Christmas Wish CardsBlog / Festive Cards Templates
Festive Cards Templates
Updated November 2026
The holiday season is more than one day, and so are the cards that go with it. Festive cards templates cover Christmas, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year and general holiday greetings, so you can find one design for every occasion on your list. This guide explains what festive card templates are, the main styles to choose from, and how to customize one in a couple of minutes.
What are festive card templates
A festive card template is a ready-made card design for any celebration in the season. It is “festive” because it uses the colors, symbols and mood of the holidays: reds and golds, stars, lights, snow, baubles and Santa. You fill in the personal parts, such as a name, message and photo, and the template handles the layout.
Festive templates are broader than Christmas templates. A Christmas card talks about Christmas. A festive card can say “Happy holidays,” “Season’s greetings” or “Happy new year,” so it works for people of any background.
Types of festive card styles
Traditional. Deep red, gold lettering, stars and lights. It feels familiar and warm and suits most family cards.
Modern minimal. White or pale backgrounds, a single color and plenty of space. It suits workplace cards and people who prefer simple design.
Snowy winter. Blue and white tones with snowflakes and quiet scenes. It works well for “Happy holidays” and “Season’s greetings.”
Playful. Bright colors, cartoon characters, bold fonts. This style suits children, friends and anyone who loves fun.
Elegant. Dark green or navy with gold or silver details and a serif font. This suits formal greetings and business cards.
Photo-led. A big picture with a small greeting. See our guide on photo Christmas cards.
Choosing a festive template for each group
- Family. Traditional or photo-led, with a warm personal message.
- Close friends. Playful or modern, with a joke or a shared memory.
- Coworkers. Modern minimal or elegant, with a thank-you.
- Clients and customers. Elegant, with a simple greeting and your business name.
- Neighbors. Snowy winter or traditional, with “Happy holidays.”
- Teachers. Warm and simple, with a handwritten-style message of thanks.
What to put on a festive card
Because festive cards cover many occasions, the greeting can vary. Choose the wording that fits the person:
- Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
- Happy holidays to you and yours.
- Season’s greetings and warm wishes.
- Wishing you peace, joy and a bright new year.
- Thank you for a wonderful year. Enjoy the holidays.
If you are not sure whether someone celebrates Christmas, “Happy holidays” is always safe.
How to customize a festive template
Do these four things and your card will no longer look like a template:
1. Add the person’s name. It takes seconds and changes the feeling of the card.
2. Write at least one line yourself. A single personal sentence is enough.
3. Add a photo if the template allows it.
4. Sign it properly. Use your name or your family name, not just “From.”
Make one now with the free card maker
Our card maker offers a festive design with Santa, snow, a string of lights and a gold frame. You can switch between four designs and see the preview change live. Add a name, message and photo, tap Create image and save the card. It is 1080 by 1350 pixels, so it fits stories and chat status, and there is no sign-up or watermark.
Sizes and formats
The most common sizes for festive cards are:
- Phone and social media: vertical images such as 1080 by 1350 pixels.
- Printed greeting cards: 5 by 7 inches, or A5.
- Email: around 600 to 800 pixels wide.
- Postcards: 4 by 6 inches.
If you plan to print, use a high-resolution image and thick paper.
When to send festive cards
Festive cards are useful across the whole season. Send early-December cards to relatives abroad. Send cards on December 23 to 25 to friends and coworkers. Send “Happy new year” cards between December 28 and January 1. If you missed Christmas, a New Year card is a good way to catch up, because people are still in a friendly mood.
Mistakes to avoid
- Mixing too many styles on one card.
- Putting too much text on the front.
- Using a religious greeting for someone who may not celebrate Christmas.
- Forgetting to check spelling and names.
- Waiting until the last day to send.
Building a small card kit for the season
You do not need a new design for every person. Make two or three versions, such as a traditional family card, a modern card for coworkers and a playful card for friends. Then you only change the name and message each time. This saves time and keeps your cards consistent. Save the finished images in a folder so you can reuse the style next year and update only the details.
Frequently asked questions
What is a festive card template?
A ready-made design for holiday cards, with space for a name, message and photo, for Christmas, New Year or general greetings.
What is the difference between a festive card and a Christmas card?
A Christmas card is about Christmas specifically. A festive card can cover the whole holiday season and use wording such as “Happy holidays.”
Are there free festive card templates?
Yes. Our online card maker is free and has four designs.
What size should I use for a festive card on social media?
A vertical image such as 1080 by 1350 pixels fits most posts and stories.