It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and what better way to ring in the holiday season than by reminiscing on the most iconic celebrity holiday cards? Each year, Hollywood’s A-listers mark the season by sending out heartfelt (and extravagant) salutations. And if you’re worried yours get lost in the mail, you’re not out of luck. Most share theirs online as well, meaning every sweet family photo is forever preserved on the Internet.
In honor of the holidays, we’re looking back on the most iconic celebrity holiday cards of all time. From royal snapshots to extravagant Kardashian photoshoots, these will go down in history as some of the best seasonal greeting letters we’ve ever seen. Below, look back on our favorites.
Beyoncé
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Sometimes, simple is better—just turn to Beyoncé for inspiration. In 2013, the Grammy award-winner spread holiday cheer with an iconic Christmas card featuring—you guessed it—just herself. With a signature hand-on-hip pose accompanied by her classic smolder, the card simply read: “Happy Holidays 2013.”
The Kardashians
David LaChappelle
There’s no question about it—the Kardashians are known for their extravagant celebrity holiday cards. Each year, the famous family tops their previous seasonal photoshoot. But of every over-the-top salutation they’ve created, their 2013 photo is one of the best. Named the “Kardashian Karnivale,” the image captured by David LaChapelle features a glitzy scene of flashing lights, gold money signs, mannequin limbs and lots of magazines strewn across the floor.
Joe Jonas
Awkward family photos for the win. In 2013, Joe Jonas rang in the holiday season with an iconic Christmas card featuring a special someone—his cat, that is. “It’s getting cold,” the singer caption the vintage-inspired photoshoot. “Cuddle up with a kitten.”
Meghan Markle and Prince William
Just sharing the sweetest Christmas Card from our President and Vice-President, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Very Merry Christmas, everyone! pic.twitter.com/McOcHALoGl
— The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (@queenscomtrust) December 23, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had a lot to celebrate this holiday season. The couple rang in their first Christmas as parents by sharing the sweetest animated holiday card, featuring baby Archie at the front and center. Meghan Markle’s close friend Janina Gavankar snapped the intimate family photo, delighting fans and royal-watchers everywhere.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
The Cambridge Household family Christmas card this year features The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their three children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George on a motorbike and sidecar ❄️🎄 pic.twitter.com/pNg3zPJXqS
— Benjamin Wareing (@BenjaminWareing) December 18, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge typically pose for a holiday card that’s simple and classic. But in 2019, the royals kicked it up a notch—by incorporating a motorcycle. The photographer who captured the image, Benjamin Wareing, shared the Cambridge’s holiday card on Twitter, and it didn’t disappoint. The image features Prince William and Kate Middleton surrounded by their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, arranged on an old fashioned motorcycle and sidecar.
Shay Mitchell
Shay Mitchell’s first celebrity holiday card as a mother was equally funny and heartfelt. The actress and posed with boyfriend Matte Babel and their daughter Atlas to ring in the 2019 holiday season. “Happy Holidays from The Babels (and Shay),” read the 1970s-inspired card.
Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen
Was your holiday this lit? Actors Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen kept their celebrity holiday card hysterically real in 2019. The photo features the parents standing back to back while strung up in lit Christmas lights while their kids point and laugh. Of course, the family dog had to make an appearance too. “Hope your holidays are lit!” read the card. “With love, Jason & Jenny, Sid, Lazlo & Gina.”