21 Creative Holiday Card Photo Ideas That’ll Make You Smile

Holiday card photos are a tradition that let us capture our growing-too-fast kiddos and connect with faraway friends. So, it’s no wonder why so many families drop everything to say “cheese!” this time of year!

While hiring a professional photographer makes things easier, there are lots of ways to make holiday card magic yourself! Get in there with a tripod, remote, or timer for a winning photo of the whole family–no photog needed. Or, if you’d rather it just be the kiddos, some simple tips go a long way: Put them by a window if shooting indoors for maximum light, and outside try early morning or end of day when the light is not too harsh. A cell phone is fine if you don’t have a fancy camera—just make sure the resolution is at least 300 dpi (dots per image) or higher for optimal printing.

Then, the only thing left to figure out is how to pose! Fortunately, whether you hire a photographer or take them yourself, the Internet does not disappoint when it comes to Hanukkah and Christmas picture inspiration. We’ve got all the funny, sentimental, and downright adorable holiday card photo ideas you need. 

Golden Hour Family Holiday Photo

Photo: Kristin Eldridge

Let the sunshine in! An outdoor, golden-hour family photo will glow with the love and warmth of your pack. This moody and ethereal snap works for any holiday or New Year’s card and gives a quiet, yet beautiful representation of your joyful seasonal feelings. (Be sure to read photographer's Kristin Eldrige's tips for capturing this magical time!)

Vintage Truck Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Instagram/aprettyoltruck

Something about the holiday season brings forth deep nostalgia, as the same songs, treats, and traditions are enjoyed year after year. An old-fashioned truck with a symbol of the season hanging on the back captures that feeling.

Holiday Card With DIY Props 

Photo & How-To: Oh Happy Day

How cute are these holly balloon sticks!? Not only does the simple DIY make for some awesome holiday decor, but all it requires is putting your kids in festive outfits and having them hold them up as they say “cheese!”

Storybook Holiday Card Photo

Photo: AC Photography

Children curled up with a Christmas story is timeless and magical. Create a similar look by a lit menorah with a Hanukkah book, or any other holiday or wintry read that fits your fam.  

Search the Skies Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Instagram/lifewiththehealeys

The magic of Christmas is centerstage in this charming photo idea for your sweet kids. And, it’s easy enough to remake with Etsy-bought backdrops or a phone app like Bazaart. 

Nutcracker Holiday Photo Backdrop

Photo: Etsy/HSDBackdrops

This might just be the best $100 you ever spend. Better yet, go in on it with a few other families and split the cost, or have your favorite photographer make the investment which will more than pay for itself in the sweetest sessions ever.

All-Dressed-Up Holiday Photo

Photo: Beauty & the Cutie

Nothing says “holiday pics” like a fancy dress for Mom, suit and tie for Dad, and dapper duds for the littles. We absolutely love a holiday party look, even if it’s just for a 10-minute photoshoot. 

Milk & Cookies Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Karen Halbert Photography

Bring on the yum, and the smiles will follow. A holiday-themed milk-and-cookies sesh pairs perfectly with PJs for one very adorable photo.

Hanukkah Pajamas Holiday Photo 

Photo and to Purchase: Target

Listen up: Matching jammies aren’t just for those who celebrate Christmas! Grab a full-family match for the holiday of your choice, or basic seasonal staples like plaid, and watch holiday magic appear. These affordable Hanukkah jams are a cute choice! You’ve got eight nights, so look around for another set or two while you’re at it. 

Little Gingerbread Children Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Etsy/Blesazlesa

Make your card super sweet— literally—with a cookie-baking template you can download and superimpose the kiddos on. This is a cheeky approach that’s easier to pull off than it looks.

Holiday Card Photo With Cute Accessories 

Photo: Instagram/weareocampo

Santa hats and reindeer antlers are festive and fun; paired with dressed-up party looks, they’re extra fabulous. Baby’s flower crown is the perfect touch. 

Holiday Card Photo Shot From Above

Photo: Instagram/thesaltstrong 

Switch perspective for a holiday photo that encapsulates your adorable crew doing one of your favorite things, like gathering around the fireplace. 

Toddler Life Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Instagram/c.creative_co

Didn’t get a super-smiley shot at your family photo shoot? No worries—sometimes those pouty pics make the most epic holiday cards!

Sealed with a Kiss Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Instagram/courtkinchen

Yes, it is possible to focus on your love and your kids in the same holiday photo: Baby up front and a smooch in the background is a perfect balance. 

Holiday Card Photo Strip

Photo: Etsy/StandishDesignStudio

Why choose just one photo when you have a handful of favorites? This is a fresh way to display them all for a card that shows off your family’s silly and serious faces. 

Menorah’s Glow Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Instagram/theandrewerickson

Seasonal warmth comes in so many different forms. Something as simple as your child looking at the lights from the Menorah or Christmas tree can evoke the perfect mood.

Charmingly Chaotic Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Minted

Scenes that capture the true essence of your family are always a win. The messier, the better!

Grands Gathering Holiday Photo

Photo: Instagram/alexsviewpoint

Multigenerational front-porch sitting, or living room gathering, is an absolutely gorgeous way to celebrate the holidays on a card. 

Trudging Through the Snow Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Instagram/the.dharis

Boots and coats are the style of the season for an outdoor family photo shoot that works for any holiday card. Just add snow! 

Little Red Car Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Haywire Media

Your tot’s beloved little red car not only creates a charming photograph for your cards or social media posts but will also keep them entertained and smiling while you snap away. 

All Lit Up Holiday Card Photo

Photo: Pink Pistachio

Feel merry and be bright with a string of lights wound around your tight-knit crew this holiday.

More Holiday Fun:

• Ideas for Baby’s First Thanksgiving
• Thanksgiving Activities for the Whole Family
• Winter Activities for Kids
• Homemade Gifts for Little Hands

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.