48 Best Christmas Card Photo Ideas That Capture What Matters Most
Plus, tips from a professional photographer.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, which means it's also time to gather your family, friends, and even pets together for a holiday picture. It's not always an easy task, but once you do get that golden photo, you know you have to send it out on a Christmas card for everyone to see. This is a big tradition for Ree Drummond and her family, and in their book, there's no better way to spread holiday cheer than by dressing up for photos in matching Christmas pajamas.
You, too, can capture a moment that's sure to put smiles on your loved ones' faces. Start with this list of the best Christmas card photo ideas! But to make your photos look their very best, it does take a bit of planning—from the wardrobe to the location to hoping everyone will just sit still. These 48 Christmas card photo ideas will undoubtedly offer inspiration, and you'll gain some tips and tricks from professional photographer Paige Sovic that will make your family Christmas card photos shine their very brightest.
Of course, holiday pictures aren't just for Christmas cards. They're also pictures you'll put into a photo album, hang throughout your home, and hold onto for generations to come. You could even pop them in frames to make a few sentimental gifts. So grab the family, don your most seasonal looks, and get ready to pose!
Then after you're done taking photos:
Wear Christmas Colors
Ree and Sofia just look so festive in their Christmas colors! Coordinating outfits in your chosen holiday hues makes your photos feel festive, polished, and beautifully put together.
Pose on Your Porch
Your front porch makes the perfect festive backdrop, especially if it's decorated for Christmas like Alex Drummond's! Add a wreath, a festive doormat, and any other fitting décor. It's an effortless way to capture that cozy, at-home holiday vibe.
Keep the Focus on the Kids
Let the little ones steal the spotlight this year! Capture their genuine smiles, laughter, and holiday excitement for a photo that radiates pure joy—like this photo of Sofia. Whether they're baking cookies, playing in the snow, or just giggling by the tree, you'll get a card that's full of warmth.
Wear Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Pull on your most over-the-top ugly Christmas sweaters and get ready to spread some holiday cheer! Whether you coordinate as a crew or clash in the most delightfully tacky way possible, your holiday card will be one to remember.
Add Some Mistletoe
Your sweet moment under the mistletoe deserves a spot on your Christmas card! Whether it's a quick peck or funny pose with the family, this timeless tradition adds just the right touch of holiday cheer—and a little romance, too.
Add in Some Photos
Is someone missing someone in this year's photo? Don't worry! Print out a few of their best candid photos and add them to your shoot. It's a playful way to keep everyone included—even from afar!
Sing Christmas Carols
Singing Christmas carols is one of the best ways to celebrate the season—so bring that joy to your holiday card! Bundle up and head outside for a festive photo op that's sure to hit all the right notes.
Read a Christmas Story
Storytime by the tree makes for instant Christmas card magic. Cozy up with a classic like The Polar Express or How the Grinch Stole Christmas for a naturally sweet shot. It'll keep the kids entertained and give you a heartwarming photo without a lot of effort.
Make a Snow Angel
Want a cute, carefree photo idea? Bundle up in your coziest winter layers and head outside for some snowy fun! An overhead shot of this fun Christmas activity adds a playfully whimsical twist to your photos.
Visit the Big City
While cozy at-home photos are always a classic, heading into the city can make your Christmas card truly stand out. Twinkling lights, festive window displays, and oversized holiday decorations make for a bright backdrop that's full of seasonal magic.
Make It Evergreen
Snap your photos in front of a grove of evergreens for that timeless Christmas feel—no decorating required! These natural backdrops are easy to find and perfect for relaxed, candid poses or a dressed up shoot.
Light a Fire
Nothing captures the magic of the holidays quite like a glowing fireplace! The soft light and warm hue create the perfect cozy backdrop for your Christmas card photo. Pull on your favorite holiday sweaters to make the moment even more heartwarming.
Do a Favorite Winter Activity
If your family is big into skiing or snowboarding, just head to the mountain and capture those favorite wintery moments in photo form! An iceskating rink shot would be beautiful as well.
Get Beachy
Whether you live in a sunny locale, or you’re planning on an upcoming beach vacation, get your toes sandy for your Christmas photo. You can do this with Christmassy accessories or stick to your typical beach attire.
Put Your Heads Together
For a unique spin on your Christmas card photo shoot, you and your kiddos can lay head-to-head on the floor while a camera captures you from above. Christmas décor around the edges makes for the perfect added touch.
Take a Hike
To add a seasonal, casual feel to your Christmas card picture, allow your favorite hiking trail to act as a gorgeous backdrop. It really is a winter wonderland!
Wear Festive Hats
You can’t go wrong with Santa hats for any Christmas card photo! Bonus points if you’re wrapped up in a blanket in front of a glittering tree.
Sit with Santa
Is there anything cuter than pictures of your little ones sitting on Santa’s lap? Nope! And they happen to make for lovely holiday cards as well.
Include a Beloved Stuffed Animal
To really include the entire family in the shot, ask your children to hold their favorite stuffed animals. It will be a sweet touch all of your recipients will love.
Make a Truck the Centerpiece
Ree would undoubtedly approve of a red truck as a backdrop for a Christmas photo! Kiel James Patrick and his family picked a beautiful snowy day to shoot this picture, making the red truck stand out even more.
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