Looking for a little end-of-year mani inspo? Here, manicurists reveal their favorite December nail ideas. Along with the expected holly-jolly palettes, the nail artists we spoke with forecast bows, silver and gold accents, elevated French tips, and frosty chrome finishes to reign supreme this holiday season.

These looks incorporate lots of jewel tones and sparkles.

Dreaming of the perfect manicure to finish out 2024? We’re here to help! We chatted with a few nail pros to learn their favorite December nail looks. Along with the expected holly-jolly red and green palettes, the nail artists we spoke with forecast bows, silver and gold accents, elevated French tips, and frosty chrome finishes to reign supreme this holiday season.

Meet the expert

• Mazz Hanna is a manicurist and the CEO of Nailing Hollywood, an agency that represents the top talent in the nail industry. 
• Olivia Van Iderstine is Olive & June’s mani trend expert and vice president of content.
• Marnae Orton is a senior artist and educator at nailsaloon in Washington, D.C.

In the weeks ahead, consider sticking to a single theme or choose a few to incorporate into a fun and festive mix-n-match December mani. All the inspo you need awaits ahead.

Metallic Silver Micro French Tips

We love a full-fledged French but when you’re working with a trendy color or eye-catching finish, even a micro tip can make a bold style statement. “A micro French is a minimalistic take on the classic French manicure—this holiday season, swap out traditional white tips for a thin line of metallic gold, silver, or rose gold,” says manicurist Mazz Hanna. “It’s subtle and pairs beautifully with both short or long nails for an understated look perfect for special events and everyday wear.”

Champagne Cranberry Blush Mani

Love a neutral mani but hoping to hop on the holiday bandwagon? Consider a multicolored palette with a hint of shimmer. “Nothing feels more festive than a touch of glitter,” Hanna says. “Instead of glittering every nail, highlight one or two as accent nails. Pair a shimmering gold or silver with rich, solid colors like deep green or burgundy for a balanced yet festive look.”

Festive Red Dual-Finish Mani

Is it just us or is this glitter-tipped, ruby-red chrome French giving all the Santa vibes? “The sparkle adds an energetic, playful quality, making the nails feel dynamic and alive,” says nail artist Marnae Orton .

3D Tinsel Bow Minimalist Mani

Tinsel trees are trending on social media, as are shiny silver beauty accents. As such, this 3D silver bow accent is a must in our book—whether you’re looking to elevate a minimalist neutral matte mani or take a vibrant seasonal nail look to the next level. Olivia Van Iderstine, Olive & June's vice president of content, says you can get the look with press-on nail glue and a silver bow charm, of which there are many on Amazon. “Everything for the holidays is wrapped in bows, and your nails should be no exception,” she exclaims. 

If you don’t want a raised nail look, Van Iderstine recommends a hand-painted bow. “Bows are such an easy nail art look to get at home because they don't have to be perfect and they come together with a few easy swirls of a nail art brush. The more organic and natural looking, the better,” she says.

Bejeweled Metallic Evergreen French Tips

Another way you can use nail glue to create a fun December nail look? To add festive multicolored gems to a green or red tip for a Christmas French mani. It takes very little effort but makes for a head-turning holiday nail look.

Candy Cane French Tips

Candy canes are easily the most nostalgic Christmas candy. Harness that classic, childlike vibe on your hands with a French mani inspired by the sweet treat. “It reflects the holiday spirit, making it a fun way to celebrate the Christmas season,” Orton says.

Dainty Metallic Evergreen French Tips

Another way to make a red or green French manicure look even more festive? With metallic swirls on top. “Dainty metallic accents are perfect for December with the anticipation of the holiday season,” Hanna says. “This trend leans into subtlety. Thin lines, tiny shapes, or subtle foil touches are a great option for those looking for something understated but still festive.”

Festive Gold Chrome Star Cranberry Nails

Metallic accents and celestial designs are major in 2024, making them a great choice for your final nail look(s) of the year. “Chrome stars are all about playful celestial vibes,” Hanna says. “Whether you opt for stickers, stencils, or freehand, chrome stars will add a bold pop to matte or glossy bases. To make the trend even more perfect for December, try layering silver or gold stars over a moody black or navy background for a night sky effect.” (Or go with cranberry for an ultra-luxe feel.)

Festive Plaid Tort Shorties

Plaid and tortoiseshell are two of the most classic prints for fall. Consider pairing them together for an early December nail look. “Cozy winter patterns like plaid, animal print, and tortoiseshell are timeless options for December,” Hanna says. “Opt for muted tones like beige, forest green, or rust for a wearable, everyday version.”

Frosty Chrome Nails

We love a chrome moment! As pretty as red, green, silver, and gold chrome nails are for the holidays, we’re also drawn to frosted white iterations of the trend. “White nails often get overlooked for the holidays, but frosty white chrome nails bring all the winter wonderland vibes,” Hanna says. “To get the look, opt for an icy white shade and top it off with a cool-toned chrome powder.”

Frozen Glitter Ombré Nails

Love the idea of a wintry December nail look? Check out this frozen glitter ombré design. “These cat eye nails are absolutely perfect for the holiday season, exuding elegance and sophistication,” Orton says. “This luxurious color and design effortlessly combine classic holiday charm with a modern, eye-catching twist, making your nails a true statement piece for the season.”

Gift-Wrapped French Tips

Remind yourself that December is the season of giving with a gorgeous gift-wrapped French manicure. “French manicures will never go out of style, but the look du jour will always evolve from season to season,” Van Iderstine says. “For your December French mani, think of adding some ‘ornaments’ to this classic look with bows, hearts, or stars. Another way to make this mani feel fresh for December is to mix up your color palette.”

Meanwhile, the way Orton sees it, “a vibrant red manicure adorned with a delicate bow is the ultimate holiday nail design, radiating festive charm and elegance. The rich red base color captures the warmth and excitement of the season, while the addition of a crisp white bow transforms your nails into miniature gift boxes.”

Magical Maroon Shorties

Another of Hanna's top picks? This simple dark and festive short mani. You can get the look at home with a bottle of dark maroon polish, nail glue, and celestial nail gems. Or you can paint on the stars with silver chrome polish and glue a gem in the center of each for extra sparkle power.

Matte Cranberry Chrome Snowflake Nails

Wintry and festive, this matte cranberry chrome snowflake design is a beautiful pick for December. “A classic red manicure adorned with delicate white snowflakes on four nails creates the perfect holiday nail design, blending festive elegance with a whimsical winter charm,” Orton says. “The rich, vibrant red serves as a warm, eye-catching base, embodying the holiday spirit, while the intricate snowflakes add a touch of frosty magic, evoking the beauty of freshly fallen snow.”

Merry and Bright Red Chrome Nails

No time for a nail appointment or labor-intensive DIY sesh? Make it easy on yourself with a set of Olive & June Ruby Chrome Tab Press-Ons. “We love a cheery cherry red mani in December—instant festive feels—but we like to take it a shiny step further with a layer of red chrome on top; it adds intrigue and shimmers so beautifully at a party,” Van Iderstine says. “This look is so easy to achieve: Just apply an iridescent shimmer topper on top of your red mani or get the look even faster with press-ons.”

Mod Ornament Nails

Black nails are popular for December, as they work well for holiday parties and New Year's Eve. To make them look extra festive, consider adding a few iridescent charms to the mix for a modern ornament look. For a hung-with-care aesthetic, use a fine-lining nail art brush to connect the gems to thin, art deco-inspired lines extending down from your tips.

Neutral Snowflake Nails

Neutral nails can be dressed up for December. Here, nail artist Brittney Ellen started with a peachy-nude velvet base and topped it off with crisp white snowflakes and peppermint swirls. So pretty!

Pretty Pine Square French Tips

White accents can be painted on top of any nail look for a snowy, shimmering effect. We love how they look layered with rich pine French tips.

Understated Chrome Holiday French

If you prefer simple nail looks, feast your eyes on this understated chrome pine mani with frosted French tips. We're obsessed. You can get the look with a metallic sage nail polish or by layering a pine green polish with a sheer silver topper. Then, for the frosted accent nails, opt for a sheer pink base and cream tips layered with white chrome powder.