free holiday images to use

Free High-Quality Holiday Images for Commercial Use

By Amanda Thomas
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The festive season is here, and that means it's time to deck the halls and share joyous moments with loved ones. But planning for the holidays often involves a scramble for the perfect images to set the tone for your websites, blogs, or social media posts. That's where we come in. We've compiled a list of platforms offering free holiday images to use, ensuring your content is merry and bright without breaking the bank.

Before we dive in, remember to always adhere to licenses when using images. Most platforms use Creative Commons licenses, allowing you to use images for free with proper attribution. Some may require you to ask permission beforehand, so always check the fine print.

Unsplash

Unsplash is a treasure trove of high-resolution images, with a vast collection of holiday-themed photos. From cozy winter scenes to vibrant New Year celebrations, you'll find a wealth of options here. All images are free to use and share, with no attribution required unless otherwise noted.

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an easter bunny with painted eggs and flowers
an easter bunny with painted eggs and flowers
a christmas tree with ornaments hanging from it
a christmas tree with ornaments hanging from it
Free Printable Clipart | Facebook
Free Printable Clipart | Facebook

Once you've found the perfect image, click on it to view its page. Here, you'll find the image in various sizes and formats, ready for download. Don't forget to explore their collections for even more curated content.

Categories Galore

Unsplash categorizes its images, making it easy to find exactly what you need. Browse through themes like Winter, Holidays, Christmas, and New Year for images that spark joy. You'll also find festive elements like ornaments, lights, and treats in their Food & Drink and Objects categories.

a drawing of a santa hat with holly berries on the bottom and silver ball hanging from it's side
a drawing of a santa hat with holly berries on the bottom and silver ball hanging from it's side
a watercolor painting of santa claus
a watercolor painting of santa claus
227 Christmas Mixed Media Images - Free Download (Massive Collection)
227 Christmas Mixed Media Images - Free Download (Massive Collection)

Moreover, Unsplash consistently uploads new photos, ensuring a fresh supply of holiday inspiration throughout the season.

Curated Galleries

In addition to individual searches, Unsplash offers collections curated by creative professionals. Thematic galleries like Christmas Inspiration and Holiday Moodboards provide instantly downloadable packs of related images, saving you time and effort.

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For instance, the Christmas Inspiration gallery includes 50 images handpicked for their festive spirit. By downloading the collection, you gain instant access to a diverse range of quality images, perfect for creating cohesive holiday content.

vintage christmas paintings are featured in this collage
vintage christmas paintings are featured in this collage
a drawing of santa claus with glasses and a red hat on his head, transparent background
a drawing of santa claus with glasses and a red hat on his head, transparent background
santa claus standing with his hands on his hips
santa claus standing with his hands on his hips
761 Free Merry Christmas Images - Best Holiday Pictures!
761 Free Merry Christmas Images - Best Holiday Pictures!
Free Vintage Christmas Images to Print and Craft With
Free Vintage Christmas Images to Print and Craft With
36 Vintage Christmas Floral Art – Printable Images – Free Download
36 Vintage Christmas Floral Art – Printable Images – Free Download

Pexels

Pexels is another popular choice for free images, offering a Christmas-themed collection with over 5,000 images. Like Unsplash, their collection is diverse, featuring everything from family dinners to icy landscapes.

Pexels is a great choice if you're looking for images in various aspect ratios. Their photos come in square (1:1), portrait (3:4), and landscape (16:9) formats, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your platforms.

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Search by Color

Pexels allows you to filter your search by color, a handy feature when you're aiming for a specific holiday aesthetic. Whether you're going for a classic red and green or a more subtle icy blue, refining your search by color ensures a cohesive look.

Free Printable Clipart | Mother and child | Facebook
Free Printable Clipart | Mother and child | Facebook
Free Old Fashioned Christmas Wall Art
Free Old Fashioned Christmas Wall Art
Vintage Santa Claus PNG & Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags
Vintage Santa Claus PNG & Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags

To use this feature, select the color filter on the search toolbar. Pexels will then display images that predominantly feature your chosen color. Experiment with different shades and tints to find the perfect hue for your holiday content.

Trending Photos

Pexels' 'Trending' tab highlights popular images, providing timely inspiration for your holiday content. Here, you'll find trending Christmas photos as voted by Pexels' users, guaranteeing you're always up-to-date with the latest festive trends.

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Moreover, Pexels' trending photos often feature striking compositions and innovative subject matter. Incorporating these images into your content can help you stand out during the busy holiday season.

Burst by Shopify

Burst by Shopify is a free stock photo platform powered by Shopify. Their holiday collection may be smaller than Unsplash or Pexels, but it offers a unique selection of images with a focus on commerce and lifestyle.

Many of Burst's holiday images feature products, professions, and people in action, making them ideal for businesses showcasing their holiday offerings or highlighting their seasonal sales.

High-quality Images for E-commerce

Burst's holiday collection includes numerous images perfect for e-commerce platforms. If you're a retailer looking to showcase your products with festive flair, you'll find ample inspiration here.

For example, you may find a high-quality image of a beautifully wrapped gift, the perfect background for your 'Gift Ideas' section. Or perhaps an image of a bustling market, ideal for your 'Holiday Market' promotion.

People-focused Photos

Burst's holiday collection also includes a wide range of images featuring people. From families spending time together to shoppers in the throes of holiday shopping, these photos bring the holiday season to life, creating an emotional connection with your audience.

Whether you're aiming to show off your brand's human side, highlight your customer service, or simply create a warm and inviting atmosphere, Burst's people-focused photos have you covered.

In closing, the holidays are a time for giving, and these platforms are generously offering free high-quality images to enhance your content. So go ahead, deck your digital halls, and share the joy. Just remember to give credit where it's due and always check the license before using an image. Now, go forth and create magical holiday content like never before!

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