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Parties, glitzy dinners, end-of-year catch-up drinks, Hallmark movie nights, more parties—’tis the season to be booked and busy. Need inspo for your next set before you hit the circuit? The most memorable—and versatile—holiday manis hint at the season without giving it away at first glance. This year, our favourite nail art is taking a page out of fashion’s playbook, mixing timeless patterns with merry-and-bright palettes and glittering embellishments, plus a sweet twist on animal print. Here’s what’s on our mood board for the holiday season and beyond. Consider this your sign to book your next salon appointment before the cheerful chaos of the season takes over.
Polka Dot Party
[instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DNnphr6RTAg/” /] On the runway and on A-listers’ tips, polka dots are having a moment. Case in point: Zola Ganzorigt—the nail artist behind Hailey Bieber’s viral dotty summer mani—recently shared a holiday-ready twist on the graphic pattern she helped propel to “It” status. For Sydney Sweeney’s latest look, she painted the star’s nails a deep crimson hue and added white polka dots on one hand, then reversed the colours on the other for a whimsical mix-and-match approach that’s fun and festive without feeling kitschy. To make this design your own, try it in jewel tones, like emerald green and plum, or mix in metallics for an eye-catching twinkle. [content_module id=”1″]
Ice, Ice Baby
[instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ46SzSkpxu/” /] What’s the holiday season without a little sparkle? Take a page out of nail artist Sarah Chue’s book and bring an icicle-inspired glimmer to your mani with a delicate smattering of crystal gems concentrated around the tip to evoke melting ice. A high-shine nude base, like the one Chue used on Stranger Things actress Priah Ferguson, lets the embellishments shine, but it would look just as pretty on a white, red or dark green base for an extra dose of holiday cheer. [content_module id=”2″]
Take a Bow
[instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DCzbKdMsFvw/” /] Our bow era isn’t ending anytime soon. Simone Rocha, Chanel and Dior have all doubled down on the soft romantic vibe and the obsession has officially trickled down to our nails, too. Bows are proving to be the perfect finishing touch to any holiday mani—think painted ribbons drifting across fingertips, teeny tiny decals zhuzhing up a bare set or chunky 3D adornments. A shimmery red polish against a sheer pink base looks incredibly chic, but for maximum impact, match the ribbon to your favourite party dress. [content_module id=”3″]
Frosted Tips
[instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DRAopXHkqco/” /] White Christmas or not, you can’t go wrong with a frosty white set for the holidays. Think lustrous pearl finishes, a dusting of champagne glitter over a coat of creamy polish or a shimmery silver with a barely-there blue reflection that mimics the sun’s reflection on a fresh snow fall. To get the look, nail artist Zola Ganzorigt glazed Hailey Bieber’s nails with a sheer pink polish and used chrome powder and a cat-eye technique to give the tips extra shine. Rushing to your next function? Opt for a few coats of shimmery polish or a set of easy-breezy press-ons. [content_module id=”4″]
Well Plaid
[instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck-T4_Ussxp/” /] Plaid is a holiday classic for a reason, and it just so happens to be having a sartorial renaissance this winter. In shades of red or greens, it makes a high-impact festive statement that’s equal parts quirky and timeless. Lean into the checkered pattern’s playful side with a purposefully unfinished French tip that gives the look of frayed tweed and lets the sheer base peek through. If you’re trying this one at home, use a fine-tipped brush and be patient as you’ll want to let the polish dry between each coat. [content_module id=”5″]
Stars and Stripes
[instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DQrC7I8jW5I/” /] Stripes may be a summertime staple, but the right colour combo and a chrome accent or two take the look from beach towel to holiday soirée. We love the surprising plum and pink palette above, but anything goes. Want to go classic? Pair a shiny white polish with your go-to red. Whether you opt for dainty, pencil-thin lines or intentional stripes, the key to a mani that’s at once bold and elevated is a steady hand and straight lines. That’s easier said than done, so don’t be afraid to call in a pro. [content_module id=”6″]
Oh, Deer
[instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DDIM10-osHf/” /] From leopard spots to zebra stripes to snake skin, we all went wild for animal prints this year. But did you know that there’s an adorable new contender for 2025’s hottest pattern? Enter bambi nails, a surprisingly easy way to take a minimalist nude manicure to the next level. Start with a light brown base, then dot flecks of white polish across the entirety of the nail to mimic a fawn’s distinctive fur pattern. [content_module id=”7″] Continue Reading
