Every stylish person is sporting "Goth Christmas" nails these days—here are 6 darkly festive sets I'm loving right now…
If your closet is filled with black apparel, celebrate: The phrase "goth Christmas" is currently trending as per Google Trends' December update, and I'm personally embracing this style this holiday season. Although it may seem essential to weave in red, green, and blue into your outfits this time of year, let’s be honest—the typical “festive” color combinations can be challenging to style elegantly. Many choose to incorporate these colors into their manicures instead, opting for cherry-red nails or silver and gold designs, but stylish dressers everywhere are now adopting this darker aesthetic with deeper, vampy shades as we approach the holidays.
Nearly black manicures have been a mainstay for most fall and winter nail trends for quite a while now. Yet, we often overlook that these bold colors are also suitable for the light-hearted festivities that fill December. Who has the time to rush to the salon just to change their holiday nails into sleek black tips for New Year’s Eve? I’ve compiled the most worthy nail sets to share with your manicurist before the holiday chaos ensues. From dark greens to dusky plums (and, naturally, plenty of black polishes), these are the trendiest "goth" nail concepts to recreate this season.
**6 Goth Christmas Nail Ideas**
**Midnight Moon**
Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec previously shared with Who What Wear that she's "loving moon manis" for winter 2025. She recently painted this half-moon design on actress Lucy Boynton’s nails, and I’m eager to replicate this look for the holidays.
*Shop the Look*
- **CHANEL:** Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Le Diable – This inky Chanel shade is undoubtedly the coolest black polish available.
- **Sally Hansen:** Insta-Dri Nail Color in Black to Black – Achieve the same effect, but at a lower price (with reduced drying time).
**Naughty Mistletoe**
This is truly my favorite festive manicure of all time. The nearly black emerald shade, subtle sparkle, and sleek glass finish combine perfectly. Why aren’t dark green manicures as widely embraced as red ones?
*Shop the Look*
- **Manucurist:** Plant-Based Vegan Nail Polish in Poison
- **Olive and June:** Long Lasting Polish in It’s Actually Dark Green - For a similar vibe without the shimmer.
**Merry Mulberry**
Deep plum colors are a winter favorite, looking even more elegant during the holiday season. A few swipes of this rich shade will garner endless compliments at holiday gatherings.
*Shop the Look*
- **Manucurist:** Plant-Based and Vegan Nail Polish in Hollyhock – The exact shade used by Novakovic.
- **Chanel:** Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Rouge Noir – Rouge Noir is arguably Chanel's most iconic nail polish (and feels just right for the holidays).
**Velvet Firelight**
Standard nail polishes are effortlessly stylish, but what if we elevate things a bit? This moody velvet manicure appears to shift from blood red to black depending on the angle. It’s completed with an ultra-glossy topcoat, giving this look a glass-like appearance that’s strikingly attractive for a "goth Christmas."
*Shop the Look*
- **Glamnetic:** Premium Press-On Nail Kit in Frosted Cranberry
- **Olive and June:** Oval Medium Press-On Fake Nails in Velvet – I always keep a pack of these Olive and June press-ons handy during the holiday season.
**Inkblot**
We have certainly moved beyond calling black nail polish "goth," but omitting this timeless shade from the conversation would be a mistake. It's sleek, edgy, and to the point. If you’re not in the mood for reds, greens, blues, and glitters this year, opting for all black doesn’t make you a Grinch.
*Shop the Look*
- **OPI:** Nail Polish in Black Onyx – It would be remiss not to mention OPI's Black Onyx when discussing black nail polish.
- **Sally Hansen:** Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Black Out – The Xtreme Wear line from Sally Hansen is my favorite budget-friendly option.
**Starry Night**
What represents "goth Christmas" better than a shimmery charcoal manicure? Celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton adorned this stunning set using Chanel's "Sequins," which fits perfectly with this starry look. Be sure to finish with a glossy topcoat for added luster.
*Shop the Look*
- **OPI:** Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Stay & Night – Since Shelton’s Chanel polish is only available in-store, this OPI alternative provides a similar effect at a fraction of the cost.
- **Dazzle Dry:**
Other articles
I'm a former buyer for Nordstrom, and my daughter is three decades younger than me. We both packed and wore these six items on a trip to…
The same items presented in different styles.
Avoid Defaulting to Black Heels—Gwyneth Paltrow Has Discovered a Timeless Neutral That’s Equally Stylish.
I feel inspired.
Let's Cut to the Chase—These Nordstrom Basics on Sale Are Truly Worth It
At Who What Wear, we are always excited about a fantastic Nordstrom sale. Our shopping editor has searched thoroughly and discovered a variety of outstanding discounted elevated basics that are worth grabbing before they run out.
I Want to Appear Stylish This Winter Break—6 Outfits That Get It Right
Whether you're heading to Miami, Aspen, or any other destination.
Fashionable individuals have proclaimed this the must-have bag for Spring 2026—and it's already flying off the shelves.
The sophisticated tote is available in three opulent sizes, and each one truly stands out!
Alexa Chung's newest French-girl ensemble has confirmed that this "outdated" shoe trend is making a comeback.
The British style of wearing them.
Every stylish person is sporting "Goth Christmas" nails these days—here are 6 darkly festive sets I'm loving right now…
Raised, not Ebenezer.