Santa Photo Outfit Guide: Pajamas, Cozy Styles & Dressy Holiday Looks for Kids and Families
When you’re getting ready for your Santa photo session, one of the first questions that pops up is always, “What should we wear?” And honestly, that’s one of my favorite questions. Because there’s no one size fits all answer! Every family has their own holiday style. Some love the cozy pajama look, others go for winter sweaters, and some show up dressed to the nines in their holiday best. The beauty of Santa photos is that they all work.
Each year, I design a cozy, fun, and festive set that’s meant to feel magical no matter what you’re wearing. So here are a few ideas to help you plan outfits that will photograph beautifully and fit your family’s vibe.
Classic Christmas Pajamas
You can never go wrong with matching pajamas! They’re fun, comfortable, and instantly give that warm, nostalgic holiday feeling.
Think: red and green plaid, soft flannel sets, or neutral PJs with subtle festive details. Pajamas are perfect for little ones because they can relax and be themselves. And they always make for the sweetest photos when snuggling up with Santa or sipping cocoa.
Tip: Bare feet or fuzzy socks keep things looking soft and cozy in your photos. Need ideas for where to buy pajamas? Hanna Andersson has become the go to place over the years!
Cozy Layers & Winter Textures
If your family leans more toward “classic winter wonderland,” cozy clothing is the way to go. Think chunky sweaters, layered flannels, cardigans, or even cute jackets paired with mittens or a pom-pom hat.
Neutral tones like cream, tan, or gray always photograph beautifully next to Santa’s red suit. And deep holiday colors like forest green, cranberry, or navy look amazing too.
Bonus: These outfits add great texture and depth to your photos and keep kids warm and comfortable during the session. For great and timeless options, check out Old Navy, Gap, H&M, or Zara.
Dressy & Festive Holiday Outfits
For families who love a little sparkle, dressier holiday outfits never disappoint.
Dresses with a little twirl, soft velvet textures, or sparkly accents look stunning next to Santa. For boys, bowties, suspenders, and crisp button ups add that touch of classic holiday charm.
Parents can coordinate with complementary tones, think metallic accents, jewel tones, or timeless neutrals, without needing to match exactly. The goal is to look cohesive, not identical.
Tip: Some of the best places for fancier clothing options for kiddos include Janie & Jack, Children’s Place, or Boden.
A Few Family Outfit Tips
When you’re planning for the whole family:
- Stick to a coordinated color palette rather than identical outfits.
- Mix textures (like knits, flannel, and soft cottons) for visual interest.
- Avoid bright neons or large logos that might distract from the cozy holiday feel.
- And most importantly, choose something comfortable that makes everyone happy!
When everyone feels good, it always shows in the photos.
The Most Important Thing
At the end of the day, the magic of Santa photos isn’t just about what you wear. It’s about the smiles, laughter, and excitement that come with seeing Santa and soaking in the Christmas spirit.
So whether you come dressed in matching pajamas, bundled in cozy sweaters, or all dressed up in your holiday best, you’ll leave with photos (and memories!) that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Ready to make some Christmas magic?
Our Santa Mini Sessions are cozy, festive, and full of joy, perfect for creating holiday memories your family will never forget. Click here to book before they’re all gone!
Reach out directly to book non-holiday sessions. And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest!
