10 Family Holiday Photo Ideas to Capture Special Moments
I love family holiday photos because, to me, they aren’t just pictures — they are slices of memory that I get to relive over and over again.
There’s an irresistible nostalgia in looking back at snapshots of past holidays, especially for those where everyone’s in the same frame, laughing, posing or simply enjoying the moment.
There is a special way that the holidays bring people together and photos are these little reminders of moments shared with friends and family.
Having taken and been in countless holiday photos for years, I’ve learned how settings and ideas can elevate average shots into photos that capture the spirit of the holiday season.
That’s why I created this article — to give you inspiration that makes everyone in your family look their best, helps you capture authentic moments, and turn them into souvenirs you’ll want to keep forever.
In here, though, I’ll share not just some traditional suggestions for those ideally staged family photographs, but also a few of my own.
From cozy indoor settings to snowy outdoor scenes, you’ll discover all you’ll need to help create stunning, memorable photos that truly capture the spirit of the season.
Now let’s dig into these family holiday photo ideas and go create memories!
1. Cozy Pajama Morning
Kick off your family holiday photos with a cozy, casual vibe by shooting everyone while they are still in their pajamas.
These types of photos are great for holiday mornings, especially if you’re huddled around the tree or sitting by a cozy fireplace.
‘These photos always have a candid, relaxed feel because everyone is comfortable and relaxed.
If you want to add some extra cute touch, matching pajamas for the whole family! If matching isn’t your style, try a color scheme or theme that captures something seasonal yet true to your family’s personality.
I remember one Christmas morning when everyone wore varying shades of red, and it gave the photos a coordinated vibe without being too planned or too formal.”
The trick is to get the sense of a holiday morning, where kids are playing or family gathered together with coffee or hot cocoa.
The cherished moments feel so heartwarming when you look back at them.
2. Baking in the Kitchen Together
During holiday time, the kitchen can be a popular place to be, and this is especially true with all of the holiday treats that are being made.
Photographing your family baking together yields some sweet, candid shots — and it’s really fun.
These moments bring out everyone’s inner child — whether it’s decorating cookies, mixing batter, or just getting flour everywhere.
I found that these photos tend to become greats because they aren’t about posing, but capture true joy and laughter.
Just be sure to follow up with some close-up shots of hands at work on cookies or faces speckled with flour.
Adding in such small details that make the memories feel all the more real.
3. Classic Fireplace Setting
Nothing conjures holiday coziness like a family around a fireplace.
It is a classic setting — beautiful sights almost always and if everyone’s huddled up, laughing away, telling stories.
Dim the main lights and let the fireplace glow carry the room some warm, coziness in the photo.
For added value, throw around holiday props like blankets, stockings or a few presents.
One year we hung stockings with everyone’s initials, and they made the pictures more personal and special.”
This setup captures that holiday closeness and warmth.
4. Outdoor Snow Day Fun
If you’re fortunate enough to be snowed in for the holidays, snow photos outside are essential.
They not only bring out the seasonal vibe, but are also just plain fun, which leads to authentic smiles and laughter in the shots.
Bundle everyone in hats, scarves and gloves, and go outside for snowball fights, snowmen or snow angels — and things that will bring up the family stories long after the snow has melted.
I recall one holiday, where we took turns dragging one another on a sled; the laughter and unguarded smiles in those pictures of us are priceless.
Outdoor snow pictures are well suited for capturing that winter wonderland feel — festive but also fun.
5. Candid Decorating Moments
Stringing those ornaments is one of the favorite holiday traditions, and it’s also a great photo op.
Get everyone putting up ornaments, untangling lights or putting the star at the top of the tree.
These decorating moments evoke that spirit of togetherness and fun.
One of my all-time favorite pictures is my family surrounding the tree with each member intently placing their special ornament.
If you’d like an even less staged look, take some pictures when people don’t know you’re taking their picture — like when they’re doing what they’re doing, to capture the natural look of concentration, joy and laughter.
6. Holiday Sweaters for Festive Outdoors
Holiday sweaters, even if they’re “ugly,” or adorable, make for a great photo theme.
Step outside and have everyone put on their festive sweaters for a few laid-back family shots.
Seek out a wonderland like a snowy field or a cozy park bench or the front porch made for merrymaking with just a couple of holiday details.
One holiday, when we all wore sweaters such as holiday characters, the photos turned out so fun and full of personality.
It’s a straightforward setup, but one that allows everyone’s own unique style to be on display.
7. Formal Family Portrait Around the Christmas Tree
A traditional holiday photo by the Christmas tree will always be a hit, if you “re looking to do something a little more formal.
Have everyone put on their holiday best and take pictures by the tree for a classic family picture.
For dimension, the tree lights can also be used as gentle background light, or toss in a few wrapped presents for a roomier scene.
One year I did a family portrait where everyone was in festive clothes, and it’s one of those photos that felt like it belonged on a Christmas card.
It’s a lovely way to set the festive mood in a timeless, elegant manner.
8. Nighttime Lights Walk
Holiday lights simply add magic to any photo, and this is especially true if you’re taking them at night.
Dress the family in warm layers and take a walk to see holiday lights — wherever you can find them: around the neighborhood or at a local display.
If you can, take some shots with the lights in the background glowing; the dreamy festival vibe is hard to top.
I remember all of us walking through one of those light displays, and the pictures turned out so well with everyone lit up in front of the shining lights.
Nighttime light photos ALSO have a little extra charm, so they make the perfect candidate for capturing the magic of the season.
9. Readings Together by Candlelight
For a cozy and intimate vibe, bring everyone together for a storytime by candlelight.
Reading a holiday story or simply flipping through a favorite picture book are all great examples of quiet moments that make for beautiful photos.
Turn down the lights, light a few candles and add a cozy, soft blanket, too.
We read holiday stories to the kids one holiday by the glow of candlelight, and we have photos of that moment, and it has such a peaceful, warm feel to it.
Reading together captures that peaceful holiday moment when everything slows down.
10. Family Game Night
Nothing brings out laughter and energy as much as a family game night, making it ideal for holiday pictures.
Snapshot all their competitive sides as they play board games, cards or even a round of charades.
These photos are especially good because they are so active and joyous, though with an element of lighthearted competition.
One game night, we slapped on a camera to get faces during an intense round of Uno and the photos were priceless!
A close up of some good ol’ fashioned fun: game night photos give you a taste of the fun and excitement that the holidays bring.
