Timeless Cheer: Our Favorite Retro & Vintage-style Christmas Cards

There’s a reason the holidays so often feel like stepping back in time. The soft glow of candlelight, the shimmer of tinsel, the familiar croon of Bing Crosby — all rekindle memories of Christmases past. Whether you picture a cozy mid-century living room decked in garland or a Victorian parlor with lace and papercut decorations, retro Christmas cards and old-fashioned holiday cards capture that same nostalgic spirit. They remind us to slow down, connect with loved ones and share the simple joys of the season.

If you’re drawn to the charm of the bygone era, explore our beautiful assortment of vintage-style Christmas cards. From classic illustrations to musical and animated greetings, each design is ready to bring timeless cheer to everyone on your list.

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Timeless Cheer: Our Favorite Retro & Vintage-style Christmas Cards

Classic Car

Rev up the holiday spirit with this classic Christmas ride! A bright red vintage car stacked with presents brings retro charm to the season, perfect for car enthusiasts and anyone who loves timeless holiday style. Personalize this animated greeting card with music, photos and your own festive message as snow gently falls.

Bing Crosby Christmas SmashUp™

Take a nostalgic trip back in time with the voice of Bing Crosby himself. This Christmas ecard features the classic song “White Christmas” and can be personalized with any name. Let Bing send friends and family a timeless wish worthy of one of his holiday specials.

Don’t Stop Believin’

You’ll never lose the wonder of childhood Christmases if you keep believing in Santa! This retro-style Christmas card shows jolly St. Nick with his sack of toys slung over his shoulder, walking through a snow-filled forest with a friendly fox as his guide. Customize with music, photos and your own message to keep the magic alive for everyone on Santa’s list.

Old Fashioned Joys

Step back into the world of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmas in this beautifully animated, classically orchestrated ecard. It opens with a cherished Charles Dickens quote, then transports you to snow-covered streets where chimney sweeps and lamplight capture the spirit of a Victorian Christmas. A perfect pick for anyone who loves “A Christmas Carol” and the joy of an old-fashioned holiday.

The Merriest Christmas

Celebrate the season with a traditional favorite that plays the beloved carol “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” This animated ecard takes you on a nostalgic journey through a bustling holiday town — snow falling, carolers singing, children playing and townspeople shopping along brightly decorated streets. The scene ends in a cozy living room where furry friends snuggle by a glowing fireside and an elegantly trimmed tree. Personalize with any name for a heartwarming surprise.

It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in this immersive animated ecard set to a favorite holiday song. A family gathers outside a charming storefront, children’s faces lit with wonder, as the town square and its towering Christmas tree come to life. A perfect snapshot of Christmas nostalgia.

Chin Carol Singers

A funny retro Christmas card featuring upside-down chins with googly eyes and hats sing a hilarious version of “Carol of the Bells” for a holiday laugh that’s sure to make anyone grin.

Deck The Halls

If you love that smooth, swinging Bing Crosby sound, this animated card will hit all the right notes. A spinning retro record player sets the scene while Bing’s timeless croon fills the air with Christmas cheer. Choose from five classic Bing Crosby holiday songs for a festive greeting that feels straight out of one of his Christmas albums or specials.

A Touch of Christmas Magic

On a moonlit night, a Christmas fairy lights the way with a trail of shimmering pixie dust, casting a sparkling glow over everything her wand touches. They’ll love how the vintage-style winter scene harkens back to Christmas cards from years past.

The Gift of Christmas

Journey to a simpler era with this personalized, animated Christmas ecard set to classic holiday music. A horse-drawn carriage delivers a grand tree through snowy hills to the town center, capturing the charm of an early American Christmas.

The Story and Evolution of Christmas Cards

Christmas cards first appeared in 1843 in England as a delightful new way to send holiday cheer, and the tradition quickly spread across the world. For more than a century, American Greetings has carried on that legacy, creating artful designs that beautifully capture the sentiment of the season. From hand-illustrated scenes and photo cards to animated, customizable ecards, our digital Christmas card designs continue to evolve with the times, offering a modern way to connect and celebrate.

Make Spirits Bright with a Classic Holiday Greeting

With American Greetings, you can easily personalize and send free retro Christmas cards that capture the joy and nostalgia of the season — right from your phone or computer. Explore our wide variety of Christmas cards, along with designs for New Year’s, birthdays, anniversaries and more. Start your free trial today to send unlimited cards (and smiles) to everyone on your list.

Personalize Your Vintage Christmas Cards for the Modern Age

Add your personal touch to our vintage-style Christmas cards with your own heartfelt message — or let our easy-to-use AI assistant help you write the perfect greeting. When you’re ready, send your card instantly by text, email or shareable link. Need a little inspiration? We’ve put together Christmas message ideas for lots of thoughtful ways to share the merry. When you’re ready, share your Christmas cards digitally via email or text or share on social media for all of your friends and family to enjoy.

Send Your Christmas Cards The Old-Fashioned Way

You can also send your Christmas cards the old-fashioned way — but with a modern twist! With Christmas Creatacards, you can design your card online, then print and mail it for a classic, personal touch. Learn how easy it is to bring your digital design to life with our step-by-step sending guide.