A joyful group of four people celebrate outdoors with sparklers, surrounded by festive Christmas lights.

Where to Take Christmas Pictures: 30 Ideas for Your Next Holiday Card

First, let’s all agree that one of the most stressful things about sending out holiday cards is deciding where to take Christmas pictures. There are so many whimsical photoshoot backgrounds, locations, and places for your project — and it can be hard to narrow down which backdrop is best for your Christmas cards. Luckily for you, Postable has created a list of our favorite places to take Christmas pictures to inspire you this season. From epic nature scenery to minimal backgrounds, start here as you prepare your Christmas pictures. 

Need to send Christmas Cards and want them mailed for you? Send them right now in minutes. Postable will print, address, and mail them for you.

In addition to our Christmas card tips and tricks, Postable helps you address, print, and mail out your holiday cards. That way, you have more time to focus on important Christmastime things like which wrapping paper to use, the Christmas Eve invitation list, and where to take Christmas pictures. Browse our favorite places below.

Simple Christmas picture backgrounds

1. Statement wall

A couple playfully poses with a shopping cart and colorful balloons in front of a red wall.

Make a statement with minimal effort by finding a wall painted a bright color. Try to pick one with a Christmas color for ultimate holiday cheer. 

2. Minimalist wall

Two young children sit on a wooden floor, smiling and embracing. The card reads "Merriest Christmas."

Undoubtedly one of the easiest backdrops for pictures is a simply painted wall in your house. Just prop up your subject on the wall and capture a memory. 

3. Cozy bed

Holiday card with a family photo inside an envelope. The card reads "Merry Christmas" in bold red letters.

You don’t need to leave your home, or your bed, to take cute Christmas photos. Take an aerial photo for a creative perspective.

4. At the table

A collage of Christmas family photos with children hugging and playing near a decorated tree. The words "Merry Christmas" and family names are written in red text.

Whether you’re making Christmas cookies or sitting amongst a mouthwatering feast, be sure to snap a picture to make memories that last a lifetime.

5. On your stoop

Two kids standing on their stoop for their Christmas photos.

Right on your doorstep is a convenient photoshoot location for your next holiday card pictures. 

6. In front of your tree

A family of three in festive sweaters smiles in front of a decorated Christmas tree posing for Christmas pictures.

Be honest, you’ve already put up your Christmas tree. Right in front of the family Christmas tree is a classic place to take your holiday cards. You can’t go wrong!

7. Strolling down the street

A family of three walks hand in hand on a snowy path, with "Let it snow" written in the corner.

Add some movement to your pictures by having the photographer snap photos of you and your family strolling on the way to Grandma’s house.

8. Stairs

Holiday card with a family of four sitting on steps, surrounded by festive decorations. The card reads: "Happy Holidays!

Find a flight of stairs to pose on for your pictures. This is a great option in case there are a lot of people in the photo.

9. In your kitchen

A couple stands in a kitchen, smiling, with the woman holding a baby wrapped in a blanket for their Christmas pictures.

If the kitchen is where you’ve made your favorite family memories, commemorate it by holding your holiday photoshoot in your very own home. 

10. Fireplace moment

A family of four poses by a decorated Christmas tree and lit fireplace for their Christmas photos.

Another classic backdrop for sending your warm wishes this holiday season. Pose your family in front of the fireplace for the quintessential Christmas card. 

Outdoor Christmas photoshoot locations

11. Field of dreams

Family of four joyfully running through a grassy field at sunset, with "Joyful Wishes for a Wonderful Christmas" written in elegant script above.

Hold the Christmas photoshoot of your dreams in a field of dreams near your home. 

12. The more you snow

Holiday card with three vertical, snow-filled outdoor photos of a couple, and a greeting message about love, comfort, peace, and joy.

Follow the forecast for your next light snowfall. As the first flakes fall, make your way outside for a beautiful winter background.

13. Forests forever

A family of four sits on the grass outdoors, surrounded by trees. The image has the word "JOY" in large red letters and "The Conollys 2024.

Run to the forest for an excellent Christmas photo location. When you’ve settled on a snap, log on to Postable, upload the picture, and then we take care of the rest!

14. Shopping at the tree farm

A holiday card showing two people in winter clothing running through a tree farm, with the text "Happy Holidays" on the front.

A tree farm is not your usual winter wonderland, but it makes for a cheerful Christmas picture location. 

15. Snowman memories

A family of four wearing winter clothes poses beside a snowman in a snowy landscape with "Merry Christmas 2024" written on the left.

The snowman is part of the family, so make sure to get a family photo. Then, upload the picture to Postable, choose a card, and we handle sending out your season’s greetings.

16. Winter wonderland

A family of four poses in front of a snow-covered Christmas tree outdoors, surrounded by snow.

Snow on the ground automatically makes for an engaging place to take Christmas pictures. What says Christmas more than a winter wonderland?

17. At the Christmas market

A joyful group of four people celebrate outdoors with sparklers, surrounded by festive Christmas lights.

You most likely already have plans to attend your local Christmas market, so invite your photographer along to take pictures for your holiday cards. 

18. On a sled

Family enjoying a winter sled ride outdoors, with large text saying "Merry" and "The Donovans 2024.

Channel a Christmas vibe we all adore and take pictures on a sled. Sledding while getting your Christmas cards done? Cross that off the list. 

19. Head to the park

Family of four posing on rocky terrain by a river, with "Merry Christmas with love, The Williamsons" written in white vintage font at the bottom.

Point out your favorite spot in the park to your photographer for a scenic touch in your Christmas pictures.

20. Ice skating rink

A family of three stands on an ice rink in winter clothing on a holiday card with "Happy Holidays" text. The card is partially inside an open brown envelope.

Show off your active side by posing for the camera on an ice rink. Twirl and whirl like the blustery winter wind for your upcoming holiday cards. 

21. In front of Christmas lights

A joyful group of four people celebrate outdoors with sparklers, surrounded by festive Christmas lights.

Undeniably, Christmas lights make for a beautiful place for Christmas pictures. Twinkling eyes, twinkling smiles, and  twinkling lights, what more could you want?

Epic Christmas Picture Locations

22. Make it a city Christmas

A family of four sitting on grass, smiling. The card says "Merry Christmas" and is placed in an open kraft paper envelope. Buildings and a bridge are in the background.

Christmas in the city is magical! Capture the energy by making the city your Christmas picture location.

23. Landmark background

Three people in winter clothing stand on a bridge. One wears a red coat and furry hat, another a green sweater and earmuffs, and the third a scarf, sunglasses, and a hat.

Share the wonders of the world through your holiday card by snapping a pic in front of a landmark everyone will recognize.

24. Endless summer

A couple and a toddler walk on a beach near the ocean. The text reads "Peace - Happy Holidays from the Ericsson family.

Think ahead and hold your Christmas card photoshoot during your trip to the beach. A background like this always brings some warmth on a cold December night. 

25. Top of the mountain

A holiday card depicting a family in winter attire with a mountainous background. The card reads "Best Xmas Ever." It is placed inside an open envelope.

Take your season’s greetings to new heights. First, you hike the mountain. Next, you take your Christmas photos at the summit. 

Studio Christmas pictures

26. Retro studio Christmas

Family with three children and a dog wearing matching red and green sweaters, with text saying, "Yeah, we're the matching-outfits-for-our-holiday-card type of people. XOXO, The Smith Family.

Throw it back to a retro Christmas by capturing your pictures in a professional studio. 

27. Photobooth

A group of people at a festive party, holding props like Santa hats, antlers, and signs reading "Hohoho" and "Merry Christmas." They are smiling in a decorated room.

An additional unique background idea is to take your Christmas pictures in a photobooth. Be sure to bring your own props for true holiday cheer.

28. Zoom background

A video call with three people and a dog named Jack. Ben holds a tablet, Carrie and Samantha wave. The screen shows "Season’s Screenings" at the top.

Okay, so it’s not necessarily what you think of when brainstorming Christmas picture locations, but it’s easy, convenient, and creative.

29. Santa’s workshop

Santa Claus sits with two children wearing red Santa hats, in front of a decorated Christmas tree.

Make the photoshoot fun for the kids by getting their Christmas portrait taken at Santa’s workshop. 

30. Cut out photo

Holiday card featuring a black and white photo of two children in winter clothing hugging, with "Happy Holidays! The Murphy Family" text on a blue background with white snowflakes.

Finally, sometimes it’s best to lean on technology to make your life easier. For example, if you have a great picture for a card, choose a Postable Cutout card option so there’s no need for the proper background. 

In the end, no matter what location you choose for your Christmas photos, you can depend on Postable to help out with the rest. Once you finally have the picture of your dreams, we address, print, and mail out your seasonal greetings, so you can truly enjoy the holiday season — worry free! Check out some of our other ideas for holiday and Christmas cards by exploring the Postable blog.