Festive & Fun Outdoor Christmas Photoshoot Ideas

Let the professionals handle creating a magical holiday atmosphere by taking your Christmas family photo at a theme park or fairground that is decked out in festive cheer. This works perfectly if you plan to head to a Disney resort this fall — as the park brings out its holiday decorations in early November every year. If you can’t make it to Disneyland or Disney World, look up when your local theme park transforms into a winter wonderland and plan to take your photos then!

You won’t need to shout “smile” for this family Christmas photo idea. Take your children to a nearby snow-covered hill and let them play with their favorite winter toy, the sled! Capture their natural joy as they speed down the hill and trek back up. For the brave parents, consider a group shot with the whole family in the sled or on a toboggan as an adventurous family Christmas card idea.

A snowball fight is a perfect way to spread holiday cheer during the most wonderful time of the year. Capture the fun of the holidays by featuring a good old-fashioned snowball fight on the front of your holiday card. Your kids will love the competitive fun, and you will love the cute photos for years to come.

Outdoor decorations are a joyful part of the holiday season, so why not capture your family in action? Snap some playful shots as everyone strings festive lights, inflates fun lawn ornaments, or hangs decorations from your trees. It’s a casual yet charming way to share your holiday spirit.

Headed to the tree farm? Make it a mini-photo shoot! Whether you pose among rows of fragrant evergreens or take advantage of festive props like sleighs, rustic signs, or Santa setups, tree farms offer picture-perfect holiday backdrops. Bonus points if you include a shot of your freshly chosen tree!

This is a great activity to do if you’re hoping to get a photo that is simultaneously candid and full of festive spirit. While you can have a photographer snap away during the entire process, be sure to take extra care on the finishing touches of your snowman — that will allow them to get shots of everyone (snowman included!) looking their best.

Live in a place where the leaves turn fiery red and orange? Or where evergreens lend a Christmas-y vibe year-round? Use that to amp up the holiday flair of your Christmas family photo! To make the most of your beautiful backdrop, use it to build the color palette of your family’s outfits around. Then, layer in some fun props and lots of opportunities for your photographer to capture genuine smiles from you and your crew!

Pose at sunset for the perfect light to frame your family. Also known as “the golden hour,” dusk provides a warm golden glow that photography buffs adore because it is universally flattering. If you are taking your own Christmas family photos this year, taking your photos during the golden hour will help your holiday card look like it was done by a pro! Friends and family will be able to feel the warmth radiating from your gorgeous holiday photo. Pair the glowing colors of a sunset with one of our beautiful Christmas cards.

Does your family love nature? Bring the outdoors into your holiday card! This woodland setting is perfect for a holiday family photo shoot. The natural greens and browns of the grass and trees will create a backdrop that makes your family pop, and the light shining through the leaves will give you a luminous glow. Take a stroll in the woods and capture some precious family moments for this year’s Christmas card. Pair with complementing, but not matching outfits for a more relaxed vibe.

No white Christmas? No problem! If you live in a warmer climate, bring sunny weather to your holiday card. Take the family to the beach and kick off your shoes for the perfect sandy Christmas photo shoot idea. The beach is also a naturally neutral background, making outfit selection for the family that much easier.

Take the family to a plant nursery for a Christmas photo shoot idea for a holiday card featuring lush greenery. This is the perfect photo location for the family of green thumbs who want to incorporate some beautiful flowers, ivy, or ferns into the backdrop. Nurseries and gardens tend to have a wide variety of plants, so let your children run to their favorite spots and get shooting!

Capture a holiday card pose of your children in one of their favorite spots: the playground. Whether that’s in a neighborhood park or on a collection of logs in the woods, capturing your children playing and exploring will be sure to translate to smiles that look perfect for the family Christmas card. Get creative with the family poses for these adorable Christmas card picture ideas. Soaring on swings, arranged along a slide, and playing in a sandbox are just a few Christmas poses to consider for your kids’ Christmas pictures.

Artists have created beautiful art on exterior walls in both large urban cities and small rural neighborhoods. These are sometimes called wall murals or wall graffiti and come in many different artistic designs and colors. You may already know of one nearby, or you may have to search the internet to find a new spot. Either way, discovering an amazing outdoor wall mural, taking your family photos in front, and pairing it with a cool Christmas card design will make for a stunning family Christmas photo shoot idea.

For families that adore biking, boating, skating or any kind of get-up-and-go activity, consider showcasing these passions with a unique family Christmas photo idea. Whether you’ve just picked up a new hobby recently or have been going strong for years, a playful photo displaying how your family gets from point A to point B can be fun to engage with. Think about how you can pay tribute to a shared activity that means a lot to you all in this family-themed holiday card idea.

Make your holiday card instantly memorable by posing in front of a beloved local landmark or iconic destination. A popular bridge, historic building, or quirky roadside attraction can serve as a charming backdrop that adds both personality and local flair. Friends and family will love seeing your family celebrate the season at a familiar and cherished location!

Put that family vacation you already have booked to work by using it as an opportunity to get your Christmas card photo! Minted offers a huge variety of vacation-inspired Christmas card designs, but we especially love ones that feature your family wishing everyone a Mele Kalikimaka by soaking up the sun and sand in a tropical destination like Hawaii.

Head to a rooftop with a view for a creative photo shoot opportunity this year. Think of any public rooftop parking lots or elevated platforms that could create a dramatic backdrop for your family photo.

If your holiday season includes chilly weather, gather your family around a cozy backyard bonfire. Capture candid photos of everyone roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or sipping hot cocoa beside the crackling fire. This rustic setting adds warmth and charm to your family’s holiday photo.

Having trouble deciding on a pose for the whole family? Take your holiday photo in motion! Is there an activity your family does routinely on the weekends (a certain hike, a stroll through a farmers market, an outdoor restaurant your child loves)? Walking through a local outdoor market can be the perfect holiday photo setting for a family on the go. Showcase one of your favorite city spots to give friends and family a peek into your daily routine while you enjoy a festive and productive Christmas photo shoot idea for the holiday card.

If you live in a colder area, aim for warm, layered outfits that are both stylish and cozy, like snug knits paired with chic jackets and festive accessories such as scarves and hats. For warmer climates, choose breathable fabrics and lightweight layers that still feature holiday prints or festive colors.

In addition to cozy or holiday-themed clothing, using holiday props like snowy backdrops, string lights, a decorated tree, wreaths, etc., can give your photo a festive feel.

Classic holiday colors like red, green, and gold are always popular. For a snowy theme, pair these with crisp whites or deep blues for a striking, festive contrast. For more of a fall photo look, try neutrals, bold jewel tones, or earthy colors.

Plan ahead by scouting the location beforehand and coordinating outfits with your family. This will help ensure a smooth session. Bringing along fun props and considering the weather conditions will also make your photo experience more successful.

Embrace natural, spontaneous moments by focusing on activities like a backyard bonfire or even a family ride that showcases everyday joy. Capturing genuine smiles and moments of togetherness will create priceless images your family will treasure.