We know Halloween just wrapped up, but it’s never too early to get your holiday photos plans mapped out.

While you have the difficult task of rounding up the family + furry friends and getting everyone in coordinating outfits, we wanted to help lighten your load for the holidays with a list of places around Raleigh that would make great holiday photo backdrops. From Pawliday Photos at Clouds Brewing to candid shots at the NC Museum of Art, there’s a holiday card photo op for every Raleigh family.

Note: Professional photographers may need a permit to shoot in some locations. Additional fees may apply.

Historic Oak View County Park

📍 4028 Carya Dr.
Our favorite backdrops: Pecan grove, farm house, barn, open space

https://www.instagram.com/p/CH5zPxIAyd1/

Lassiter Mill Park

📍 3362 Lassiter Falls Cir.
Our favorite backdrops: Old working mill, rock stairs, paved path, open fields

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiI60sAlUuU/

Mordecai Historic Park

📍 1 Mimosa St.
Our favorite backdrops: historic house, open space, foliage

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLiCx9fnCBl/

Dix Park

📍 1030 Richardson Dr.
Our favorite backdrops: Downtown skyline, public art, open space, foliage

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUuiCf4rmq5/

City Market

📍 306 Parham St.
Our favorite backdrops: Cobblestone streets, foliage (Pro Tip: great lighting during the day + at night)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHF-PFNFMuJ/

JC Raulston Arboretum

📍 4415 Beryl Rd.
Our favorite backdrops: Diverse collections of landscape plants, paved paths, Japanese Garden

https://www.instagram.com/p/B810sURH0GW/

Raleigh Rose Garden

📍 301 Pogue St.
Our favorite backdrops: Roses, trees, perennials, first hard freeze of the season is around mid-November.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUp7Zx7lssw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Umstead State Park

📍 8801 Glenwood Ave.
Our favorite backdrops: Designated trails and paths, foliage, open space

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVoAOOqPr4U/

Raleigh Union Station

📍510 W Martin St.
Our favorite backdrops: Modern architecture, heart of downtown, public art

https://www.instagram.com/p/CP_USAijxMo/

Boylan Bridge

📍 234 S. Boylan Ave.
Our favorite backdrops: View of downtown skyline

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUilE2_rdiG/