Get Festive with the Coolest Christmas Wallpapers and Icon Packs [November 2019]

‘Tis the season to get into the holiday spirit! And what better way to do that than by dressing up your device with the most fabulous Christmas wallpapers and icon packs? Whether you’re an icon aficionado or simply love to have your screen adorned with festive cheer, I’ve got you covered!

Step into a winter wonderland with these handpicked Christmas wallpapers that will instantly transport you to the magical world of holiday joy. Picture snow-covered landscapes, charming Santa Claus illustrations, and cute reindeer frolicking in the snow. Trust me, these wallpapers will keep you in a jolly mood all season long.

But wait, there’s more! If you really want to take your device’s holiday makeover to the next level, look no further than these incredible Christmas icon packs. Swap out your regular icons for charming Christmas-themed alternatives that are sure to bring a smile to your face every time you unlock your device.

Whether you’re using an Android or an iOS device, finding the perfect wallpaper and icon pack is a breeze. Just head over to the relevant app store and search for “Christmas wallpapers” or “Christmas icon packs.” You’ll be greeted with a plethora of options, but fear not! To make your life easier, I’ve compiled a list of the best ones out there, handpicked just for you.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Christmas wallpapers and icon packs. Trust me, once you give your device a festive makeover, you won’t be able to contain your holiday spirit. Get ready to spread the cheer everywhere you go!

Remember, the holiday season is all about spreading joy, and there’s no better way to do that than by decking out your device with these amazing Christmas wallpapers and icon packs. Enjoy the magic of the season at your fingertips and let the Christmas spirit shine through. Happy holidays!

As the year comes to a close and the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, you might be searching for a way to get into the holiday spirit. It can be challenging to embrace the season, especially if you’re not a fan of the cold or if you’ve had a tough year. However, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of decoration to remind you of the magic of this time of year. If you celebrate Christmas in December, it’s relatively easy to create a festive atmosphere with Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, and snowflakes. However, the holiday season can also bring stress with shopping, family, and diet concerns.

So, if you need some motivation to get through this challenging time and want something to lift your spirits and bring back the joy of the holiday season, consider setting a Christmas or holiday-themed wallpaper on your devices. Your home computer or laptop could use a new wallpaper, and your smartphone or tablet is always with you, so it’s a great way to set a holiday mood. While it can be difficult to find good Christmas-themed wallpapers, sometimes the best photos are the ones you’ve taken during past holidays.

Fortunately, there is a wide variety of winter, holiday, and Christmas wallpapers available online. In this guide, we’ve gathered some of the best ones. Let’s see how you can find your own wallpapers and understand what resolution and aspect ratios mean for your devices.

What to Consider When Choosing a Wallpaper

Although browsing for wallpapers has become easier in recent years, it can still be challenging to find high-quality ones online. Some websites and search results offer low-quality wallpapers that look unappealing on your devices. When selecting a wallpaper, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure it looks great on your display.

Resolution

The resolution of a wallpaper is crucial in ensuring it looks good on your chosen display. Whether you’re using a laptop, a desktop monitor, a tablet, or a smartphone, you want the resolution of the photo to either match or surpass the size of your display. Determining your display’s resolution can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with it. Smartphone manufacturers usually provide this information online, while computer manufacturers include resolution numbers in the specifications of their devices, though they may be hidden in the case of low-resolution computers.

If you’re not sure about the resolution of your display, don’t worry, there are a few ways to find out. One option is to do a quick Google search for your device’s name and find the resolution that way. For example, if you have an iPhone 11, just search for “iPhone 11 resolution” on Google and you’ll see that it has a resolution of 1792×828.

The same goes for computers, although it can be a bit trickier. Most laptops, especially those outside of the macOS ecosystem, have complicated product names that don’t immediately reveal their resolution. For Windows 10 users, you can easily find out the resolution by clicking on the Start menu in the bottom-left corner, typing “Display,” and pressing enter. In the settings menu, you’ll find the resolution number for your display. It’s worth noting that many modern laptops have a 1080p (or 1920×1080) display, but it’s always good to double-check.

Finally, you can also try using an awesome online tool called What Is My Screen Resolution to find out the resolution of your display. But here’s a little heads up: if you have display scaling activated on your device (which is pretty common on Windows devices), the website might get a bit confused and show you the scaled resolution instead of the actual screen resolution.

If you use a low-resolution image or an image with a lower resolution than your device, you’ll notice a decrease in the image’s quality when it’s used as your wallpaper. This might not sound like a big problem, but if you’ve ever seen a picture blown up to 200 or 300 percent its original size, you know that stretching an image can cause distortion and loss of quality, making your wallpaper look messy. On the other hand, if the resolution of the image is larger than your display, you can use it without any decrease in quality. Basically, this means you need to pay attention to the resolution. If it’s smaller than your resolution, don’t use it as your wallpaper. If it’s equal to or larger, you’re good to go.

Aspect Ratio

Almost as important as resolution is understanding the aspect ratio of your device. This is closely related to resolution, and while it’s not as crucial as the resolution of your display, you should ensure that the aspect ratio is close to correct so that the photo fits your screen.

An aspect ratio refers to the width versus the height of a display. Aspect ratios are used to describe the size of the screen in a movie theater, the TV in your living room, or the phone in your pocket. Typically, aspect ratio is written as (width):(height), as it usually applies to horizontal displays like laptops and monitors. Most modern displays have an aspect ratio close to 16:9, including TVs, computer monitors, and laptops.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Some Apple displays, like those on MacBooks, usually have an aspect ratio of 16:10, which means the display is slightly taller than a regular television. But for the most part, a 16:9 aspect ratio is common for wallpapers. If you’re unsure whether the wallpaper you’ve chosen matches the aspect ratio of your device, you can use a ratio calculator like the one found here. Enter the resolution of your monitor, and you’ll see the simplified answer in the “Answer” field.

Aspect ratios can be a bit tricky when it comes to smartphones, let me tell you. You see, smartphones use a vertical aspect ratio instead of a horizontal one. In the past few years, most modern phones have moved away from the standard 16:9 ratio and adopted a taller aspect ratio. Some phones, like Samsung and Apple, are even taller than that. The Galaxy Note 10, for example, uses a 19:9 aspect ratio, while the iPhone 11 goes for a super-tall 19.5:9 aspect ratio.

So, it’s important to make sure your aspect ratio matches the device you’re using. If you’re on a PC, look for a 16:9 (for most laptops) or 16:10 (for some desktop monitors) wallpaper. MacBook users can generally stick with 16:10, although the smaller MacBook Air from a few years ago has a 16:9 aspect ratio. If you’re an iOS user, make sure your wallpaper fits perfectly with your device. Android users should keep in mind that wallpapers often move in the background on most phones, so you might need more space to the left and right of the wallpaper. You can disable this on some devices in settings or by using a third-party launcher like Nova.

Sources

Now, one of the most important things when choosing the perfect wallpaper is to make sure you’re getting it from a trustworthy source. You don’t want to end up with low-quality wallpapers from sites that don’t prioritize quality. It’s best to avoid those sites and focus on ones that provide excellent content. There are plenty of wallpaper sites online, but beware of those that haven’t been updated in years. They won’t have fresh, high-resolution wallpapers for your devices in this day and age.

When it comes to mobile devices, things are a bit easier because there are many apps available on both iOS and Android that offer wallpapers. However, you’re likely to encounter the same problem we see on desktops and laptops: many of these wallpapers are for older devices with lower resolutions. Over the years, smartphone users have gone from using devices with a groundbreaking 720p resolution to mid-range devices where a 1080p resolution is considered “good enough.” Even apps that promise “HD wallpapers” often have thousands of low-res wallpapers for your device.

As a general rule, here are some of the best wallpaper sites and apps on the market today. This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you a good idea of the quality you should expect from your wallpaper sources.

For Desktop:

• Wallhaven: If you’re looking for new wallpapers, Wallhaven is a great option. It has a random button that lets you easily search through random wallpapers. The search function works well too, although you have to click on the selected image to find its resolution.
• Desktoppr: Desktoppr offers some incredible wallpapers thanks to their careful selection process. To access the site, you’ll need to create an account and use Dropbox to download wallpapers to your Dropbox account.
• Social Wallpapering: Though the design is simple, Social Wallpapering is a solid choice. It has a built-in search function and allows almost anyone to upload wallpapers, resulting in a diverse selection on the platform.
• Desktop Nexus: Despite being an older site, Desktop Nexus is still a good one. It has nearly 1.5 million wallpapers, and with its popular tag system, you’ll find thousands of photos dedicated to Christmas, winter, and other holiday-related terms.

For iOS:

• Retina HD Wallpapers: Exclusively for iPhones, Retina HD Wallpapers offers resolutions that are perfect for regularly changing your wallpaper. With a sharp resolution and a wide range of categories, you’re sure to find plenty to love here.
• 10000+ Wallpapers: The large number of wallpapers in this app may affect its search functionality, but the monthly updates and packs make it worth considering. It even has an extensive holiday pack that iOS users will enjoy.
• Vellum: Vellum is a must-have app during the holiday season. It offers a number of wallpaper packs and provides a fresh new wallpaper every day. The content packs change with the seasons, giving you a wide variety of wallpapers to choose from for Christmas. Plus, with the blur tool, you can ensure your wallpaper looks perfect with your icons.

For Android:

• Backdrops: Backdrops has always been our favorite wallpaper app for Android. It features artwork created by featured artists who collaborate with the developers, as well as user-uploaded work sorted by category, color, and more. Finding an incredible piece of artwork for your wallpaper is easy here. Additionally, the ability to set your content for both the lock and home screen separately is a great feature.
• Zedge: On Zedge, everything is user-uploaded, which means there’s plenty of awesome Christmas and holiday content. Aside from wallpapers, you can also find ringtones and sound effects, including uploaded Christmas songs to complete the look and feel of your phone or tablet. Zedge is also available on iOS, so no matter what phone you have, you can check it out.

Our Picks: Best Christmas and Holiday Wallpapers

Now let’s highlight some of the best Christmas and holiday-themed wallpapers you can find online, considering both Christmas-specific and winter-themed wallpapers for readers of various religious faiths and secular readers. To avoid overwhelming this article with large images, we’ve included scaled-down versions of the original wallpapers. To download the full-resolution photograph, click on the source link below each image. Remember to head to the original source to get the file in its original resolution.

Windows/MacOS Desktop

Let me show you our first dog photo, which captures the essence of the holiday season with a friendly and lovable canine. Dogs and Christmas are a perfect combination, like a hand fitting snugly into a glove. One cannot deny the enchantment of watching a dog gleefully frolic in the snow. So, join me in celebrating the holidays with this heartwarming photo of a good dog sending you warm wishes for a Merry Christmas.

Star Wars and Christmas don’t exactly go together, but I’ve found a way to blend the two in a truly awesome way. I’ve created this unique wallpaper that combines the magic of the holidays with the iconic Star Wars universe. It’s like wearing a festive sweater, but for your computer screen!

This design is all about simplicity and holiday cheer. I wanted to capture the essence of a cozy holiday sweater without actually having to wear one. And the best part? You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy it!

Now, I know the resolution is set at 1080p, but no worries! You can easily adjust the color on your desktop to seamlessly extend the design to larger wallpapers without sacrificing any detail or quality.

Overwatch has remained a cherished game for us, and Blizzard concluded BlizzCon 2019 by revealing a sequel. Let’s revel in our adoration for the game with this festive wallpaper boasting a spacious 4K resolution. If you’re a gamer using an ultra-wide monitor, you’re sure to appreciate the aesthetic and vibe of this design, and it’ll undoubtedly enhance the appearance of your valuable screen.

Hey there! Let me tell you about Jack Skellington, the ultimate icon for Halloween and Christmas. This fabulous wallpaper brings together the worlds of Halloweentown and Christmas Town, so you can have the hero of both holidays right on your desktop. Isn’t that awesome?

Now, let’s talk about The Nightmare Before Christmas. This movie is a true classic when it comes to Christmas films. It’s a unique story that beautifully blends the spirit of Halloween with the enchantment of Christmas. And guess what? You can pay homage to this amazing film by adorning your desktop with this stunning wallpaper.

Deadpool might not be your typical Christmas icon, but let me tell you, this guy has captured the hearts of grown-ups everywhere with his mischievous jokes, wild antics, and side-splitting stunts. Both the original Deadpool movie and its sequel were mega hits, and if you’re looking for some festive fun, you gotta check out Once Upon a Deadpool – it’s a special Christmas edition of the second film!

Don’t we all just adore a bunch of twinkling lights to get us in the holiday spirit? Christmas lights are inexpensive, give our homes a festive touch, and, of course, illuminate our houses with a special glow. These lights are unbeatable, and if it’s too soon to hang them up, you can download this wallpaper to capture the same vibe.

When it comes to Christmas entertainment, there’s nothing like sitting down and watching the Peanuts gang in A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’s considered one of the greatest Christmas shorts ever made, and I absolutely love it. I’m a huge fan of Snoopy and Woodstock, and I have a special treat for you. How would you like to brighten up your desktop with a beautiful red, white, and blue wallpaper featuring these lovable characters?

Right now, flat design is super popular. And let me tell you, this clean wallpaper is just perfect for the holidays. It’s minimalist and 2D, featuring a simple Santa Claus. The blue background is great because it doesn’t take away attention from your folders and desktop icons. But I have to admit, the font might not match the overall design. But hey, the wallpaper still has that holiday fun vibe that will get you in the spirit!

Hey there! I’ve got a fantastic photo for you. It captures a beautifully decorated tree, all ready for the holiday season. This wintery scene will bring a touch of magic to your festivities. Just take a look at that snow-covered tree against the tranquil blue background. It’s so calming, it might even bring a sense of peace and comfort to your heart.

Here’s another wallpaper to add to your collection of minimalist artworks. This one features a simple tree icon that brings to mind the holiday spirit of Christmas, without being too flashy in its design. It’s a bit reminiscent of the iconic tree from the beloved classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

There’s just something magical about a winter morning. The Earth feels chilly, almost deserted, but there’s an undeniable sense of peace and tranquility in the air. I can’t help but be captivated by this photo of a foggy, early Christmas morning. It’s as if time stands still, creating a moment that’s perfect for adorning your device.

Hey there! I’ve got a photo here that’s not exactly related to the one above, but it looks like this forest is almost the same, just a few hours later. If you’re into a desktop background that has a bit more sunlight but still captures the essence of being in the woods, then this is the perfect shot for you.

So here we are, with our second adorable puppy on the list. And I have to tell you, our love for them is just as strong as ever. Seriously, take a look at this little cutie running down a road covered in snow. He is absolutely perfect in every single way.

When it comes to winter, many people believe that it’s a time to stay indoors and do nothing, simply enjoying movies or books. But those who hold this belief have clearly never experienced the thrill of riding a snowmobile. Although not directly related to Christmas, many people associate the holiday season with the arrival of winter and the opportunity to have some fun in the snow.

Check this out! It’s another stunning example of ornament bokeh photography that I came across. But let me tell you, this one really captured my attention. The photo has a certain subtlety and charm that’s absolutely captivating. It’s incredibly relaxing to look at and just so pleasing to the eye.

Hey there! I’ve got one last desktop wallpaper for you, perfect for those of us with 4:3 monitors. It might not be your own Christmas tree display, but it’ll definitely get you in the holiday spirit while you wait to decorate your own house.

Check Out These Mobile Wallpapers

Finding good mobile wallpapers online can be a real challenge, especially if you don’t know where to start. But don’t worry, I have a solution for you! We’ve included some awesome wallpaper apps for iPhone and Android above, so be sure to check them out. They’re the best places to find amazing wallpapers that fit your phone perfectly. And guess what? Many of these apps have loads of Christmas, holiday, and winter-themed wallpapers for you to choose from. So, you can easily find some new photos to spruce up your phone.

Need some inspiration or ideas? We’ve handpicked a few photos we found online just for you. And if you’re still hungry for more wallpapers, you can also head over to Pinterest or the websites we’ve listed below. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

When it comes to Christmas lights, there’s simply nothing more beautiful. And let me tell you, this photo really captures their true essence.

When you unlock your iPhone, a delightful Merry Christmas display awaits, bringing instant joy to your day.

Hey there! I’ve got a cool holiday-themed photo that’ll look absolutely stunning on your iPhone. It’s got this amazing monotone color scheme that adds a touch of elegance and beauty to your display.

Out of all the options out there, this one is definitely one of my favorites. It takes the classic Merry Christmas display and combines it with the beloved lights that we’ve all come to know and love.

Get Festive with Icon Packs and Live Wallpapers (Android)

When it comes to the holidays, Android phones give you some added customization options. Not only can you change the shape of your icons on the home screen, but you also have the option to use a live wallpaper that moves as you use your phone. In our previous round-ups, we’ve featured some icon packs that perfectly match the theme of the wallpaper. This helps to create a cohesive and festive look for your mobile device. And of course, our Christmas wallpaper collection is no exception. We understand that completing the look and feel of your phone is important to many people, and on Android, you have the power to do so by choosing the right combination of apps, icons, and wallpaper packs.

When it comes to icons, it’s a bit disappointing that there aren’t many options available. Most of the icon packs out there are outdated and have some kind of flaw when it comes to assigning icons to apps. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with two icon packs that are worth mentioning.

The first one is called Christmas Ball Icon Pack. It’s a pack that features icons designed to look like ornaments. Since the standard icon shape on Android is now circular, these icons actually look pretty good on modern devices. There are over 1600 icons to choose from, so chances are, most of your apps will be supported.

Now, let’s talk about the new kid on the block, Merry Christmas 2019 Icon Pack. This app has been regularly updating with new icons every month. It currently offers more than 3000 icons to choose from. With a rating of 4.8, you can trust that this is one of the best ways to give your phone a festive touch for the holiday season.

Hey there, folks! I found some awesome live wallpapers for your device, but I have to admit, some of them seemed pretty outdated. Lucky for you, I’ve handpicked two that are more up to date and totally worth checking out. Let me tell you all about them!

The first one is called Christmas Live Wallpaper. I know, the name isn’t super exciting, but trust me, it’s a gem. It’s been around for a while, but it’s still going strong with a solid 4.3 rating from nearly 500,000 downloads. People really love this wallpaper! And can you blame them? It’s got a stunning animation of snow falling in the background, creating a serene and beautiful scene.

Now, let me introduce you to the second live wallpaper, which is a bit more modern and has some extra fun features. It’s called Christmas Countdown, and it’s not just a pretty face – it also serves a purpose. This wallpaper has a sleek design with glowing stars in the background. But here’s the cool part: it actually shows you how much time is left until Christmas. Yep, a countdown display right there on your screen! And if that’s not enough, you can play around with the camera angles, activate cool particle effects, and even make it play jolly Christmas jingles. It’s packed with all kinds of amazing effects, lights, and festive trees that make it an absolute must-have for any Android user looking for the best live Christmas wallpaper on Android.

In today’s modern world, it’s more important than ever to personalize the technology and mobile devices we use every day. Just like choosing how we dress or act, expressing ourselves through the design of our phones or computers is a way to show our individuality, even if we’re the only ones who see it. With the amount of time we spend on our devices, it’s crucial to make them feel like something we choose to use, rather than something we’re forced to use.

The holiday season is an especially meaningful time to embrace this personalization. It’s important for everyone to get into the holiday spirit, so we don’t feel disconnected or down during this busy time. The iconography of Christmas and the holidays can remind us of the joy this season brings. It can help us feel more relaxed and at peace with the world around us, which is truly important during this time of year. As we say goodbye to 2019 and welcome a new year, why not treat yourself to some festive holiday wallpapers and countdowns? It will add a special touch to your tech and bring the holiday vibe to your surroundings.