Let’s face it: holiday decorating is part of our nesting nature. These days, our phones are just as much our “home” as any; hence, a bit of Christmas-themed mobile wallpaper can go a long way. While some free wallpaper apps are riddled with ads and design flaws, there are a number of solid sources for iPhone and Android backgrounds.
1
Backdrops
Whether you have an iOS or Android device, you can use the Backdrops app for holiday wallpaper. With hundreds of original wallpapers for any occasion, Backdrop will highlight specific designs in a carousel at the top of the app’s Explore page, such as the Wall of the Day and User Favorite. You can easily browse, favorite, and save images as you go.
While Backdrops has a Pro membership for $3.99, it doesn’t push this subscription too hard, compared to other apps. Even though you won’t have access to certain collections, there are plenty of high-quality images in the free version, and that includes holiday-themed backgrounds. All you have to do is tap Search, and type anything from “Christmas” to “Winter.”
More than any other app I’ve explored, Backdrops offers modern, high-resolution, and design-conscious options for Christmas wallpaper. While I have a place in my heart for the more kitschy backgrounds other apps offer, they risk making your screen too busy or your text unreadable.
The only drawback to this app is that it can be a bit of a battery-drainer. But, this will be the case for most apps that offer large collections of high-resolution images for download.
Download: Backdrops on iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
2
Walli
Similarly, going against the grain with unexpected, modern takes on holiday wallpaper is Walli, available to both Android and iOS users. Walli selects artwork from illustrators and photographers who submit to the app, creating a tapestry of diverse backgrounds to choose from.
Compared to Backdrops, Walli will push a paid subscription on you a little more, but still not in a completely disruptive way. As you search through its images, you’ll find wallpapers that are completely free to download. However, some require you to watch an ad, and others are only accessible through a premium membership.
I still found plenty of impressive options when I used the “Christmas” search term that didn’t require me to pay a cent.
Download: Walli on iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
3
One4Wall
Unlike Backdrops and Walli, the One4Wall app does not drain your phone battery while you scroll through wallpapers. This app hosts more than 2,000 pieces of colorful and imaginative artwork, which you can explore all at once or narrowed down into collections the app has already put together for you.
I browsed One4Wall’s Christmas collection to find some vibrant, photo-realistic holiday wallpapers, including snowmen and decorated farmhouses. I was able to select my favorites, see their credited artists, and download the files quickly—without any glitches.
Like other apps, One4Wall has a paid option that gives you access to Pro collections. However, the app doesn’t push the membership beyond a single pop-up on the home page. If you do want to pay for greater access, you can choose from a weekly, monthly, or lifetime subscription option.
Download: One4Wall on iOS | Android (Free, subscriptions available)
4
Kappboom
Kappboom, also called Kappboom Wallpapers, has over 200,000 wallpaper choices, so there is definitely something for everyone on this app. Kappboom also includes a photo editor, which allows you to enhance the included designs by adding stickers, drawing on them, cropping, adjusting the brightness, and more.
As far as its Christmas-themed backgrounds, there are seemingly endless options. The kitsch level might be high, but I’m not mad about it.
I particularly enjoyed the fun sound effects while navigating around the app, not to mention the non-obtrusive ads. If you want to get rid of the ads and unlock premium content, a Diamond membership is available for $8/month or $50/year.
Download: Kappboom on iOS | Android (free, subscription available)
5
Canva
This option might seem a little more involved than the others, but Canva is an often forgotten resource for Christmas-themed wallpapers.
While the Canva app is already a very user-friendly platform for amateur graphic design, it also offers mobile wallpapers that don’t require any tweaking. Simply look for the Phone Wallpaper templates, select the Christmas tag, and browse through countless backgrounds that are ready to download.
In addition to the plug-and-play wallpapers, you can also customize your own design with Canva. For instance, if you want to incorporate a photo of your dog into a holiday-themed background, Canva makes it easy for even the least tech-inclined to do so.
You can also add effects, change colors, and even throw in some Christmas-themed Elements, which are Canva’s built-in graphics.
Unlike the other apps on this list, you will have to start a Canva account to access and download designs.
However, starting an account is free. While there are some tempting templates and features behind a premium paywall, there is plenty to work with for no cost.
Download: Canva on iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
Of course, if none of these holiday-themed designs inspire you, photos of family and friends around the Christmas tree also make for elegant wallpapers.
I know what you’re thinking: it’s easier said than done. However, even beginners can apply smartphone photography techniques like portrait mode to produce professional-looking Christmas images. Get out there and share the holiday spirit from your phone screen—the elves will thank you.
