Photo booth for Christmas and New Year: the complete 2026 guide
The festive season is the perfect time to bring out the photo booth. Whether it is Christmas dinner with the family, a New Year’s Eve party with friends or the company end-of-year party, a photo booth turns every moment into a memorable keepsake. In 2026, 92% of guests use the photo booth when there is one, and that is even truer during the holidays, when the festive mood encourages everyone to let loose in front of the lens.
In this complete guide, find out how to set up the perfect photo booth corner for the holidays, with decoration ideas, original themes, a booking timeline and a budget under control.
Contents
- Christmas with the family: multi-generational photos
- New Year’s Eve with friends: the life of the party
- Office Christmas party: festive team building
- Decoration ideas for a festive photo booth corner
- End-of-year themes at a glance
- Practical tips for the festive season
- Which package for the holidays?
- Budget: how much does a photo booth cost for the holidays?
- Booking timeline for the 2026 festive season
- FAQ
Christmas with the family: multi-generational photos
Why it works so well at Christmas
Christmas often brings 3 or 4 generations together around the same table. The photo booth naturally becomes the gathering point:
- Children love seeing themselves on screen and pulling faces
- Teenagers take photos with their cousins and share them instantly via AirDrop
- Parents proudly pose with their children
- Grandparents discover the technology with a smile and leave with a printed photo
The result: spontaneous, joyful family photos, far livelier than the traditional stiff group shot in front of the tree. On average, a Badabooth photo booth produces 400 photos per event, enough to capture every possible family combination.
Testimonial: “We rented the Badabooth for Christmas 2025 and it has become THE family tradition. The grandparents loved it, the kids keep asking for more. We even have photos of 4 generations together, which is priceless.” (Sophie M., Christmas 2025)
Christmas photo frame ideas
Customise your Badabooth frame with a Christmas theme. The custom frame is included free of charge with every rental:
- “Christmas at the [surname]s, 2026”: the family classic
- A design with snowflakes, holly and stars
- Red and gold for a traditional Christmas, or blue and silver for a Scandinavian Christmas
- A short festive phrase (“Merry Christmas”, “Let the magic happen” or a personal message)
- The first names of every family member around the edge of the frame
The photo gift: a keepsake to take home
Print a photo for each family member before they leave. It is a little bonus gift that everyone appreciates, especially grandparents, who will put it in a frame. With the Smart package at €144 delivered, you get 50 printed photos: more than enough for a family Christmas of 10 to 30 people.
Creative idea: prepare small cardboard or wooden photo frames (available for less than €2 each) and give every guest their framed photo at the end of the evening. It is an original Christmas present that costs almost nothing but means a great deal.
Photo activities for Christmas Day
Turn the photo booth into real entertainment with these ideas:
- The annual family portrait: each branch of the family steps up for an official photo
- The best Christmas jumper: a contest for the most festive (or most kitsch) outfit
- The letter to Father Christmas: each child writes a wish and poses with it
- The generations game: grandparents and grandchildren pose together, then everyone compares the resemblances
- Opening the presents: capture the reactions live
New Year’s Eve with friends: the life of the party
The photo countdown
Launch a photo challenge every hour while you wait for midnight. Display the schedule next to the photo booth:
- 8pm: A photo on arrival, smart and elegant: the “start of the evening” version
- 9pm: A photo with a party accessory (hat, tinsel, streamers)
- 10pm: The funniest photo possible: a face-pulling contest
- 11pm: A photo with someone you did not know before the party
- 11:30pm: A prediction photo for 2027 (everyone writes their prediction on a card)
- Midnight: The New Year group photo!
- 12:30am: The “resolution” photo: everyone shows off their New Year’s resolution
This countdown format creates momentum that keeps the energy up all night and guarantees a steady flow of varied photos.
The “year in review” frame
Create a photo frame with space to write. Each guest notes on a small card their best memory of 2026 and their resolution for 2027, then takes a photo holding up their card. The next day, it is a joy to read through all those resolutions again (and to gently tease the ones that will not last the first week of January).
The party gallery
The next day, share the link with all your guests. It is the best way to relive the evening (and to discover the photos you do not remember taking). All digital photos are unlimited and downloadable with Badabooth, so there is no need to sort or ration them.
Countdown to midnight: the perfect sequence
For the last 10 minutes before midnight, here is the ideal photo schedule:
- 11:50pm: Gather everyone for a giant group photo
- 11:55pm: Photos in pairs or trios of best friends
- 11:58pm: Everyone lines up facing the photo booth
- Midnight: Shoot in bursts during the hugs and New Year wishes
- 12:05am: The first official photo of 2027
Office Christmas party: festive team building
Why the photo booth is perfect for the office Christmas party
The company Christmas party is a key moment for team cohesion. The photo booth plays a valuable role:
- It breaks the ice between departments that do not mix day to day
- It creates shared memories that strengthen the sense of belonging
- It provides visual content for internal communications (newsletter, intranet, social media)
- It is a great alternative to a professional photographer, at a fraction of the price
Did you know? Companies that organise festive events with interactive entertainment such as a photo booth see a 35% increase in engagement among their staff over the following months.
Ideas for the office Christmas party
- A frame in your company colours: incorporate the brand logo and colours into a Christmas design
- The best costume contest: each team dresses up on a theme (elves, reindeer, snowmen) and takes a turn in the photo booth
- The Secret Santa photo: everyone poses with the present they received and the person who gave it to them
- The message to the CEO: each team leaves a festive message for the boss by posing with a sign
- The festive team directory: refresh the team photo in a relaxed atmosphere
For more corporate entertainment ideas, read our article on 5 entertainment ideas for a corporate party and our guide to the team building photo booth.
The corporate budget: a smart investment
For a company party of 50 to 150 people, the Happy (€275) or Smile (€399) package is ideal. Compared with the cost of a professional photographer (€500 to €1,500 for an evening), the Badabooth photo booth is a solution 2 to 5 times cheaper that also produces animated GIFs and instant sharing.
Decoration ideas for a festive photo booth corner
A successful photo booth corner is a setting that makes people want to stop and pose. Here are detailed ideas to create the perfect atmosphere.
Christmas decoration
- The Christmas tree backdrop: a decorated tree right behind the photo booth makes a beautiful natural backdrop. Add fairy lights for a soft, magical glow
- The wall of presents: stack wrapped boxes of different sizes to create a colourful, festive backdrop
- The faux fireplace: a cardboard fireplace set with Christmas stockings, LED candles and fake ivy
- The snowflake curtain: paper snowflakes hung at different heights in front of a dark backdrop
- The winter forest: dried tree branches painted white, arranged in tall vases, with fake snow and lights
New Year decoration
- The balloon wall: gold, black and white balloons forming an arch above the photo booth
- The metallic fringe curtain: gold or silver, it creates a shiny, photogenic backdrop
- Giant “2027” numbers: mylar balloons or decorated cardboard, placed behind or next to the photo booth
- String lights: cascading fairy lights on a dark backdrop for a starry effect
- The glamorous props table: empty champagne glasses, feather boas, Venetian masks, tiaras
Must-have props for the festive season
- Santa hats and bobble hats
- Reindeer antler headbands
- Glittery moustaches and lips on sticks
- Star- or Christmas-tree-shaped glasses
- “Ho Ho Ho”, “2027” and “Happy New Year” signs
- Red, green and gold feather boas
- Tinsel and streamers
- Fake Father Christmas beards
End-of-year themes at a glance
| Theme | Props | Photo frame | Atmosphere | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Christmas | Hats, scarves, presents | Red and gold, tree, snowflakes | Warm and family-friendly | Family dinner |
| Scandinavian Christmas | Wood, branches, candles | Blue and white, minimal | Elegant and understated | Intimate dinner |
| Winter Wonderland | Snowflakes, fake snow, crystals | Silver and white, stars | Magical | Winter wedding |
| Kitsch Christmas | Ugly jumpers, flashing tinsel | Multicoloured and over the top | Quirky and fun | Party with friends |
| Glamorous New Year | Masks, boas, glasses | Black and gold, glitter | Chic and festive | Big party |
| Retro New Year | Top hats, feathers | Black and white, art deco | Vintage | Themed party |
| Office Christmas | Props in brand colours | Logo + festive design | Professional and friendly | Corporate |
| New Year’s Eve with family | Mix of generations, games | ”Happy New Year from the [surname]s” | Relaxed | Extended family |
Practical tips for the festive season
Location
- Christmas: set up the photo booth in the living room, near the tree. The tree makes a beautiful natural photo backdrop. Avoid putting it in a separate room where nobody will go spontaneously
- New Year: place it near the dance floor or the bar. That is where the action is, and guests will pass by naturally. If you have the space, create a proper dedicated corner with a decorated backdrop
- Corporate: position it in the reception area, visible from the entrance. The first arrivals set the trend and encourage the others
Timing
- Christmas: start the photo booth after the meal, during coffee and dessert. That is when the mood is most relaxed and guests are looking for something to do
- New Year: switch it on from the start of the evening and leave it running all night. The best photos often come after midnight, when inhibitions drop
- Corporate: open the photo booth during the drinks reception to break the ice, then leave it available all evening
Lighting
In winter, events take place indoors and often in the evening. The Badabooth’s built-in flash handles these conditions perfectly, but take a few precautions:
- Avoid placing the photo booth facing a window or a direct light source
- Fairy lights in the background add beautiful bokeh to the photos
- Candles (or LED candles) near the photo booth create a warm atmosphere without affecting the photos
Temperature
An often overlooked point: if your event takes place in an unheated space (barn, marquee), make sure the photo booth is in a temperate area (above 10°C). Extreme cold can affect the printer and the battery of electronic devices.
Which package for the holidays?
| Event | People | Recommended package | Price | Printed photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Christmas (small) | 10-30 | Smart | €144 | 50 |
| Family Christmas (extended) | 30-60 | Happy | €275 | 150 |
| New Year’s Eve with friends | 30-100 | Happy | €275 | 150 |
| Big New Year’s Eve party | 100-200 | Smile | €399 | 400 |
| Office Christmas (SME) | 20-50 | Happy | €275 | 150 |
| Office Christmas (large company) | 50-200 | Smile | €399 | 400 |
Every package includes: unlimited digital photos, animated GIFs, a free custom frame and AirDrop sharing. Discover all our packages.
Delivery is available anywhere in Belgium: the Badabooth arrives 1 to 2 working days before your event, with delivery and prepaid return included in the price. During the festive season, book early: at least 2 days are needed between the order and the event.
Budget: how much does a photo booth cost for the holidays?
Comparison of festive entertainment options
| Option | Average price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional photographer | €500-1,500 | Professional quality, directed poses | Expensive, limited time, no interactive fun |
| Traditional photo booth hire (with attendant) | €600-1,200 | Attendant on site | Very expensive, depends on the provider |
| Badabooth (no attendant) | €144-519 delivered | Self-service, fun, unlimited photos | You set it up yourself (5 min) |
| Phone selfie | €0 | Free | Variable quality, not festive, no shared memories |
The Badabooth is made in France, rated 4.7/5 on Google and 5/5 on Trustpilot. It works without an attendant, without WiFi, and sets up in 5 minutes.
How to make the most of your festive budget
- Combine events: if you celebrate Christmas on the 25th and New Year on the 31st, order the Badabooth to cover both events (the rental covers a weekend or a few days)
- Share the cost: for New Year’s Eve with friends, split the cost between the guests. With 10 friends, the Happy package works out at less than €30 per person
- Give it as a gift: a photo booth rental makes an excellent joint Christmas present for the whole family
Tip: for a New Year’s Eve party of 30 people with the Happy package (€275), that works out at €9.17 per guest. Less than a cocktail, for memories that last a lifetime.
Booking timeline for the 2026 festive season
The festive season is the busiest period for photo booth rental. Here is the ideal timeline to book in good time:
| Period | Action | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| September - October | Book the Badabooth | Ideal (best availability) |
| November | Book + customise the frame | Good time (reasonable availability) |
| Early December | Last chance to book | Urgent (limited stock) |
| Mid-December | Too late for some dates | Critical |
| 20-31 December | Event time! | Enjoy! |
Advice: book now at badabooth.be/en/builder to guarantee availability on your chosen date. December weekends and 31 December are the most requested dates of the year.
Preparation checklist (4 weeks before)
- Book the Badabooth on badabooth.be
- Choose the package that suits your number of guests
- Customise the photo frame (theme, colours, text)
- Plan the decorations (and your own props if you want some: they are not supplied)
- Choose where the photo booth will go in the room
- Check there is a power socket nearby
- Let guests know there will be a photo booth (it builds anticipation!)
- Prepare the photo activities (countdown, contests, etc.)
FAQ
When should you book a photo booth for the festive season?
Ideally 2 to 4 weeks before your event. The festive season is the busiest period: December weekends and the 31st go first. By booking in October or November, you can be sure of having your Badabooth on your chosen date.
Does the photo booth work indoors without natural light?
Absolutely. The Badabooth’s built-in flash is designed to work perfectly indoors, even in a dark environment. That is the case for most end-of-year events, which take place in the evening. Photos are bright and sharp thanks to the calibrated flash.
Can you customise the photo frame for Christmas?
Yes, and it is included free of charge with every rental. You can choose the colours (red and gold, blue and silver…), add Christmas elements (snowflakes, tree, stars), write a personal message and even include the family name. The Badabooth team offers templates or creates a bespoke design.
Is the Badabooth suitable for children?
It is actually one of its strengths! The touchscreen is intuitive and children understand straight away how it works. The countdown gives them time to get ready, and pulling faces is their speciality. The printed photos also make a tangible keepsake that children love to take home.
How do you transport the photo booth for New Year’s Eve?
The Badabooth is delivered straight to your door 1 to 2 days before the event. You have nothing to transport. After the party, put everything back in the box, stick on the prepaid return label and drop the parcel off at a UPS access point. Delivery and return are included anywhere in Belgium.
Can you rent the Badabooth for Christmas AND New Year?
Yes! If your two events are close together (for example 25 and 31 December), you can keep the Badabooth for both occasions with a single booking. Contact the Badabooth team to arrange it.
Do you need WiFi to use the photo booth?
No. The Badabooth works without WiFi. Photos are taken, printed and stored locally. AirDrop sharing also works without an internet connection. That is a major advantage for venues that do not always have good signal.
Which props should you plan for a Christmas photo booth?
The essentials: Santa hats, reindeer antler headbands, fake beards, tinsel and festive signs (“Ho Ho Ho”, “Merry Christmas”). You can find them for a few euros in any decoration shop or online (they are not supplied with the booth, which instead offers animated emojis that follow faces). The custom photo frame is already included with Badabooth, and it is often the most striking visual element.
The 2026 festive season is approaching. Book your Badabooth now to turn Christmas and New Year into unforgettable memories. Made in France, rated 4.7/5 on Google and 5/5 on Trustpilot. Set up in 5 minutes, no attendant, no WiFi.
