7 Must-Have Trending Nail Polish Colors for December—Plus One Festive Finish

From moody greens to classic reds.

December is here, bringing visions of chilly weather, cozy fashion, and stunning seasonal nail looks. While we can’t get enough of winter wardrobe and hairstyles, this month, it’s all about the nails. Celebrity manicurists are loving deeper, moodier shades for winter, with dark blues, greens, and reds topping the list. This winter, we have been absolutely loving darker-toned and moody shade.

You really can’t go wrong with anything dark this season. Dark blues and greens are currently my favorite—they’re cool and different from your typical red and dark red shades.

Read on to discover the top seven nail polish colors for December—plus one finish that’s perfect for the season.

1. Dark Green

Instagram/ @disseynailsInstagram/ @disseynails

With the holidays in full swing and the evergreen season on our minds, dark green nails are in high demand.This hue captures the essence of winter, offering a sophisticated, elegant vibe while tapping into the festive spirit. Dark green nails are trending for a few reasons this winter. [The color] combines the look and feel of winter along with holiday spirit.

Instagram/ @melanated.mani

When it comes to nails in December, red is always a winner. Red is undoubtedly one of the most stunning and versatile colors for the winter season. It’s timeless and exudes sophistication, making it ideal for both casual and formal events. The classic red manicure is here to stay and is one of our favorites. It’s the perfect balance of boldness and neutrality, offering a versatile pop of color that suits any occasion.

Instagram/ @lolo.nailedit

For a deeper, moodier December manicure, burgundy is a top choice. One of the standout trends this season is 'Cherry Cola'—a bold mix of cherry red and brown that creates a daring yet chic vibe. It's another bold yet neutral option that brings warmth and elegance to any look.

Instagram/ @heluviee

Whether you’re aiming for an icy winter vibe or prepping for New Year’s Eve, dark blue nails are the perfect fit.This hue works beautifully in a variety of finishes. Dark blue nails are beautiful no matter how you wear them—whether matte, satin, metallic, or glass. The color can elevate any look for the holiday season.

Instagram/ @melanated.mani

Brown tones have been on trend since the fall and continue to be popular this winter.Warm, neutral browns complement cold-weather clothing perfectly. Neutral-toned colors are the perfect complement to warm clothing, creating a harmonious and effortlessly chic look for the colder months. We've been absolutely loving all of the variations of brown this season, from classic rich browns to creamier deep nude tones.

Instagram/ @lolo.nailedit

While black nails may surprise some for the holidays, they’re trending this December. The boldness of black polish adds a touch of sophistication and edge, effortlessly emphasizing the stark beauty of the season. To make it feel more festive, opt for a shimmery finish. Sparkly colors have an undeniable way of capturing the festive spirit, instantly reminding us of the magic and joy of the holiday season.

Instagram/ @gelcare.official

On the softer side, whiteish-beige nails are a hit this December. Some refer to it as a shade of beige, while other call it almond. The neutral, creamy tone is versatile and effortlessly complements [the season’s] earthy palettes and cozy textures. There’s a perfect whiteish-beige shade for everyone!

Instagram/ @nails_of_la

Last but certainly not least, chrome is the ultimate finish for this holiday season. The perfect added design to any simple manicure for an elevated, clean look with barely any additional effort. The chrome trend is shifting to cooler, darker shades, providing a unique and stylish way to enhance any manicure with minimal fuss.

Load Next Story