Damien Delaney's own goal proved to be the difference between the two sides as Roy Keane's former club increased the pressure on the under-fire Ipswich manager.
Keane cut a frustrated figure as he felt the key decisions in the game went against the home team but for Forest the three points cap a very successful festive programme.
The Reds now lie 7th in the Championship.
Admitting to a stroke of luck with the goal, boss Billy Davies was nonetheless full of praise afterwards for his whole squad, describing the group togetherness as 'first class'.