Icy blue tones are perfect for December.Credit:

@stephstonenails

• Holiday nail colors offer an option for everyone, whether it’s a fresh feeling shade or a classic with an out-of-the-box finish.
• When in doubt, sparkle, shine, and texture are gifts that keep on giving.

The holiday season is a time of shimmer, nostalgia, and joy—all available at your fingertips in more ways than one. This year’s best Christmas nail colors are nothing revolutionary (that’s sort of the point, comfort and all), but the specific shades, applications, and opportunities for personalization make each option feel like a just-opened aesthetic gift.

“There’s really something for everyone during the holidays,” says nail artist Ayanna Primus. “Whether you love detailed nail art, classic French sets, glitz and sparkle, or something minimal, there’s always a way to show your cheer.”

To elevate a classic shade, our experts recommend getting into the seasonal spirit by playing with finishes. “Adding chrome, glitter, or a shimmer in the same color brings a whole new dimension to the set,” says Primus, who notes that even a simple glitter accent or reflective top coat can do the trick without overpowering the color.

For her part, nail artist Stephanie Stone has been reaching for Sally Hansen’s Special Effects Top Coats for an unexpected addition. “Think the glazed-donut effect in a bottle,” she says. Try not to take it all too seriously—festive fun should be the ultimate goal.

Here, five Christmas nail colors that celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Meet the expert

• Ayanna Primus is a nail artist based in New York.
• Stephanie Stone is a nail artist and favorite of Charli xcx, Rachel Sennot, and more.
• Emi Kudo is a nail artist for the likes of Greta Lee and Chloë Sevigny.

Silver Chrome

@iramshelton

” Silver nails are the ‘cool girl’ nail of the season,” confirms Stone, who has been clocking different takes of the shade across Pinterest boards and TikTok feeds. The chrome of it all makes the metallic more sophisticated than kitschy, creating the ultimate swoon-worthy neutral for Christmas revelry.

Noir Red

@poppinpolishldn

Cheerful crimson is a Christmas staple, but this year, we’re gravitating toward a moodier take on the shade. Black cherry skews seasonal yet noir for a refined interpretation of merrymaking,

“You can’t go wrong with a black cherry during the winter months,” says Stone. And for those with short nails? This is your moment. “This rich color is extra complementary on a trim shape,” says Stone.

Dreamy White

@holliebarkernailartist

Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year is a palette cleanser that has a place at Christmastime, too. “White is the shade of winter,” says Primus. “A crisp white set emulates that ‘White Christmas’ aesthetic: clean, bright, and luxurious.”

The appeal of the color is borne of frost and freezing temperatures, effects that nail artist Emi Kudo suggests emulating by using a sponge when applying your polish for a “gentle, snowy effect.”

Deep Green

@holliebarkernailartist

Bringing the forest inside is a centerpiece of Christmas, so why not allow the evergreens to influence your nail game? Deep greens that toe the line between Hunter and emerald capture the essence of a pine tree without feeling too obvious.

“This color is both festive and elevated,” says Stone. “Try adding a little glitter to the mix if you want to lean all the way into the holiday.”

Gilded Glitter

@holliebarkernailartist

For nails that flash like a Christmas ornament, opt for gold glitter. “Gold is always a festive staple as it shows up everywhere during the holidays, so naturally it’s a go-to shade (or accent!) for nails,” says Primus.

Kudo agrees and offers some options for individualization: choose a shiny top coat for extra luminosity or a matte coat for chic, modern texture, and don’t be afraid to combine different grades of glitter.