The 7 Best Nail Colors for December

As soon as November rolls around, we’re all thrown head first into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and in the blink of an eye it’s January 1 and a new year has begun. The best way to avoid getting lost in the blur of the winter months, though, is to plan ahead. To take some stress off your likely endless holiday to-do list, we’ve rounded up the best December nail colors for your holiday manicure, according to Nailing Hollywood experts. These December nail colors are perfect for your holiday soiree, your belated Friendsgiving or even for ringing in 2025.

Nail Shades to Try in December

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Milky White

Reminiscent of the winter snow and on theme with the jelly nail trends of today, milky white is the perfect shade for your December manicure, like this style by Hang Nguyen. Nguyen’s style also features hand-painted stars, making it a good transitional style for New Year’s, too.

Two to try: Boy de Chanel Nail Color in 402 Natural ($32) and Essie Nail Polish in Adore-A-Ball ($14)

• BUY CHANEL – $32
• BUY ESSIE – $15

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Deep Maroon

A classic for the holiday season, deep maroon is another great shade for your December manicure. This style by Laura Malarkey showcases how the color can be combined with accent nails for a more upscale set.

Two to try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Como Se Llama ($12) and Londontown Lakur in Elderberry ($16)

• BUY OPI – $12
• BUY LONDONTOWN – $16

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Red Velvet

If you want something a little more festive, a classic red velvet shade is the perfect option. This style by Malarkey takes the red velvet hue up a notch, adding a cat eye effect to the finish.

Two to try: ILNP Magnetic Polish in Poison ($12.50) and Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Goldie Red ($35)

• BUY ILNP – $12.50
• BUY GUCCI – $35

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Plum Purple

Plum nails are having a moment right now, and according to our experts at Nailing Hollywood, it is also the ideal shade for your December manicure. If you want to dress it up a bit, play with matte and glossy finishes like in this example by Malarkey. 

Two to try: Londontown Lakur in Portobello Plum ($16) and Manucurist Paris Green Natural Nail Polish in Aubergine ($14)

• BUY LONDONTOWN – $16
• BUY MANUCURIST – $14

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Velvet Champagne

Champagne nails are also super trendy right now and are perfectly apt for the celebratory nature of the holiday season, so they’re a great option for your December manicure. Keeping the cat eye vibe going, this style by Priscilla Rivas adds an iridescent finish to the classic champagne beige shade.

Two to try: Dior Vernis in 114 Lumiere ($34) Londontown Bare Illuminating Nail Concealer ($20)

• BUY DIOR – $34
• BUY LONDONTOWN – $20

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Gold Velvet

Equally as celebratory, gold velvet nails are another fan-favorite December nail color according to our experts, and this set by Rivas shows how the super-shiny style is an absolute eye-catcher.

Two to try: Essie Metallics Nail Polish in Good as Gold ($10) and OPI Metallic Mega Mix Nail Polish in SaTURN ($12)

• BUY ESSIE – $10
• BUY OPI – $12

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Forest Green

Whether you’re decking the halls or setting off on a ski trip to Vail, forest green nails are the perfect accessory. This style by Tara Haye pairs the shade with another great December nail color—gold—for a festive yet regal look.

Two to try: Olive & June One for You, Two for Me ($9) and OPI Nail Lacquer in Stay Off the Lawn ($12)

• BUY OLIVE & JUNE – $9
• BUY OPI – $12