What to Wear for Christmas Photos: Choosing the Perfect Outfit and Backdrop for Your Family

One of the most common questions I receive before Christmas studio sessions is, “What should we wear?”

And right behind that question is, “Which Christmas backdrop would be best for my kids?”

At Rebecca Groller Photography, my Bethlehem, PA studio features several carefully designed Christmas backdrops, each offering a different look and feel. Whether you're hoping for traditional family Christmas portraits, playful photos of your little ones, or something a little more sophisticated for older children, there's a set to fit your family.

All five of my Christmas backdrops are located inside my studio, including Home for the Holidays, which creates the appearance of an outdoor Christmas scene without the chilly temperatures!

Let's take a closer look at each backdrop, what outfits photograph best, and which sets I recommend for different ages and personalities.

Navy Garland Wall: Classic Christmas Portraits for the Whole Family

If you're looking for timeless Christmas portraits that will look beautiful on your holiday cards and displayed in your home, the Navy Garland Wall is a wonderful choice.

The deep navy background, paired with traditional Christmas greenery and festive accents, creates an elegant setting that works beautifully for families, siblings, couples, and individual portraits.

What to Wear:

The rich navy background pairs especially well with:

• Deep red and burgundy: Beautiful traditional Christmas colors that stand out against the navy.

• Cream and ivory: A softer, classic look that brightens the overall portrait.

• Emerald green: A rich holiday color that complements the greenery.

• Gold and champagne: Perfect for a slightly dressier Christmas look.

• Plaid accents: A subtle holiday plaid can tie several family outfits together.

For families, I recommend choosing two or three coordinating colors rather than having everyone wear the same thing. For example, Mom could wear a burgundy dress, Dad a cream sweater, and the children a combination of navy, cream, and burgundy.

Best For:

• Full family portraits

• Siblings of different ages

• Older children and teenagers

• Children who prefer simple, traditional portraits

• Families who want a classic, polished Christmas look

My Recommendation: This is one of my favorite choices for families who want a timeless Christmas portrait. The traditional design works beautifully for families with children of different ages, especially older kids and teenagers who may have outgrown the more playful Christmas sets. It's also a great option for children who prefer straightforward portraits without props or activities.

Jingle Express: A Fun, Traditional Christmas Setting for Kids and Families

The Jingle Express backdrop brings a little extra Christmas magic into the studio! With its classic train theme, vintage trunks, lanterns, bells, and festive details, this set has plenty of personality.

It's a wonderful option for children who enjoy the excitement of Christmas, and the props give little ones something to interact with during their session. The larger setup also makes it a great choice for full family portraits.

What to Wear:

This backdrop works beautifully with traditional Christmas colors and cozy outfits.

• Red and green: Classic holiday colors that complement the train theme.

• Cream sweaters: A timeless choice that keeps the focus on your child.

• Christmas pajamas: Coordinating holiday pajamas create a fun, cozy look.

• Denim and sweaters: A more casual option that works well for siblings.

• Holiday dresses and dress shirts: Perfect for a slightly more formal portrait.

Try to avoid clothing with large graphics or busy patterns, since the backdrop already has several interesting details.

Best For:

• Full families

• Toddlers and preschoolers

• Active preschoolers

• Elementary-age children

• Siblings of different ages

• Children who enjoy props and pretend play

My Recommendation: Jingle Express is a versatile backdrop because it works for both full families and individual children. The trunks, lanterns, bells, and other festive details provide opportunities for younger children to interact with the set, making it a great choice for active toddlers and preschoolers. At the same time, the traditional Christmas design works beautifully for posed family and sibling portraits.

Golden Ornaments: Simple, Elegant Christmas Portraits for Children

Sometimes a simpler backdrop is the perfect choice, especially when you want the focus to be entirely on your child.

The Golden Ornaments set offers a festive look without overwhelming the portrait. It's a beautiful option for individual photos or small sibling groups.

What to Wear:

I recommend outfits that complement the warm gold tones.

• Cream and ivory: Soft, timeless colors that photograph beautifully.

• Deep red or burgundy: Adds a rich, traditional Christmas touch.

• Forest green: A classic holiday color that pairs nicely with gold.

• Champagne or soft gold: Perfect for dressier portraits.

• Velvet dresses or textured sweaters: Add interest without competing with the backdrop.

Simple, well-fitting outfits are often the best choice for this set.

Best For:

• Sitting babies

• Toddlers

• Active preschoolers

• Elementary-age children

• Children who prefer simple portraits

• Individual children and small sibling groups

My Recommendation: Golden Ornaments is a wonderful choice for parents who want beautiful Christmas portraits with a simpler, more traditional look. It works well for sitting babies and younger children, including active toddlers and preschoolers who may not want to remain in one position for long. The clean design keeps the focus on your child's expressions and personality without the distraction of a busy background.

Please note: This is a smaller studio set designed for children rather than full families.

Hot Chocolate Stand: Playful Christmas Photos for Little Ones

The Hot Chocolate Stand is all about capturing the fun and excitement of the Christmas season!

This cheerful backdrop is a great choice for younger children, especially those who enjoy pretending, playing, and being involved in the action.

Rather than expecting children to sit perfectly still, this set provides opportunities for playful expressions and natural interaction.

What to Wear:

Cozy, casual Christmas outfits work especially well.

• Christmas pajamas: A fun choice for a playful holiday look.

• Red and cream sweaters: Festive without being overly formal.

• Green, burgundy, or neutral outfits: Classic colors that coordinate with the Christmas theme.

• Jeans and holiday sweaters: Comfortable and perfect for active children.

• Simple holiday dresses: Great for children who want something a little dressier.

Comfort is especially important for this set. Children should be able to move easily in whatever they're wearing.

Best For:

• Sitting babies

• Toddlers

• Active preschoolers

• Young siblings

• Children who love props and pretend play

My Recommendation: If you have a busy toddler or preschooler who loves to explore, the Hot Chocolate Stand may be the perfect choice! This playful set encourages interaction and gives little ones something fun to do during their session. It's especially helpful for children who are more comfortable playing than sitting still for traditional portraits. Sitting babies also look adorable in this festive setting!

Please note: This is a smaller studio set designed for children rather than full families.

Home for the Holidays: A Cozy Outdoor Christmas Look in the Comfort of the Studio

Love the look of outdoor Christmas portraits but prefer the comfort of being indoors? My Home for the Holidays backdrop offers the best of both worlds!

This studio set creates the appearance of a festive outdoor Christmas scene, complete with a cozy, traditional holiday atmosphere. It's a wonderful choice for families who love the look of winter portraits without having to bundle up for chilly November temperatures.

What to Wear:

This backdrop looks beautiful with cozy, layered holiday outfits.

• Chunky knit sweaters: Cream, burgundy, forest green, and warm neutrals create a classic winter look.

• Scarves and winter accessories: Add texture and help create the appearance of a cozy outdoor Christmas scene.

• Plaid accents: A wonderful choice for a traditional holiday look.

• Winter coats and vests: Perfect for creating an authentic outdoor appearance without actually being outside.

• Boots and layered outfits: Complete the winter look and coordinate beautifully with the setting.

Because we're photographing indoors, you can achieve that cozy winter appearance without worrying about anyone getting too cold!

Best For:

• Full families

• Elementary-age children

• Older children and teenagers

• Siblings of different ages

• Families who prefer relaxed, casual Christmas portraits

• Families who love the look of outdoor holiday photos

My Recommendation: Home for the Holidays is a wonderful choice for families who love the appearance of outdoor Christmas photos but prefer the comfort of an indoor studio session. The cozy setting works beautifully for families with children of different ages, including older kids and teenagers. Sweaters, scarves, and boots help create a relaxed winter look without having to worry about cold temperatures or unpredictable weather.

Which Christmas Backdrop Is Best for Your Child?

Every child is different, and choosing the right backdrop can make a big difference in how comfortable they feel during their session.

Here's a quick guide to help you decide.

Who's Being Photographed?	Backdrops to Consider
Full families	Navy Garland Wall, Home for the Holidays, Jingle Express
Sitting babies	Golden Ornaments, Hot Chocolate Stand
Toddlers	Hot Chocolate Stand, Golden Ornaments, Jingle Express
Active preschoolers	Hot Chocolate Stand, Golden Ornaments, Jingle Express
Elementary-age children	Golden Ornaments, Jingle Express, Home for the Holidays
Older kids and teenagers	Navy Garland Wall, Home for the Holidays
Siblings of different ages	Navy Garland Wall, Jingle Express, Home for the Holidays
Children who love props and pretend play	Hot Chocolate Stand, Jingle Express
Children who prefer simple portraits	Golden Ornaments, Navy Garland Wall

These are general recommendations, not strict rules. A child's personality and comfort level are just as important as their age.

Five Tips for Choosing Christmas Photo Outfits

1. Coordinate, but don't match everyone exactly.

Choose a color palette of two or three complementary colors. This creates a coordinated look while allowing each family member's personality to show.

2. Consider the backdrop before choosing outfits.

A busy pattern may compete with a detailed Christmas set, while a simple backdrop can accommodate richer colors and textures. Think about how your clothing will look with the colors and decorations in the scene.

3. Make comfort a priority, especially for young children.

An itchy sweater, uncomfortable shoes, or a dress that restricts movement can quickly become a distraction. Choose clothing your child can comfortably sit, stand, and move in.

4. Pay attention to shoes and accessories.

Shoes are often visible in portraits, especially full-length family photos. Choose footwear that coordinates with the outfits, and remember that socks may show when children are sitting.

5. Keep the focus on your family.

Avoid large logos, character graphics, and overly busy patterns. Solid colors, subtle patterns, and textured fabrics usually photograph beautifully and help keep the attention on the people in the portraits.

What If My Child Won't Sit Still?

Please don't worry!

After years of photographing children and families, I know that not every child wants to sit still and smile on command.

That's one reason I offer different Christmas backdrops. Some are ideal for traditional, posed portraits, while others allow for a little more interaction and play.

I guide children through their sessions based on their age, personality, and comfort level. Sometimes that means starting with a more playful set, giving them a chance to explore, or simply allowing a few minutes to warm up.

My goal is always to create beautiful Christmas portraits while keeping the experience relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.

Let's Create Beautiful Christmas Memories!

Whether you love traditional Christmas portraits, playful holiday scenes, or cozy outdoor-inspired photos, choosing the right backdrop and coordinating outfits can help bring your vision together.

At Rebecca Groller Photography, I offer Christmas portrait sessions for families and children at my Bethlehem, PA studio, serving families throughout Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding Lehigh Valley.

Not sure which backdrop is the best fit for your family? I'm always happy to help you decide based on your children's ages, personalities, and the style of portraits you're hoping to create.

Ready to plan your Christmas photos? Visit Rebecca Groller Photography to learn more about Christmas sessions and available options.

I look forward to helping you create beautiful holiday portraits you'll enjoy for years to come!