The holiday season is a magical time filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and joyful moments that are perfect for capturing on camera. You don’t have to travel far to find stunning backdrops for your holiday photos. Often, the best locations are right around the corner—hidden in your own town, neighborhood, or local community.
In this post, we’ll explore different types of places around your town that are perfect for holiday photo sessions, along with some well-known destinations across the U.S. that can serve as inspiration. Whether you're planning family portraits, capturing scenic shots, or showcasing holiday decorations, these location ideas will help you create beautiful and memorable holiday images.
1. Your Local Town Square or Main Street
Town squares and main streets are often at the heart of holiday festivities, with beautiful lights, decorated storefronts, and seasonal markets that make for charming photo opportunities. Strap on your camera, take a stroll through your local square, and look for spots that capture the festive energy of the season.
Photo Ideas: Capture the twinkling holiday lights, your family in front of a decorated storefront, or candid shots of people enjoying the holiday market.
The Best Towns for Holiday Photos
-
Savannah, GA: With its charming squares draped in holiday lights, Savannah’s historic district provides a beautiful backdrop for festive photos.
-
Franklin, TN: The historic Main Street in Franklin is transformed during the holidays, with Christmas lights and decorations that give the town a storybook-like feel.
-
Bethlehem, PA: Known as “Christmas City,” Bethlehem’s charming town square features holiday markets, lit trees, and festive cheer that’s perfect for holiday photography.
2. Parks and Botanical Gardens
Local parks and botanical gardens are transformed into winter wonderlands during the holidays. Many places set up light displays, holiday-themed décor, and even ice rinks, providing a magical setting for holiday photos.
Photo Ideas: Use the twinkling lights in the background for a bokeh effect, or take portraits among the beautifully decorated trees. Look for areas with unique lighting arrangements to create visually stunning images.
The Best Parks for Holiday Photos
-
Atlanta Botanical Garden, GA: The "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights" display features millions of lights, making it a perfect spot for vibrant holiday photography.
-
Longwood Gardens, PA: This botanical garden’s holiday display includes fountains, glowing trees, and a conservatory decked out in festive decorations.
- Dallas Arboretum, TX: The "12 Days of Christmas" event turns the gardens into a holiday spectacle with themed displays and illuminated areas.
3. Neighborhoods Known for Holiday Lights
Take a drive or a walk through neighborhoods known for their elaborate holiday light displays. These local displays provide a cheerful backdrop for family photos and are a great way to capture the festive spirit close to home.
Photo Ideas: Pose in front of houses with particularly impressive light displays, or capture wide shots of entire streets decked out in holiday cheer.
The Best Neighborhoods for Holiday Photos
-
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY: Famous for its extravagant Christmas lights and decorations, this neighborhood attracts thousands of visitors every year.
-
Candy Cane Lane, Woodland Hills, CA: The residents of this neighborhood go all out with massive light displays, creating a street-long holiday wonderland.
- Peppermint Parkway, Austin, TX: This Texas neighborhood is known for its synchronized light displays and festive decorations, providing a vibrant backdrop for holiday photos.
4. Historic Landmarks and Buildings
Many historic buildings, courthouses, and landmarks are decorated for the holidays, making them perfect spots for capturing elegant holiday photos. These locations often have timeless architecture that, when paired with festive décor, creates a sophisticated, old-world holiday atmosphere.
Photo Ideas: Position your subjects against decorated doorways, arches, or windows. Look for wide shots that capture the grandeur of the building lit up at night.
The Best Landmarks for Holiday Photos
- The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC: The estate’s lavish holiday decorations create a stunning and elegant setting for holiday photos.
-
Union Station, Washington, D.C.: With its grand architecture and festive decorations, Union Station is a beautiful spot for holiday photography.
- Charleston Historic District, SC: Capture the timeless beauty of antebellum homes and historic streets dressed in holiday cheer.
5. Local Farms and Tree Lots
Christmas tree farms and local markets selling holiday greenery offer a rustic and cozy backdrop for your holiday photos. The rows of trees, holiday wreaths, and sometimes even Santa’s workshop create a charming setting, perfect for capturing the spirit of the season.
Photo Ideas: Take candid shots of choosing the perfect tree, or stage a family portrait with the trees in the background. Consider bringing props like mugs of hot cocoa or holiday-themed blankets.
The Best Farms for Holiday Photos
-
Beck’s Christmas Trees, Oregon: Nestled in the woods, this Christmas tree farm offers picturesque rows of evergreens, perfect for holiday photography.
-
Santa’s Tree Farm & Village, Half Moon Bay, CA: The farm’s festive setup includes Santa’s workshop, providing a cheerful holiday atmosphere for photos.
-
Jones Family Farm, Shelton, CT: This scenic tree farm is ideal for capturing rustic holiday shots with a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
6. Local Ice Skating Rinks
Many towns set up seasonal ice-skating rinks that are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Whether outdoors or indoors, these rinks offer a lively setting for action shots or candid moments.
Photo Ideas: Capture family members skating, enjoying hot chocolate, or simply posing by the rink’s festive lights and decorations.
The Best Ice Rinks for Holiday Photos
-
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, New York City, NY: This iconic rink under the towering Christmas tree is a classic setting for holiday photos.
-
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, Chicago, IL: Located in Millennium Park, this rink offers a stunning view of the city skyline and the holiday lights.
-
Union Square Ice Rink, San Francisco, CA: Skating under the city lights and decorated palm trees provides a unique, festive vibe for holiday photos.
7. Local Malls and Indoor Spaces
Shopping malls and indoor plazas often set up elaborate holiday displays, including giant Christmas trees, light tunnels, and Santa photo spots. These indoor locations are perfect for holiday photography, especially if the weather is too cold or wet for outdoor shoots.
Photo Ideas: Take advantage of the large holiday decorations, such as oversized ornaments, beautifully lit trees, and festive displays. Candid shots of children with Santa or wide-angle shots of the decorated mall can also make for great holiday images.
The Best Indoor Spaces for Holiday Photos
-
Mall of America, Bloomington, MN: This massive mall offers numerous holiday displays, from large Christmas trees to interactive light shows.
-
Union Station, St. Louis, MO: The station’s indoor holiday light displays and decorations make it a stunning location for indoor holiday photos.
-
The Galleria, Houston, TX: With its massive indoor ice rink and towering Christmas tree, this mall provides a festive atmosphere for holiday photography.
From your local town square to decorated neighborhoods and holiday-themed parks, there are countless places around your town to take beautiful holiday photos. You don’t need to travel far to find the perfect backdrop for your seasonal images. By exploring nearby locations and finding inspiration from well-known holiday destinations across the U.S., you can create stunning holiday photos that capture the spirit and magic of the season.
So grab your camera, explore your community, and start capturing those magical holiday moments close to home!
