green, adorning their nails with plaids, peppermints, and bow wrapped presents.

Ahead, find 22 green Christmas nail examples for inspiration.

Polka Dot Party Nails

@disseynails

A green French manicure gets a party-ready upgrade with the addition of multi-colored gems.

A Holly Jolly Christmas Manicure

@madnails

Take inspiration from nature and decorate with one of the season’s most festive plants: holly. Letting some leaves go off the edge of the nail creates a more natural look.

O Christmas Tree

@sansungnails

This Christmas, it’s all about the ornamentation. Add 3D accents like rhinestones, faux pearls, and glittery stars to green ombre nails for a magical micro-Christmas tree on every fingertip.

An Evergreen Accent Nail

@nailchark

For a clean, classic look, add a few accent nails to your French manicure featuring metallic Christmas trees. Very demure.

Get Groovy With It

@disseynails

Abstract waves of red and green make for a more playful Christmas manicure. A swirl of chocolate brown here is an unexpected yet fitting touch.

Tied it With a Bow

@disseynails

A green French manicure is an obvious choice, but adding a red present-style bow and a 3D pearl elevates the look even further.

Merry and Minimalist

@disseynails

Green chrome, the odd French tip, and a minimalist Christmas tree are a match made in heaven.

All That Glitters

@ellielouisenails

Another way to upgrade a green French manicure is by adding a coat of glitter. It brings festivity without being too loud.

Emerald

@ellielouisenails

A simple emerald manicure strikes the near-impossible balance of both festive and neutral. The winter jewel-tone exudes luxury.

More is More

@madnails

Can’t decide on a statement nail? You don’t have to. A combination of red French tips, tortoiseshell, plaid, and matte green is so varied it somehow makes sense.

A Touch of Tartan

@madnails

For something totally different, try a green and black plaid. It can sway preppy or goth, depending on the rest of your look.

French With a Twist

@poppinpolishldn

Spice up a French with a star statement nail. It would also look great with a gold star, a la the top of a Christmas tree.

Ho Ho Ho

@poppinpolishldn

This maximalist manicure features just about every Christmas symbol out there. For a more pared-back approach, stick to one color, and save the other for next time.

Bow Beauties

@nailsandbeautybydaisy

The bow trend shows no signs of stopping, but even if it did, bows would make sense here, a reference to ribbon-wrapped gifts.

Tromp L’Oeil

@nailchark

A lifelike twinkle and added glare make you do a double take. This look would be perfect for New Year’s too.

Star Struck

@nailchark

Green and silver stars are fun any time of year, but especially so come Christmas.

Silver Swirls

@nailchark

Silver swirls on a deep green backdrop could almost be interpreted as an abstract take on a tinsel-wrapped tree.

Snowglobe

@pristinenails

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, try a shimmering emerald base with snowflake accents.

Candy Cane

@polishedbymckenna

Mix-and-match patterns can be tied together by using the same shade of green throughout.

A Metallic Moment

@lifelovemani

A shimmering army green with gold undertones is just what the season calls for. This manicure would look so good with a glass of champagne.

Green Glitter

Instagram/ @poppinpolishldn

Embrace your inner elf with a bold green nail look loaded with sparkles. A glossy top coat adds a mirror-shine finish, so your mani can gleam almost as brightly as the lights on your Christmas tree.

Snow Day

Instagram/ @nailsandbeautybydaisy

Ever wanted a Christmas card on your nails? This cheerful design transforms your manicure into a winter wonderland straight out of Hallmark, while ultra-fine glitter serves as a perfect stand-in for real-life snowfall.