85 Winter Nail Ideas You’ll Definitely Want to Copy
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
As we gear up for the return of holiday parties and events, a new rotation of winter nail ideas are here to help you get festive and ready. And this year, nails are proving to be more of a delight than ever. Who among us hasn’t experienced the momentary joy of looking down in between endless meetings to a hint of shimmer, or a pop of our favorite winter nail polish peering back at us?
This season, winter nail art is all about maximum fun with minimal work. Sure, there are the beautiful deep greens and dark red nail polishes that always trend as the best winter nail colors. But there are also plenty of unexpected winter manicures you can easily paint from the comfort of your couch (preferably with a glass of wine and something feel-good pulled up on Netflix). Think glittery shades that look like sparkling Christmas lights and pair well with winter hairstyles and winter makeup, or quirky stickers that give the look of nail art without any of the fuss.
So, no matter your taste or dexterity, scroll on for the coolest winter nail ideas and holiday nail designs that’ll take you through the season and straight into 2025. Cheers to that.
- Instagram/@alyssanailtech1/85
Matte Red
Looking for a mani that makes a serious statement but is still easy to DIY? Your search stops now. Nothing says wintertime quite like a chic matte red manicure. Create the look by topping your favorite red nail polish with OPI’s Matte Top Coat.
- Instagram/@nailsbyzola2/85
Midnight Blue
While red and green are the typical choices for wintertime and holiday nail designs, Hailey Bieber makes a great case for leaning into blue with the midnight manicure she got in honor of her son, Jack Blues Bieber. To create the look, nail artist Zola Ganzorigt used OPI’s Midnight Mantra.
- Instagram/@glowbygracee3/85
Glitter Tips
Perfect for a manifestation manicure, glitter tips are a surefire way to bring good vibes into the new year.
- Instagram/@mynailfielife4/85
Festive Plaid
Whether you’re the kind of person who puts up the Christmas tree in November or a bit of a scrooge, you can’t go wrong with green and red plaid. For a similar look, try Olive & June press-ons in Hand-Painted Plaid.
- Instagram/@tombachik5/85
Chic Black
If festive vibes aren’t your thing, take a page from Selena Gomez and her nail artist Tom Bachik for inspiration. Bachik’s take? “When in doubt, a black mani is what it’s all about.” We love OPI’s Black Onyx.
- Instagram/@mynailfielife6/85
Metallic Glitter
Ring in the new year with a bangin’ mani. To get the look, nail creator Maritza Williams used Beauty Garde Longwear Nail Polish in Legend. Another option? Use it to top off and elevate your usual shade for the holidays.
- Instagram/@bycheznails7/85
Classic Red
More of a traditionalist? We don’t blame you. Red is fail-safe! And while no two people can agree on what the true “classic red” nail polish is, nail artist and content creator Emily Zheng sure has a convincing pick: Essie Nail Polish in Forever Yummie.
- Instagram/@alyssanailtech8/85
Merry Mix & Match
Can’t choose just one holiday nail design? Now you don’t have to! Mix and match your favorite nail art to create a one-of-a-kind style worthy of a spot on Santa’s good (nails) list.
- Instagram/@glowbygracee9/85
Mistletoe Merlot
Love classic red but want to kick it up a notch? Consider a sweet mistletoe-Merlot manicure to send your crush a message.
- Instagram/@bycheznails10/85
Confetti French
For something colorful and party-ready, try a sweet confetti look. You can DIY with Orly Nail Lacquer in Turn it Up.
- Instagram/@getnailedkelowna11/85
Cheetah Red
Another chic way to elevate red nails? Cheetah-print accent nails, of course.
- Instagram/@bycheznails12/85
Holly Gold
Holly-inspired nail art with golden tips? Sign me up! Create the look with Ella + Mila nail polish in Dream, Drippin Gold, Island Hopping, and Kiss Kiss.
- Instagram/@alyssanailtech13/85
Disco Nails
If disco curls are trending, why shouldn’t disco nails? Live your best life with ZOYA Nail Polish in Cosmo Magical Pixiedust.
- Instagram/@getnailedkelowna14/85
Forest French
Tired of red? Simply lean into green. Our favorite shade for the job is Londontown’s Mistletoe.
- Instagram/@bycheznails15/85
Winter Blues
Can’t choose just one shade of blue? You don’t have to! Re-create this moody look with ILNP’s Overcast Collection.
- Instagram/@alyssanailtech16/85
Gold Leaves
Minimalist-mani lovers, this one’s for you! Top off your favorite nude nail polish with 3D Metallic Flower Leaf Nail stickers for a holiday-friendly look that’s still super low-key (and leafy).
- Instagram/@getnailedkelowna17/85
Cherry Mocha
Cute, cozy, and very much on trend, cherry-mocha nails are perfect for wintertime. Get the look with JinSoon’s Audacity.
- Instagram/@bycheznails18/85
Plaid & Gold
A little bit Gossip Girl but definitely festive, this chic take on plaid nails is calling your name for winter. Get the look with press-ons.
- Instagram/@mynailfielife19/85
Starry Night
Winter blues? We don’t know her! Not when our midnight blue mani is oh so sparkly, at least.
- Instagram/@alyssanailtech20/85
Winter Wonderland
The weather outside is frightful, but your nails are so delightful.… And they look just like the aforementioned weather outside.
- Instagram @thehotblend21/85
Silver Bells
Silver glitter French tips paired with dainty snowflake nail art are festive yet understated. To create the snowflakes, use a thin nail brush and dotting tool. You can find both in this nail art set from Manucurist.
- Instagram @monika__nails22/85
Hot Chocolate
Create the illusion of steaming hot chocolate with an artistic wave accent nail. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Been There, Dune That is the perfect chocolaty shade.
- Instagram @glowstudioaesthetics23/85
Leafy Green
Something about this green manicure with gold leaf accents reminds us of decorating the Christmas tree. Try two different tones in forest green and sage to add some dimension. We love the combo of China Glaze in Emerald Magic and Essie Ferris of Them All.
- Instagram @heygreatnails26/85
Bronze Glitter
Instead of silver, gold, or rose gold, opt for bronze metallic. Not only is it on trend with the current brown and latte makeup obsession, but it also looks chic on all skin tones, especially when paired with geometric nail art.
- Instagram @vivianmariewong27/85
Icy Barbie
For a festive spin on Barbie nails, try this glitter nails ombré design. To get the perfect gradient, dip a makeup sponge wedge into hot pink nail polish and work your way up to a pinky nude base coat. Top off your tips with a pink glitter polish like Paige from ILNP then apply a thick layer of topcoat to smooth out the texture.
- Instagram @phoebesummernails28/85
Sugarplum Fairy
Matte lavender tips and a pink base are the sweetest pairing. Finish off your fairy-inspired look with tiny pearls for a whimsical touch.
- Instagram @kitty_klawsss29/85
Liquid Gold
Bring your textured manicure to the next level with shiny gold glitter chrome. Keep the rest of the nail nude for a more minimalist feel.
- Instagram @wownailsiom30/85
Rainbow Confetti
Countdown to 2025 with these confetti-inspired New Year’s nails. To achieve the look, layer different colored nail foils to create the illusion of dimension and texture. Opt for short nails to balance out the busy design.
- Instagram/@betina_goldstein31/85
Floating Tinsel
This minimalist look may seem complicated, but all you need is a striper brush to create thin lines. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein used BrillBird UK to create black stripes, which she layered with silver sparkle for an eye-catching effect.
- Instagram/@nailsbyzola32/85
Chocolate Glazed Donut
The glazed-donut manicure is alive and well this winter, with the latest chocolate iteration using DND Gel in shades Coffee Bean and Spiced Brown, layered with OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can.
- Instagram/@amyle.nails33/85
’70s Groove
Embrace the moody shades of winter with a ’70s-inspired manicure. Add a polish with metallic finish to play with texture.
- Instagram/@vanityprojects34/85
Alien Superstar
Something about these iridescent green chrome nails reminds us of The Grinch. Top things off with holographic stars to add an extra dose of sparkle.
- Instagram / @betina_goldstein35/85
Ombré Glitter
Why wear one glitter polish when you can wear two? Split the difference with your favorite sparkly shades or go for a kit (like Paintbox’s power couples) that pairs up two stunners together for you in an ombré nails design.
- Instagram / @evelynlnails36/85
Holographic Stripes
A single glitzy line is like jewelry for your fingertips—and makes your nails look extra long.
- Instagram / @betina_goldstein37/85
Champagne Sparkles
Cheers to the most perfect shimmery polish we’ve ever seen. (It’s Essie in Semi-Precious Tones, in case you think so too.)
- Instagram / @overglowedit38/85
Skittles Mani
Mismatched nail art isn’t going anywhere this winter, if anything because it’s the easiest nail art to do yourself. Pastels and neons are definitely still going strong, but if you want shades that feel more seasonally on trend, go for muted blues with rusty browns and red.
- Instagram / @betina_goldstein39/85
Gilded Tips
For all the Folklore fans in the house, let a thread of gold tie your look together.
- Instagram / @oliveandjune40/85
Silver Glitter
Fact: It’s impossible not to look down and smile when Olive & June’s Exclamation Point is on your nails.
- Instagram / @thuybnguyen41/85
Confetti Glitter
New Year’s might not be the confetti-filled bash we all deserve, but your nails don’t have to know that.
- Instagram / @overglowedit42/85
Daisy Nails
Seventies vibes are still having a moment—on hair or on nails. Get in on the look with Deco Miami’s Stay Groovy stickers. Matcha green base optional but encouraged.
- Instagram/@paintedbyjools_43/85
Hot Chocolate Nails
The only thing yummier than a mug of piping-hot cocoa? A mani that combines a range of chocolate shades.
- Instagram / @avivaatri44/85
Mixed Media
The best nail-art pattern of them all this winter? Not settling on just one. Play with lines, shapes, and French-tip styles for a truly one-of-a-kind manicure.
- Instagram / @themaniclub45/85
Icy Tips
It’s not really winter until the snow falls—at least on your fingertips.
- Instagram / @tiffdods46/85
French Manicure
Make this the year you reacquaint yourself with press-ons (if you haven’t already).
- Instagram / @betina_goldstein47/85
Chrome French
The beauty of micro French tips is that they’re easy to clean up with a nail brush and some remover if you go overboard.
- Instagram / @paintboxnails48/85
Smooth Shapes
The ’70s strike again. The trick here is grounding the color palette in neutral tones for a pattern that works all season long.
- Instagram / @thehangedit49/85
Cartoon Sparkles
The litmus test for nail trends this season: Does it make us happy? This is an obvious yes.
- Instagram/@paintedbyjools_50/85
Cherry Red
Red nail polish transcends seasons, but it really shines during the holidays. Try Essie Gel Couture in Bubbles Only for a cherry red that shines all year round.
- Instagram / @nail_unistella51/85
Two-Toned
Another impossibly easy nail art idea to execute: Paint each hand a different pastel or shimmery shade.
- Instagram / @betina_goldstein52/85
Shades of Red
A gradient of reds is just the right amount of festive without hitting you over the head.
- Instagram / @yeswhatnails53/85
Metallic Dots
These playful polka dots feel like they belong on a New Year’s party favor.
- Instagram / @yeswhatnails54/85
Split Shades
Can’t decide on one trend? Get the best of all of them by mixing and matching pastels and brights across every nail.
- Instagram/@paintedbyjools_55/85
Black Licorice
If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. You can't go wrong with black nails in the cold weather, especially when topped with an ultra-glossy topcoat like Seche Vite.
- Instagram/@phreshnailss56/85
Snowcap French
Swooping French tips are a nod to snowy mountains, without feeling obvious. Gold twinkles add a glamorous touch.
- Instagram/@lolo.nailedit57/85
Negative Space
Negative space remains the simplest way to add a touch of cool to a mani in seconds.
- Instagram/@saruhnails58/85
Blue Tips
Make a French feel fresh with icy blue tips (try OPI in To Infinity and Blue-yond).
- Instagram/@lolo.nailedit59/85
White Shimmer
Put a spin on classic winter white nails with a cool holographic glitter topcoat. Try Pacifica's Bio Glitter in Celestial for a similar effect.
- Instagram/@saruhnails60/85
Broken Hearts
A black and nude palette puts an edgy spin on dainty hearts, and will have you covered from now until Valentine’s Day.
- Instagram/@lolo.nailedit61/85
Rainbow Cheetah
Add a pop of color to your closet of neutrals with a rainbow of cheetah-print nails (try Etsy for some fun nail wraps that required zero skill).
- Instagram/@overglowedit62/85
Rainbow French
For another cool twist on a French manicure, go with a different color tip on each nail. A gold decal adds another special touch.
- Instagram/@betina_goldstein63/85
Checkerboard
A fun palette like olive and plum (try Essie Expressie in We Don’t Mesh and Dial it Up) makes a trendy pattern even cooler.
- Instagram/@lolo.nailedit64/85
Doodle Nails
One of 2021’s coolest nail trends was treating each nail like a page in a scrapbook, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Use a mix of stickers and hand-painted designs for the coolest mix.
- Instagram/@lolo.nailedit65/85
Ruby Shimmer
For something where edge meets glam, go for a shimmering red shade with a hint of black. Bonus: It’s great if you’re trying to grow your nails, since the holographic effect makes nails look superlong.
- Instagram/@nailsbymh66/85
Blinged-Out French
A diamond-encrusted mani is perfect for holiday parties and beyond.
- Instagram/@betina_goldstein67/85
Cozy Stripes
Pair your favorite striped sweater with some nail polish to match. For this look, nail artist Betina Goldstein used Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Brun Fumé and Rouge Brun.
- Instagram/@lolo.nailedit68/85
Icy Blue Twinkles
For another take on cartoon sparkles, decorate only a few nails. An ice blue color palette keeps everything feeling nice and wintry.
- Insatgram/@overglowedit69/85
Warm Florals
Classic daisies (use a dotting tool or the end of a bobby pin for an easy DIY) feel winter-appropriate in a cozy color palette of orange and purple.
- Instagram/@overglowedit70/85
Gold Tips
Give cool gilded tips a dreamy celestial touch with gold star stickers.
- Instagram/@betina_goldstein71/85
Kusama Tips
If you like you nail art to feel a little more intellectual, take a cue from the iconic art of Yayoi Kusama.
- Instagram/@oliveandjune72/85
Frosty Tips
Holographic tips (try Cirque Color’s Aquamarine) adds some dimension to a tone-on-tone mani.
- Instagram/@oliveandjune73/85
Evergreen
Holiday ready without being too on the nose. Try Olive & June’s Geometry to get the look.
- Instagram/@betina_goldstein74/85
Stuffed Olives
What better companion to your Friday (or Tuesday) night martini?
- Instagram/@tombachik77/85
American Manicure
For the newest twist on a French mani, try the American Manicure, which just means both the tips and base are softer shades of nude and white for less contrast and a more natural feel.
- Instagram/@nycnailroom78/85
Abstract Swirls
Not feeling a full red mani? Opt for artful swirls instead.
- Instagram/@oliveandjune79/85
Black Micro French
A thinner tip feels a little more modern—as does using black instead of white.
- Instagram/@paintboxnails80/85
Mixed Patterns
A mishmash of trendy patterns like checkerboards and smiley faces couldn’t be cuter.
- Instagram/@paintboxnails81/85
Cute Dots
Some floating dots on a neutral base is simple and chic (and easy to DIY).
- Instagram/@paintboxnails82/85
Silver Stripes
Cooler temps call for cooler tones, like this pretty swoops of silver and black.
- Instagram/@overglowedit83/85
Cute Hearts
While it may not feel like it, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Get in the mood with this cute negative-space heart mani.
- Instagram/@paintedbyjools_84/85
Hot Pink
Neons may not be your typical nail colors, but when we’re going on day 50 of “sludge” as the forecast, a bright mani is the perfect pick-me-up.
- Instagram/@saruhnails85/85
Colorful Swirls
Swoops of red add a colorful touch to an otherwise minimal mani.