Every holiday season, thousands of travelers begin searching for that Nancy Meyers movie-worthy vacation rental where they can sip hot cocoa, wrap presents, and maybe even have their own meet-cute moment under the mistletoe.
But here’s the struggle many agents face: How do you transform your listing from “just another rental” into “THE holiday destination”? The answer isn’t just in the staging—it’s in the storytelling that your photos deliver.
During a time when everyone is fighting for bookings faster than parents scrambling for the last hot toy of the season, high quality photos aren’t just a consideration to make your listing standout—it’s your secret weapon.
So, settle in with your favorite holiday drink (we’re betting it’s something sweet), and let’s explore how to make your vacation listings shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose this holiday season.
What are peak months for Airbnb?
Timing in the vacation rental game is a bit like trying to predict when Kevin McCallister’s family will realize they’ve left him behind. But unlike the McCallisters’ chaotic holiday planning, you can actually map out when your Airbnb or Vrbo listing is most likely to hit its peak booking season.
Generally speaking, high seasons fall in the summer or winter months, depending on the destination. Summer is the high season for beach towns, lakeside retreats, and outdoor adventure spots, while winter is prime time for ski resorts and cozy mountain getaways.
Now, let’s talk holidays—does the demand dip during this time?
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are surprisingly in a league of their own. Even in typically quieter off-seasons, these holidays bring a wave of last-minute bookings as families and friends search for unique places to gather and spend quality time together.
Remember that scene in Four Christmases where Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon are scrambling to coordinate family visits? That’s exactly what your potential guests are trying to avoid. Instead of traveling from home to home, they’re looking for a place where the whole crew can come together under one roof.
Which means, vacation rentals offer guests the freedom and flexibility to design their own holiday experience. Guests can make lasting memories in a stress-free environment, free from the confines of crowded living rooms or the struggle of fitting everyone into cramped spaces.
Is Airbnb Slow in Winter?
While some properties may see a dip in bookings during the winter, there are plenty of winter destinations—like cozy cabins, chalets, and accommodations near popular skiing or snowboarding areas—that often maintain high demand on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Winter travelers are drawn to these locations for their seasonal activities, but also because a snowy background really is the ultimate Christmas or holiday postcard. There’s something undeniably magical about the crisp winter air, snow-covered trees, and twinkling lights that make these destinations feel like they’ve stepped right out of a holiday movie.
But how do you make sure to capture this magic? And more importantly, what can you do to market your property so that travelers see it as the perfect seasonal escape?
For those looking to maximize winter bookings, the first step is to highlight the property’s proximity to key attractions. Showcase its closeness to ski lifts, popular trails, downtown amenities, and any local winter events.
Second, make it easy for potential guests to envision their winter getaway by emphasizing cozy features like fireplaces, heated floors, or hot tubs. It’s these amenities that turn online viewers into confirmed reservations.
How to Capture the Holiday Spirit at Your Vacation Rental
Hiring a professional real estate photographer to capture quality winter photos can truly make all the difference in attracting bookings during the colder months. Like Cameron Diaz searching for her perfect cottage in The Holiday, guests seek spaces that radiate warmth and seasonal charm.
A skilled photographer will know how to make the most of winter light, bringing out the best of both interior and exterior shots, even in the shorter, sometimes overcast days of the season. From showing off the frost-kissed windows to capturing the snow-laden landscape around the property, these details can transform a listing into a real dream winter retreat.
Here’s how to stage your property for holiday:
The Cozy Factor (Because Nobody Can Resist It)
- Layer throw blankets—think chunky knits, plush sherpa, and cable-knit textures
- Feature those perfect little corners where guests can imagine themselves living their best Hallmark movie life. For example, book nooks, window seats, scenic balconies.
- Add oversized pillows to seating areas.
- Place a few coffee table books—bonus points for seasonal cookbooks or local guides.
Seasonal Touches (Without Going Full Clark Griswold)
- Opt for subtle holiday decor that photographs well: pinecones, evergreen sprigs, metallic accents.
- Skip the inflatable Santa and opt for tasteful outdoor lighting that makes your property glow like it’s ready for its close-up.
- Create a welcoming entryway with a classic wreath or seasonal door decor (think “Pottery Barn catalog” not “North Pole gift shop”).
- Add warm white string lights in unexpected places—window frames, mantels, or wrapped around stair railings.
The Little Details That Make Big Impact
- Leave out board games or playing cards to suggest family time.
- Add subtle aromatherapy touches that guests will notice in person (though they won’t show in photos, it’s part of the overall experience).
- Position small lamps for warm, ambient lighting.
- Create intentional empty spaces—remember, you’re selling the possibility of memories, not a fully lived-in home.
Hiring a Professional Photographer vs. DIY: Which is Best for Your Listing?
So, now that you’ve learned all the tricks for creating the perfect holiday retreat (the kind that makes scrollers stop and stare), let’s make sure the photos do all your hard work justice.
When those seasonal changes hit and your property is giving winter wonderland vibes, it’s tempting to whip out your phone and start snapping. The fall foliage is peak perfection, the snow is falling just right, and you’ve got all those fancy Apple filters at your fingertips.
But here’s the truth: this isn’t the time to channel your inner influencer.
While the DIY approach might seem tempting for your wallet, investing in a professional photographer is worth every penny. These experts don’t just come armed with fancy equipment—they bring years of experience in:
- Finding those perfect angles that make rooms look spacious yet cozy (no more awkward, cramped corner shots)
- Managing tricky lighting situations (goodbye, yellow-tinted indoor photos!)
- Capturing seasonal charm without making your listing look like a holiday store exploded inside
- Making exterior shots look magazine-worthy, even on overcast days
- Editing that enhances rather than screams “filtered beyond recognition
The value of professional expertise is not just in the photos too—they help elevate your brand, increase engagement, and ultimately lead to quicker sales or higher bookings during the busiest times of year.
Therefore, when it comes to showcasing your holiday listing, timeshare, or short-term rental during the festive season, investing in professional photography always pays off in ways that a DIY effort simply can’t match.
Connect with HomeJab this Holiday Season
Ready to get your vacation rental listing holiday-ready? Contact HomeJab today to schedule your professional photo shoot! With 24/7 customer service and the ability to book in under two minutes, we make it quick and easy to showcase your property in its best light this season.
