Santa photos are one of those timeless holiday traditions that families look forward to year after year. Whether it’s your child’s first time meeting Santa or a long-standing annual tradition, what you wear makes a big difference in how those portraits feel and how much holiday magic they hold.
When planning your outfits, think festive, cozy, and timeless—something that will make you smile each time you look back at the photos. If you’re booking a Santa Experience with R Winkler Photography, these tips will help you choose the perfect wardrobe for the occasion.
Here’s your guide to what to wear for Santa photos so that they feel festive, timeless, and full of holiday cheer!
Go Classic with Traditional Christmas Colors
You can never go wrong with classic holiday tones like red, green, cream, or white. These shades instantly set the festive mood and tie beautifully into a Christmas backdrop.
- For Kids: Red velvet dresses, plaid button-downs, or cozy knit sweaters always shine in Santa photos. Corduroy pants and holiday pajamas are also sweet and festive options.
- For Parents: Choose rich tones like deep green or red, or balance things out with neutral pieces in cream, beige, or soft gray paired with a pop of holiday color.
Cozy & Comfortable is Key
Kids are happiest when they feel comfortable, and that joy shows through in their photos. Stick to soft fabrics, breathable layers, and outfits they won’t mind wearing while interacting with Santa. Matching holiday pajamas or coordinating family outfits can also make for fun, relaxed portraits that still feel festive.
Patterns & Textures That Shine
Holiday portraits are the perfect time to mix in cozy details. Think: plaid, cable-knit sweaters, velvet, or wool. These textures add warmth and visual interest without pulling attention away from the moment.
Outfit Choices to Avoid
Some outfit choices can take away from the overall holiday feel of your photos. To keep the focus on your family and the magic of the season, avoid:
- Bright neon colors or overly non-holiday tones
- Busy logos or cartoon characters
- Outfits that are too stiff or overly formal for kids
✨ Final Tip: Aim to coordinate, not match. For example, if one child is in a red plaid dress, another could wear a green sweater, while parents wear neutral pieces with subtle festive accents. This creates a cohesive, natural look that feels polished but not forced.
Your Santa photos are more than just pictures—they’re a tradition you’ll treasure every holiday season. By leaning into classic Christmas colors, cozy textures, and comfortable styles, you’ll help capture the joy and warmth of the moment in a way that feels timeless.
For more inspiration on what to wear for Santa photos (and to see what the full Santa Experience with R Winkler Photography looks like), check out this blog: Santa Photo Sessions in Hartford.
