Women's Journal

More Than Manicures: Modelones’ Journey from Café Community to Citywide Holiday Celebration

More Than Manicures: Modelones' Journey from Café Community to Citywide Holiday Celebration
Photo Courtesy: Modelones. After a viral Soho pop-up redefined connection, the brand hits the streets with Santa, puppies, and a mission to spread festive joy.

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(NEW YORK, NY)This holiday season, New York City will shine brighter than ever as the streets come alive with a special kind of magic, brought to you by Modelones. On Saturday, December 20th, the renowned global nail brand is stepping out of the traditional retail space and into the heart of the city with its Holiday Pop-Up Tour. Rather than hosting the event in a single venue, Modelones is embracing the city’s vibrant energy and bringing the celebration to the streets. The tour will get an array of festive delights in three of New York’s iconic neighborhoods: Union Square, Herald Square, and Soho.

But this isn’t just any pop-up event. It’s the culmination of a community-driven experiment that exceeded expectations. What started as an idea to connect with local communities has evolved into a full-fledged holiday experience, complete with gifts, fun surprises, and furry “reindeer” to add to the festive atmosphere. It’s a celebration that’s as much about giving back as it is about sharing the spirit of the season. Modelones is taking this unique opportunity to spread holiday cheer in a way never before seen, creating lasting memories for everyone who stops by.

The Holiday Pop-Up Tour will be an unforgettable experience, with every stop offering something new and exciting. From exclusive giveaways to photo-worthy moments with the playful “reindeer,” it’s an event designed to bring joy to both the young and the young at heart. Whether you’re a New Yorker or just visiting, this festive celebration is sure to bring smiles to all who join in the fun.

The Pop-Up Success: A Soho Story

Last month, Modelones temporarily transformed the trendy Haraz Cafe in Soho into a living lab for brand experience. The goal was simple yet ambitious: to build genuine relationships, not just generate sales. The method was multifaceted:

More Than Manicures: Modelones' Journey from Café Community to Citywide Holiday Celebration

Photo Courtesy: Modelones

  • A complimentary manicure bar served as a hands-on product immersion, transforming skepticism into trust with every brushstroke.
  • A thematic claw machine and prize wheel turned product discovery into playful, generous entertainment.
  • A partnership with Haraz Cafe created a holistic “coffee and self-care” vibe, rooting the brand in a beloved daily ritual.
  • A dedicated photobooth empowered guests to become co-creators of the brand’s narrative, flooding social feeds with authentic, user-generated joy.

The event didn’t just draw a crowd; it cultivated a community. The resounding success proved a powerful thesis: in a digital age, people crave tangible, shared moments of delight. Modelones listened, and now, they’re taking that winning formula on the road.

The 2025 Holiday Tour: Your Invitation to Festive Connection

The December 20th tour is designed to scale intimacy, offering multiple touchpoints for New Yorkers to join the festivities.

  • The Main Attraction: Forget the sleigh—this year, Santa’s arriving with his team of adorable, trained canine “reindeer.” This enchanting duo is ready for photos, pats, and delivering doses of instant holiday cheer.
  • The Modelones Memento: In true brand fashion, no one leaves empty-handed. Every guest will receive a curated Mini Gel Salon Set, a gift that transforms the pop-up excitement into a lasting, at-home creative experience.
  • A Tour for Everyone: With three timed stops across the city, Modelones is ensuring the celebration is accessible. Each pop-up will be a visually stunning, Instagram-ready destination designed for connection and memory-making.
More Than Manicures: Modelones' Journey from Café Community to Citywide Holiday Celebration

Photo Courtesy: Modelones

Become a Modelones Insider

The conversation doesn’t end on December 20th. Modelones is building a dedicated hub for its NYC fans. By joining the Modelones NYC Insider Facebook Group, you’ll gain first access to future events, exclusive offers, and a direct line to the brand. Join the group via QR Code in the first picture. 

Plan Your Visit: Modelones Holiday Pop-Up Tour

  • Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
  • Itinerary:
    • Stop 1: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM @ Union Square (975 5th Ave)
    • Stop 2: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM @ Herald Square (1356 Broadway)
    • Stop 3: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Soho (480 Broadway)
  • Cost: Free admission.

About Modelones

Modelones is a Los Angeles-based pioneer in the nail art world, beloved by a community of over 10 million across 30+ countries. Renowned for its professional-quality, accessible products and featured in top media publications, Modelones continues to push boundaries by creating unforgettable offline experiences that celebrate creativity and human connection.

This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Women's Journal.