The best family Christmas picture outfits start with a simple color palette: two to four colors that coordinate with each other and with your holiday setting. Neutrals like cream, camel and soft gray look timeless, while deep green, burgundy, red and navy feel festive. Coordinate everyone within that palette, choose soft textures like knits and velvet, and keep logos and busy prints out of the picture.
We have photographed Christmas portraits for families across Metro Atlanta, from our Christmas mini sessions to full holiday sessions at home and at styled sets like Prospect Farms. Here is what we have seen photograph beautifully, year after year.
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How to Dress for Family Christmas Photos
- Pick your palette first. Choose 2 to 4 colors before anyone shops. It is the single easiest way to make a family look pulled together.
- Start with one outfit. Many families build around mom’s outfit or a child’s favorite dress, then pull colors from it for everyone else.
- Coordinate without matching. Mix solids with one or two subtle patterns, and vary the shades within your palette.
- Dress for the setting. Look at your backdrop and choose colors that stand out from it.
- Add texture. Knits, velvet, corduroy and soft layers add warmth and depth to holiday portraits.
- Check comfort. If the kids can sit, bend and be held comfortably, you will see it in their faces.
The Best Colors for Christmas Photos
There is no single best color for Christmas photos. The best palette is the one that complements your setting and your family. These combinations photograph beautifully:
- Cream, camel and gold: soft, elegant and timeless, especially beside white or flocked trees.
- Evergreen and neutrals: deep green with cream, oatmeal or denim feels festive without looking costume-like.
- Burgundy and cream: rich and warm, a classic holiday look that flatters most skin tones.
- Classic red: perfect for a bold Christmas card. Let one or two people wear red and keep everyone else in neutrals.
- Navy, gray and white: calm and polished, a lovely choice for winter portraits.
Match your palette to your set. Our 2026 Christmas mini session set in Kennesaw features white and gold Christmas trees in a warm, neutral palette, so richer colors like evergreen, burgundy and navy stand out beautifully, and creams and camels look soft and timeless.
Coordinate Your Family Without Matching
Coordinated outfits look intentional and still let each person’s personality come through. Identical outfits tend to blend family members together in photos. Some easy ways to coordinate:
- Give each person one or two colors from the palette and let everyone wear them in different ways.
- Keep patterns to one or two people, and choose small, subtle prints.
- Mix fabrics and textures, like a cable knit next to a velvet dress next to a crisp button-down.
- Keep shoes in the same family of tones, like browns and tans or blacks and grays.
Dressy Outfits or Christmas Pajamas?
Both can work beautifully. Dressier outfits, like sweaters, knit dresses, velvet and button-downs, give holiday portraits a polished, classic feel that lasts for years on the wall. Christmas pajamas bring a playful, cozy mood that is perfect for a holiday card.
Matching pajamas are adorable when they are intentional. Mismatched pajamas work too when they share a color palette. If you love both looks, choose the one that fits the images you want most, since a mini session is short and focused.
Outfit Ideas for Every Family Member
Moms
Flowing midi dresses, sweater dresses, and knit tops with a skirt or tailored pants all photograph beautifully. Pieces with some movement are lovely for candid moments with the kids.
Dads
A sweater over a collared shirt, a quarter-zip, or a crisp button-down in a palette color. Dark jeans or chinos keep the look polished and comfortable.
Kids
Little dresses, cardigans, sweaters and corduroy are easy wins. Choose pieces they can move and sit in, and let them pick one fun detail, like a bow, a vest or festive socks.
Babies and Toddlers
Soft knits, rompers and simple outfits in your palette. Bring a backup outfit or two in case of spills.
Couples
Choose one shared color and let each of you wear it differently: a burgundy sweater with a cream dress, or a green knit with camel and denim.
What to Leave Out of Your Christmas Photos
- Large logos, graphics and words, which pull attention away from faces.
- Neon and very bright colors, which can cast color onto skin.
- Very busy or large patterns on more than one person.
- Brand-new shoes that pinch, and anything that needs constant adjusting.
- Trendy pieces you may not love in a few years. Timeless looks age best on the wall.
Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Photos in Atlanta
Most holiday portraits in Atlanta happen in November and December, when mornings and evenings can be chilly. For indoor sets, dress for the look you want and leave the heavy coats in the car. For outdoor sessions, plan layers: a coat, cardigan, jacket or scarf that coordinates with your palette keeps everyone warm and still looks lovely in photos.
Most of our Christmas mini session sets this year are indoors, so your session goes ahead rain or shine. See our mini session FAQs for everything you need to know before your session.
Getting Ready for Your Christmas Session
- Try every outfit on a few days ahead and take a quick phone photo of everyone together.
- Steam or iron outfits the night before.
- Pack a small touch-up bag: comb, hair ties, lip color, lint roller and wipes.
- Bring snacks and a backup outfit for little ones.
- Arrive dressed and ready, especially for mini sessions, which run back to back.
For more general tips, read our guide on what to wear to your mini session.
Family Christmas Picture Outfits FAQ
What Is the Best Color to Wear for Christmas Photos?
Neutrals like cream, camel and soft gray, and rich holiday colors like evergreen, burgundy, red and navy all photograph beautifully. The best choice complements your setting: richer colors stand out against white and gold trees, and neutrals feel soft and timeless on almost any set.
Should Our Family Match for Christmas Pictures?
Coordinate without matching exactly. A shared palette of 2 to 4 colors looks cohesive while letting each person’s personality show. Matching pajamas are the fun exception when they are intentional.
What Should We Wear for Family Photos in December?
Soft, warm textures in a winter palette: knits, velvet and corduroy in cream, camel, green, burgundy or navy. For outdoor sessions, add coordinating coats or scarves.
Can We Wear Christmas Pajamas for Our Photos?
Yes. Matching pajamas are adorable when they are intentional, and mismatched pajamas work when they share a color palette. For portraits you plan to frame, many families choose dressier outfits.
What Should Babies Wear for Christmas Pictures?
Soft knits, rompers and simple outfits in your family’s palette. Comfortable babies are happier babies, so skip anything scratchy and bring a backup outfit.
Book Your Christmas Portraits
Ready to put those outfits to work? See 2026 dates and details on our Christmas mini sessions page, or contact us to plan a full holiday portrait session for your family.
