Finding *the* perfect place to take your Christmas card photos can feel a bit like a challenge, but if you’re going to be visiting Green Bay, you are in for a treat! This time of year is especially rich with great options, from festive lights to peaceful winterscapes that will add whimsy and magic to your family photos. Read on for a rundown of some of our favorite spots:
The first and most obvious choice for Christmas photos is the Green Bay Botanical Garden. They are more than happy to let you take informal photographs or videos for your personal use, as long as you stay on the paths and do not disturb the plants. This means you can use smartphones, tablets, or a camera with an attached flash. Tripods, standalone flashes, and drones are not allowed. This time of year, there are so many great spots for photos, especially during the Garden of Lights! It might be a little trickier to get that perfect shot when it’s dusk or dark, but with a little patience, you can get some great options.
The CityDeck in Downtown Green Bay is located in the middle of the promenade running from the Walnut Street bridge to the Main Street bridge along the Fox River’s east bank. It’s also absolutely stunning this time of year. With thousands of colorful lights and holiday decorations along the entire stretch, you will be able to find lots of great backdrop options for your Christmas photos. We recommend taking some with the river in the background, too. There’s just something so magical about this little stretch of downtown!
Christmas at Titletown is like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. The sledding hill, the skating rink, the twinkling lights… there are so many options for a one-of-a-kind Christmas photo of the family! We suggest finding a spot where you can capture Lambeau Field in the background if you’re a fan of the green and gold. Other options are in front of the igloos at Leaps and Bounds cafe, or near the MANY decorated trees around the ice skating loop.
Barkhausen is a bit of a hidden gem, but locals know it’s a great spot to snap some nature-inspired photos! When there’s snow on the ground, it’s the perfect destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If you are an outdoorsy family that wants to capture that energetic spirit in your Christmas card, feel free to bring your own skis or rent snowshoes (available on a first-come, first-served basis Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 – 3:00 pm) and get some outdoor action shots that show off your personalities and passions!
Photo courtesy of: Mulva Cultural Center
When you arrive at the Mulva Cultural Center, you will immediately notice how stunning and unique the building is. And this time of year, it just screams “winter wonderland.” The Mulva allows visitors to take informal photographs both inside and outside, as long as there is no disruption to operations or guest accessibility (tripods, standalone flashes, and drones are prohibited). While you’re there, be sure to check out the exhibits and the amazing menu at Savour on Broadway. It’s unlike any museum restaurant you’ve ever tried before!
Downtown De Pere has a really great mix of river views, historic buildings, and holiday charm. The bridges, brick storefronts, and festive decorations give you plenty of cozy corners and polished backdrops to choose from. If you can time it right, the soft glow of the streetlights at dusk would be perfect for your Christmas photos! You might also want to walk through Voyageur Park, which is heavily decorated every year for the holidays.
For a slightly more elevated option, we suggest snapping your pics inside the lobby of the Hotel Northland. This hotel is all about historic charm, perfect for a more classic holiday snapshot. Of course, you will want to ask to make sure it’s okay to take a photo, but if you’re staying at the hotel or you decide to stop in and enjoy a meal at one of the on-site restaurants, that would be a great opportunity to strike a pose in this iconic, historic space…