It's time for your close-up, San Jose. 📸

Whether you're sending holiday cards to the family, or looking to put a new portrait over the fireplace — we wanted to provide you with 11 local backdrops to greet this holiday season with a smile.

🎄 Seasonal snapshots

Many of our local celebrations are the perfect setting for your seasonal aesthetic — including Christmas in the Park and Great America's Winterfest. They don't kick off until next week, but in the meantime, head to Santana Row for glimmering lights, a large Christmas tree + an upscale feel for your photos.

The colors of the Japanese Friendship Garden this season are breathtaking. | Photo via @jeremydesignmons

🍂 Park panoramics

Let nature be your backdrop at several parks offering gorgeous fall foliage during this normally drab time of year. Head to either Almaden Lake Park or Vasona Park for serene views of the water. Fool the family into thinking you're a globetrotter with the bridges of the Japanese Friendship Garden or the rock garden at Hakone Estates and Gardens.

🏙️ Simply San Jose

Show off your local love at spots like the Sonic Runway or Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Get creative with colors at the red + green freight trains in History Park, or get a seasonal scare at the Winchester Mystery House during their "Holidays at the House" — which begins next week.

📸 Book your session

Consider booking with a local photographer to capture your holiday moment.

Share your season's greetings with us and send in your holiday photos for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter.