There’s something so sweet about seeing kids all cozied up in Christmas pajamas for Santa photos. The soft fabrics, little bare feet, festive colors, and excitement of seeing Santa all come together so naturally. 

When kids feel comfortable and familiar with what they’re wearing, they can focus a little less on their clothes and a little more on the experience.

Pajamas can give Santa photos a more relaxed feeling. You don’t have to worry about fancy dresses getting wrinkled, or little boys feeling uncomfortable in stiff shirts and bow ties. Kids can snuggle up, move around, and simply be kids.

If you’re trying to decide what your children or family should wear for Santa photos this year, these Christmas pajamas ideas are a great place to start.

A Little About Me

Hi, I’m Ashley, a Minneapolis family photographer. I love documenting all the little pieces of childhood that seem to change way too quickly. As a mom myself, I know how much these photos can mean years from now.

My photography is light, airy, and focused on connection. I want you to look back at your images and remember your kids exactly as they were in that season, from their sweet smiles to the way they curled up next to you.

If Santa photos are part of your family’s Christmas traditions, or if you’d like to start a new Santa photo tradition, I’d love to document them for you. 

Why Christmas Pajamas Are Perfect for Santa Photos

After photographing so many family and Santa sessions, I can say one thing confidently: a cozy kid is a happy kid, and a happy kid takes the best photos. 

Christmas pajamas for Santa photos just elevate that level of comfort for your kids, and giving them one less thing to be unfamiliar with can help them feel more excited and less nervous to meet Santa. 

Cozy pajamas blend so well with the excitement of Christmas morning. They remind us of waking bright and early, sneaking down the stairs, and peeking around the corner to see what Santa brought. 

Pajamas make us feel like cuddling up and reading Christmas books together, watching holiday movies, and drinking some hot chocolate. 

When everyone gets into the Christmas spirit a little bit more in their pjs, meeting Santa naturally flows into that excited feeling and the big Christmas grins are so easy to capture. Why do I always recommend booking a studio Santa session? Read more here! 

Classic Plaid Pajama Ideas

You really can’t go wrong with classic plaid Christmas pajamas.

Red and green plaid immediately feels festive, and with my beautifully decorated Santa area, they blend so well and photograph beautifully. Buffalo plaid (red and black) is another fun option if you want something a little bit bolder.

The size of the pattern is important, as a smaller or medium-scale plaid tends to be easier on the eye in photos, especially if several family members will be wearing it.

A few combinations I love include:

• Red, cream, and green plaid
• Deep red and navy plaid
• Red and black buffalo plaid
• Cream pajama tops with plaid pants
• Plaid pajamas paired with solid coordinating pieces

For families with more than one child, all children don’t necessarily have to wear the exact same set. Feel free to start with one child in plaid, and coordinate the others with a color from the first set. 

This way, the photos will feel more complementary instead of overly planned. 

Matching Family Pajama Sets Everyone Will Love

If matching pajamas are already a part of your family’s yearly holiday traditions, they can be so cute for Santa photos. 

If everyone is in the same set, I would recommend keeping the design on the simpler side. I always aim for you and your family to be the focus of the photos, not the clothing. 

Large graphics, words, or too many colors can pull attention away. 

If you’re looking for something slightly different, it’s fun to have the kids in matching pajamas while the adults wear coordinating colors. 

For example, if the kids are wearing matching red plaid pjs, Mom can wear a cream color cardigan, and Dad can wear a solid green sweater. You still get that coordinated family look without everyone wearing exactly the same thing.

If your session is only for the kids, matching sibling pajamas are such a sweet choice. I just love seeing brothers and sisters cozied up together in their Christmas jammies.

If you’re planning on making Santa photos a part of your holiday tradition this year, reach out here to book your session. 

Wondering what happens once those cozy Christmas pajamas are on and it’s time to meet Santa? Take a peek at What to Expect at Your Photo Session With Santa to see how the relaxed, child-led experience unfolds from hello to goodbye.

How to Coordinate Pajamas Without Looking Too Matchy

If identical matching outfits aren’t the look that you’re going for, try focusing on complementary colors instead of everyone wearing the same thing. 

Start by choosing a small color palette first.

For example, you might choose cream, forest green, and deep red. One child can wear plaid Christmas pajamas, another can wear a cream pajama set, and a third can wear green with a subtle red detail.

Another easy approach is to start with one patterned pajama set you love. Look at the colors within that pattern, then use those colors for everyone else.

A few things can help keep the final look cohesive:

• Stick with two to four main colors.
• Mix solids with one or two simple patterns.
• Repeat colors across different family members.
• Avoid having everyone in a different busy print.
• Choose pieces that feel like they belong in the same cozy setting.

Most importantly, choose outfits that still feel like your family.

If your kids wear matching pajamas every Christmas Eve, go for the matching set. If you love neutrals, you don’t suddenly need bright red pajamas just because you’re taking Santa photos.

Neutral Pajamas for a Timeless Look

Christmas colors are often pictured as traditional red, white and green, but softer and more muted colors can also make gorgeous photos. 

Cream, oatmeal, beige, soft gray, and muted brown all create a simple look that keeps the attention on your child or family.

Neutral pajamas are especially nice if you want the finished photos to blend easily with the rest of your home. They also pair beautifully with natural textures like knit blankets, wooden toys, or simple greenery.

You can still add a little Christmas color without changing the whole outfit. A deep green bow, burgundy socks, or subtle plaid detail can bring in that festive feeling.

Personalized Christmas Pajamas for Extra Magic

Personalized pajamas can make a unique keepsake for each year, and are another adorable option, especially for little ones. Embroidering a first name or initial can make the pajamas feel extra special. 

If you’re considering personalization for photos, I’d keep it simple. A small name or monogram is less likely to compete with your child’s face than a large phrase across the front of a shirt.

Be sure to order personalized pieces early enough to check the sizing before your session. Parents know all too well that kids grow quickly, and you don’t want to discover right before Santa photos that those adorable pajamas are suddenly too snug.

Want a little peek at the Santa magic before your session? Head over to my Instagram and watch my Santa Highlight for a behind-the-scenes look at the cozy set, sweet moments with Santa, and what this experience looks like for little ones.

Cozy Accessories to Complete the Look

If you’re looking for another unique way to layer on the cozy for Santa photos, a few simple accessories can do just that. 

Choosing a few thoughtful details can add just the right amount of festive cheer to your photos. 

Some easy options are:

• Knit socks
• Simple slippers
• Soft bows or headbands
• A classic Santa hat
• Cozy cardigans
• A small Christmas book

Bare feet can also be absolutely adorable, especially for babies and toddlers.

The goal of accessories is always to enhance the outfits, instead of making them the main part of the photo. 

Tips for Choosing Comfortable Pajamas for Kids

Not all pajamas are created the same, and being comfortable is the whole reason for wearing Christmas pajamas for your Santa photos. 

Before your session, have your children try everything on and spend a little time wearing it. Let them sit, walk, crawl, bend, and play. Pay attention to anything they keep tugging at or asking you to remove.

Some things to specifically watch out for:

• Waistbands that feel too tight
• Tags or seams that bother them
• Sleeves or pant legs that are too long
• Slippers they can’t comfortably walk in
• Accessories they immediately try to take off

For babies, it’s always easiest if the outfit still gives you easy access for diaper changes. For toddlers, simpler is often better.

And if your child absolutely hates an accessory at home, I wouldn’t count on Santa convincing them otherwise!

Comfort helps leave room for all those real little expressions I want to capture for you.

Once you’ve found the perfect Christmas pajamas, let’s get you ready for Santa! Read my 10 Tips for Magical Santa Pictures for simple ways to prepare your kids, plan what to bring, and make the most of your Santa photo session.

Make Those Christmas Pajamas Part of the Memory

The thing I love most about Santa photos is knowing that someday, these little Christmas traditions are going to feel so far away.

Your toddler won’t always be amazed by Santa. Those tiny pajama feet will get bigger. The siblings who pile together for a photo will grow up and create Christmas traditions of their own.

That’s why I want these photos to feel like your family right now.

Whether you choose traditional plaid, soft neutrals, matching sibling sets, or personalized Christmas pajamas, pick something comfortable that feels like your kids. 

Give them something cozy to wear, let their personalities come through, and let the photos hold onto the rest.

I’d absolutely love to capture a little piece of your family’s Christmas this year.

If you’re ready to rock the Santa photos, reach out here to book. I can’t wait to see your family and all those sweet Christmas jammies! Don’t miss out on the Santa waitlist next year, and keep up to date with everything new by joining my newsletter below.