Discover the hottest nail trends for December 2025 featuring celebrity-recommended shades like classic red and dark green. From Deborah Lippmann's must-have reds to Brittney Boyce's elegant dark blues, these game-changing colors perfect your holiday style. Elevate your festive looks with these sophisticated burgundy, chocolate brown, and edgy black manicures.

OMG, can you believe it's already December 2025? 🎄 As we're diving deep into the holiday season, I've been absolutely obsessed with updating my nail game. The winter vibes are real, and honestly, nothing completes a festive outfit like the perfect manicure. I recently chatted with some celebrity nail artists (Deborah Lippmann and Brittney Boyce are my absolute faves!), and they spilled all the tea on this season's hottest shades. Trust me, these colors are total game-changers! 😍

01 The Classic Red Reigns Supreme

december-2025-nail-trends-the-ultimate-guide-to-winter-manicures-image-0

Y'all, red nails are ALWAYS a vibe, but especially in December! Mako Bold from nailsaloon calls it "one of the most stunning and versatile colors for winter" and I couldn't agree more. Deborah Lippmann even says red is practically a neutral this time of year—how chic is that? It's the perfect balance of boldness and neutrality that works for literally any occasion.

My Top Picks:

  • Deborah Lippmann in My Old Flame 🔥

  • Mooncat in Pandemonium

  • The GelBottle in Candy

02 Dark Green: The Holiday MVP

With Christmas around the corner, dark green nails are having a major moment! Lippmann says this color "combines the look and feel of winter along with holiday spirit" and it's so true. It's sophisticated, elegant, and gives off those moody winter vibes we're all craving.

Must-Have Greens:

  • Aprés in Emerald City 🌿

  • Olive & June in It's Actually Dark Green

  • Habit Cosmetics in 29 Scarab

03 Burgundy Beauty: Cherry Cola Craze

For a deeper, darker look, Lippmann's obsessed with the "Cherry Cola" trend—a bold mix of cherry red and brown that's both daring and chic AF. It's another one of those "bold yet neutral" looks that works for everything from holiday parties to cozy nights in.

Burgundy Faves:

  • Londontown in Lady Luck 🍒

  • The GelBottle in Arabian Night

  • Manucurist Paris in Dark Pansy

04 Dark Blue: Icy & Elegant

Whether you're going for an icy winter look or planning your New Year's Eve manicure, Brittney Boyce says dark blue is absolutely stunning. The best part? It looks amazing with any finish—matte, satin, metallic, or glossy. So versatile!

Blue Beauties:

  • Aprés in Fanta-Sea 🌊

  • Zoya in Jen

  • Nailberry in Blue Moon

05 Chocolate Browns: Cozy & Chic

Brown nails have been trending since fall, and they're NOT going anywhere! Mako Bold says neutral-toned colors "create a harmonious and effortlessly chic look for the colder months." Lippmann's been loving all the brown variations this season—from rich classics to creamy nude tones.

Brown Staples:

  • Aprés Never Bordeaux You

  • Pear Nova in Michelle Our Mama

  • Dazzle Dry in Fringe

06 Black with a Twist: Edgy Elegance

Okay, I know what you're thinking—black nails during the holidays? But hear me out! Black manicures are totally trending for December 2025. Bold says they "add a touch of sophistication and edge" that emphasizes winter's stark beauty. For a festive twist, try a shimmery finish! ✨

Black Magic:

  • Chanel Le Vernis in 161

  • Nailberry in 50 Shades

  • Zoya in Storm

07 Neutral Nudes: Cozy Comfort

On the complete opposite end, we have the cozy, off-white manicures that are popping up everywhere. Nina Fuller calls it "almond" while Lippmann refers to it as beige—whatever you call it, these neutral shades are perfect for complementing winter's earthy palettes.

Neutral Necessities:

  • Gelcare in Vanilla

  • Manucurist Paris in Porcelaine

  • Essie in Marshmallow

08 Chrome Toppers: The Icing on the Cake

Last but definitely not least—CHROME! Lippmann calls it "the perfect added design to any simple manicure" and I'm totally obsessed. The trend has shifted from lighter colors to cooler, darker shades with chrome accents. It's such an easy way to elevate your look with minimal effort!

Chrome Champions:

  • Beetles Gel Polish Silver Chrome Nail Powder ✨

  • essie Studio Special Effects in Cosmic Chrome

  • Le Mini Macaron Le Métallique Chrome Powder Set

So there you have it, babes! December 2025's nail trends are all about embracing the winter vibes while keeping it chic and sophisticated. Whether you're team bold colors or prefer something more neutral, there's definitely a trend here for everyone. Which shade are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments! 💅✨