40 Festive Christmas Family Photos to Spark Holiday Cheer in 2024

Can we all take a deep breath and realize that… Christmas is finally around the corner?!

Yes! The coziest time of the year is about to arrive! Christmas brings family vibes, traditions, coziness, and warmth. Every family would want to have a perfect family photo shoot that showcases the loving bond shared in the household.

So if you’re a photographer wanting to arrive well-prepared for the most-awaited time of the year… Check this out!

The following words are written for you! They’ll share all you need to know to rock your best Christmas family photoshoot.

So, keep on reading to spark your holiday season with some festive pose inspiration!

Indoor Christmas Family Photo Ideas

Christmas is one of the best times to be just a bit creative on it and make those memories lasting with family. So, here are ideas for taking family Christmas photos inside, no matter if you like them a bit traditional, fun, or a bit different.

1. Yummy Christmas

It is a tradition in very many families to bake, so why not let that baking tradition flow into the family photo? Get everyone in the kitchen with flour on their noses, and take that snap.

2. Surprises under the tree

Presents under the tree: Get everybody in their PJs with their favorite holiday blanket, and just surround them with gifts. Remember the family pet.

Image from Istock

3. Cozy up by the fireplace

A good fire creates the holiday atmosphere like nothing else. Gather the family around and take some photos. If you really want some Christmas atmosphere, put up some stockings and wreaths.

Image from Istock

4. Christmas family dinner

Take a snap of the whole family while at the special Christmas dining table. Make sure that they are all in high chairs to get a better view. You could even capture the festive scene of everyone passing around the holiday dishes.

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5. There’s nothing better than Christmas presents

Capture everyone as they open their Christmas presents in a candid family photo; it will definitely be a picture that you treasure for years.

6. It’s movie time!

Gather around the TV with the entire family and watch your favorite Christmas film. How much better a way can there be to get the entire family in the holiday mood and start making wonderful memories than viewing a favorite or classic Christmas movie?

Image from Shutterstock

7. Christmas DIY bonding

Celebrate the season with Christmas DIY fun! Gather with loved ones to make ornaments, decorate cookies, or create holiday cards. It’s all about laughs, creativity, and festive memories together!

Image from Istock

Outdoor Christmas Family Photos

It's that time of the year when family and friends stay close to capture moments in pictures. How better can one capture these holiday moments than by spending some time outdoors in a family photo session? Whether it's a simple family portrait or more creative and unique ideas, here are some great ideas for outdoor Christmas family photos that will make your holiday memories eternal.

8. The Christmas tree farm

It's a wonderful background for a family photo. There's just something about all of those rows and rows of trees that say Christmas. And if you want to get in the Christmas spirit, dress up like Santa and his elves.

9. Time to put up the tree

If you're cutting the tree down this year, do it as a family photo opportunity. You'll have pictures by the tree before you even bring out the saws. Plus, if you have little ones in the family, you can sit them on the top of the tree when it's on the ground for the absolute cutest outdoor Christmas family pictures.

Image from Istock

10. Snowflakes fun

You can decorate your place with paper snowflakes, a Christmas oldie but goodie. Make a cutting snowflake family photo and even have the youngest child cut her own. You can even string them across the room.

Image from Shutterstock

11. Building a snowman friend

Building a snowman together is another way to have fun with snow. This will only mean fun for every age and ensure that a great smile is on each one of them. Surely, you will never want to miss any moment without having it documented in outdoor Christmas family photos.

Image from Istock

12. Cozy festive nature walk

Nature walks together are great if you want something more relaxed.  There is no better way to enjoy nature together with family during the festive season. You can walk in the snow or just take in the views.

13. Ever thought of a tropical Christmas?

Not everyone gets to have a white Christmas, but does that mean you cannot have any fun? When close to a beach, why not have that family photo right there? You could have your family snap with a sandcastle, or snap one as you all face the waves. Just make sure to do so, all of you are wearing Santa hats or reindeer ears to get that Christmas feel.

Image from Shutterstock

14. Xmas skating

Family ice-skating or roller-skating is a delight, with the added fun of that being an ideal photo opportunity. You all can do some tricks on your skates or rollerblades, but ensure the moment is captured with a picture.

Image from Shutterstock

15. Fun festive truck adventures

This Christmas, if you own a truck, get it ready to work. Decorate the bed with lights and garland. It will be the perfect background for your family picture.

Funny Family Christmas Photos

Now, what if you’re not into the classic and the tradition?

I feel you, not everyone wants conventional pictures. Some families, love to have a unique photo of them captured. This allows them to express their authentic nature, while forever cherishing a fun moment. It’s a great and amusing way to bond too!

So have a look at the next, fun, Christmas photo ideas!

16. Family Santa Adventures

For a non-conventional, fun, but cute, Christmas idea, check this out. This is especially great for a family that involves one or more kids. You can consider having the little one(s) dress up in a Christmasy way while the parents dress up like Santa and/or Santa’s wife. Then, have the kid(s) boss the parents around! See how fun this shot will turn out to be.

17. Santa Mail

This is another fun idea that still involves mom and dad, or a couple, to dress up as Santas! Have the lovers sit down while checking the laptop with a sign that mentions “Santa Mail”. Proceed to shoot while they look busy answering letters to Santa from their laptop.

18. The festive, not so festive, squad

This is a fun family shot that will be a great capture, especially for a large family! Have each member dress up in a funny way, with a pinch of festivity! Choose to shoot this family portrait in a non-conventional location that whispers Christmas vibes with an out-of-the-box inclination.

19. Lights, camera, action!

Now, if you truly want to make people laugh while looking at the Xmas family picture result, this is for you! Have the parents wrap their kid(s) in colorful, lit-up, Christmas lights. Then proceed to shoot the scene. For this specific pose, have the kid(s) strike a scary/funny-looking expression, while the parents strike a sneery smile.

20. Santa, we can explain!

A similar variation can be taken oppositely. Have the parents wrapped up in Christmas lights. The kids can be holding onto masking tape and funny signs like “Santa, we can explain!”. This little scene will result in a cute and funny Christmas family shot.

21. Santa’s gang

Now, think of a gang-looking scene, but make it festive! This is a great shot for either a large family or a smaller family of two. Have the male dress up as a gangsta Santa. You can suggest he wears suspenders and holds a cigar to fit the scene. Then, you can advise his woman to wear a sensual-looking red outfit. Have them pose next to a red, green, or white car or bike. A gangsta fun Christmas.

Image from Pexels

Christmas Family Photo in Pajamas

If you still want something a little conventional, but with a touch of extra creativity and coziness, check this out! Christmas family photos in pajamas merge coziness and cuteness with a touch of expressiveness! It is a great way to have everlasting Christmas photos that evoke sweet family memories.

22. Cute little elves

Real talk: Christmas pajamas are the cutest!
Especially during the festive season, it’s possible to find the most adorable PJs! This shot will give you a great opportunity to go family shopping and find some matching pajamas! Then pose in them and see how extremely cute the shot will turn out to be.

23. A moment for the Star

Putting the star on the Christmas tree is one of the most special moments to be shared as a family. It’s a moment that marks the completion of the Christmas tree. It’s a festive tradition for many families. It’s a great idea to capture this special instant, while in pajamas. This shot will merge some festive traditions with Xmas coziness.

Image from Pexels

24. The hot chocolate and marshmallow lovers

Pajamas are a symbol of snuggles, warmth, and bedtime. Combining pajama outfits with chocolate is the perfect way to showcase festive coziness. For this shot, have each family member wear their favorite PJs and Xmas socks. Then, suggest they hold onto a warm cup of hot chocolate filled with marshmallows. Proceed with capturing this picture from the top. Shooting only the legs and arms is also a creative way to frame this pose.

Image from Istock

25. The cozy and warm

A simple, cozy PJs idea involves one set in front of a Christmas background. Choose to shoot this right next to a Christmas tree or Xmas gifts. Have the family wear cute festive pajamas. Then, suggest they embrace each other in a warm snuggly hug. Proceed to shoot the cuteness of the bonding moment.

26. The pajama embrace

Pajamas are the ultimate symbol of bedtime. So, of course, a sleepy picture cannot be missed! For this shot, have the family members wear their pajamas while pretending to sleep, hugging one another. Decorate the surroundings with fairy lights and Christmas decorations to make the shot extra festive!

Image from Pexels

27. Christmas movie night

Before bedtime, it’s movie time!!

Allow the model family to have a cozy time while wearing PJs and having a fun moment watching their favorite Christmas movie. Set the photoshoot scene with a big screen, loads of fairy lights, and festive decorations. Then proceed with shooting the family from the back, while invested in their favorite movie.

Christmas Family Photo with Dogs

Are you going to shoot a family that involves a fur little cutie?

Families don’t only include parents and kids! Dogs are as much part of a family as kids are.

So if this sounds like the type of festive family you’re about to shoot, you might want to check out the next paragraph.

28. Team Santa

For this shot, don’t be afraid to go all the way into festivity and a wild holiday feeling! This shot is for the big Christmas lovers…

Have the family dress up in Santa-looking outfits! And hey, this is the “Christmas family photos with dogs” paragraph so, of course, I’m talking about dogs too! Make sure you find the perfect size furry Santa outfit for the cutest family member. Then, proceed with shooting the whole family in their best festive attire.

29. One for the reindeer pup

If you’re still in the full festive mood but want something less eccentric and more fitting of the vibe, this is your pose! Consider buying some Christmasy reindeer ears to put on the dog model to make it look like a little Rudolph. The rest of the family members can play around with their outfits or simply wear cute PJs.

Image from Pexels

30. Cute pine wreath pose

Another sweet festive idea includes the addition of a pine wreath. Can you imagine how cute your furry friend would look peeking out of one? I can, and it’s too adorable!

For this shot have the family pose in front of a Christmas-looking background. Then, have the doggy stand in the middle, with the pine wreath on. Proceed with taking the most lovely Christmas shot!

31. Time to unwrap the presents!

We know… present unwrapping is the best part of Christmas time!

It’s what marks a bonding family moment intimately shared. So go ahead and make this unwrapping moment a precious time to be shared with the furriest family members too! Make sure to capture all of it - the messy, the crazy, and the sweet.

32. Festive cheering

Christmas time is not only for the sweet and cozy. This festive season is the perfect excuse to get a little wild with fun and celebrations!

An unmissable idea includes one with some champagne or wine glasses. Get the family to hang out together while cheering. Of course, make sure their sweet dog is included in the shot! This pet will, indeed, have the best time!

Image from Pexels

33. Furry Christmas tree

Now, build up that Christmas tree! And hey, don’t forget to ask your furry friend for help!!

Putting up the Xmas tree is one of the most symbolic parts of this festive tradition. Including the family dog in this shot will effortlessly enhance its vibe. And, of course, make it look a lot cuter!

34. Soft loving pic

This is a more simple idea to include a dog in a family picture. Just suggest the family pose next to a Christmas tree or in front of a festive backdrop. Then, have the dog sit or walk in front. Proceed with shooting the frame while capturing the furry cutie in the foreground.

Sibling Christmas Photos

Now what if the family’s parents are not the kind of people who love to be captured in a photograph?

Some families prefer having their little ones take the main spot. Do you want to be sharing some festive sibling love taking all the attention? Don’t worry, we have some advice also for this occasion.

So let’s get extra loving this festive season! Here are some siblings' Christmas photos!

35. Siblings love but make it cozy

Here’s a sweet, atmospheric result! Shoot in a dark environment. Then, light up the setting only with the Christmas tree’s lights. Have the siblings sit down in front of them and/or on the sides, admiring the magic. It will result in a poetic shot. A picture that whispers coziness, festivity, magic, and family bonding.

36. Surpriseee!

This shot is all about capturing the “surpriseeee” feeling. Have the oldest sibling hold onto a Christmas present. Make sure it's hidden behind his/her back. Take this shot from the back, while the little sibling(s) stand in front covering their eyes. You can also take several shots of the same moment. This will allow you to capture the sibling’s surprised expression too!

Image from Pexels

37. Santa’s little helpers

Have those little excited kids have the most fun in this shot! Dressing up is not only for Halloween! This capture can allow their fun, creative, side to be expressed! Have them dressed up like little Christmas elves. Then, how can you not go ahead with shooting that amount of sweetness and excitement?

The best Santa’s little helpers you’ll ever see!

38. Favortie present ever!

If one of the siblings is a baby or toddler, hear me out! You can prepare the photoshoot setting just under a Christmas tree. Make sure the setting involves a basket! Then, go ahead with laying the baby or toddler in the basket. Have the older sibling(s) kiss their brother or sister as if she/he was the best Xmas present of them all.

Image from Pexels

39. Christmas celebration!

If you don’t want to play small… at all, check this out! Go big and exuberant with the setting preps. Fill it with red, green, white, and gold balloons! Then proceed with capturing the loving siblings, in front of it. Make sure their outfits also add up to the festive setting！

40. Festive sibling bonding

This idea is for those who don’t want to be too extra. A simple, cozy shot that expresses bond and festivity! Have the siblings wear their favorite Christmas PJs with the addition of a Santa hat. Then, while sipping on some hot chocolate, suggest they sit and chat. Additionally, they could sit and play, or even read a book. It will capture the routine-looking morning of two loving siblings during their favorite time of the year.

May the holly jolliness be with you this festive season! And hey, how can it not after this amount of coziness and festivity load?

We hope you got extra inspired and ready to capture the cutest Xmas shots! (We don’t want to be on Santa’s naughty list!