Creative Baby Christmas Photoshoot Ideas That Will Melt Your Heart
Is there anything cuter than baby Christmas photos? The tiny outfits, the festive backdrops, the giggles—it’s pure magic! Every time I flip through my baby’s holiday album, it fills me with so much joy. Those sweet smiles? Priceless.
If you’re wondering…yes! You don’t need to be a professional photographer—or even own a fancy camera—to capture beautiful, heartwarming holiday photos of your little one. With just a few simple props, a bit of natural light, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create your own baby Christmas photoshoot right at home.
Whether it’s your baby’s first Christmas or you’re building a festive tradition, these photo ideas will help you create keepsakes you’ll cherish for years to come.
What to Prepare for Baby Christmas Photoshoot?
You don’t need much to create the perfect baby Christmas photos—just a smartphone with a decent camera, some cute holiday accessories, and a little imagination! Of course, if you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, that’s a bonus—but it’s totally not required.
To start, pick a cozy location with plenty of natural light (near a window is perfect!). Then, choose a Christmas theme—think rustic cabin, winter wonderland, candy cane cuteness, or classic red & green. Dressing your baby in festive outfits is the fun part! Think Santa suits, elf onesies, or cozy knitwear. For decor, add simple props like string lights, mini trees, ornaments, or a fuzzy blanket. Lastly, snap away! Capture their natural giggles, curious stares, and those tiny hands reaching for ornaments.
To make things even easier for you, I’ve rounded up 15 absolutely adorable baby Christmas photo ideas you can recreate at home.
How to Prepare Your Baby for a Photography Session?
Before you start snapping those adorable Christmas photos, there’s one thing you shouldn’t skip—prepping your baby for the session!
If You’re Photographing a Newborn:
- Try to keep your baby awake for 1–2 hours before the shoot.
- The best time to capture newborns is during nap time when they’re calm and cozy.
- Feed your baby right before the session—a full tummy = a relaxed, sleepy baby (aka the dream combo for peaceful photos!).
- Make sure the room is warm and comfy, especially if your baby will be photographed without clothes.
If Your Baby is 3+ Months Old:
- Plan your shoot when they’re well-rested and alert—usually after a nap, from early to mid-morning.
- Avoid scheduling the session too close to nap time or bedtime to prevent crankiness.
- Choose a time when your baby is the most playful and smiley—this is when the magic happens!
Once your little one is prepped and happy, you’re all set to start creating those picture-perfect moments.
Tricks to Make Your Baby Smile / Laugh for Photographs
Let’s be real—those gummy grins are everything when it comes to baby photos. If you’re aiming to capture a genuine smile, here are a few tried-and-true tricks that work like magic:
10 Easy Ways to Make Your Baby Smile:
- Blow gentle air on their face – a soft tickle often brings out a sweet smile.
- Whisper in their ear – sometimes your voice alone is enough to soothe and delight.
- Try an Eskimo kiss – gently rub your nose against theirs for instant giggles.
- Make silly faces – babies love expressive, animated faces.
- Tickle their favorite spots – light tummy or foot tickles can bring out big laughs.
- Involve a sibling – big brothers or sisters can spark those special smiles like no one else.
- Make weird sounds or silly voices – the stranger, the funnier (to them!).
- Pretend to “nibble” their feet or hands – babies find this hilarious!
- Laugh out loud – babies often mirror your expressions, including your laughs.
- Play their favorite music – a familiar song can set the perfect mood.
Pro tip: Always keep the energy light and playful—happy babies = beautiful photos!
Baby Christmas Photo Ideas
Ready for the fun part? Here are 15 absolutely adorable Christmas baby photo ideas you can recreate at home!
The Sweetest Christmas Baby Gift
Turn your little one into the cutest holiday surprise by placing them inside a gift box next to the Christmas tree. It’s a simple setup that looks like it came straight out of a holiday card!
Location & Lighting:
- Set up the photo near your Christmas tree—either in your living room or your baby’s nursery.
- Look for natural light coming from a window that shines on the front or side of your baby (avoid backlighting to keep the photo bright!).
- Add a magical glow with curtain string lights or tiny fairy lights behind the setup to create a cozy, dreamy effect.
What You’ll Need:
Pro tip: Dim the room lights slightly to let the string lights shine. Soft lighting makes all the difference in baby photography!
Milk, Cookies, and a christmas nap
This dreamy holiday photo captures the calm after the cookie chaos—your little one fast asleep in festive style. With a Santa hat, snuggly textures, and a glowing tree in the background, it’s the ultimate Christmas card moment.
Location & Lighting:
- Set up near your Christmas tree in a cozy corner—either in the living room or nursery.
- Use natural light from a nearby window to softly illuminate your baby’s face from the front or side (avoid strong backlighting).
- Add warmth with string lights or fairy lights behind the tree to create a twinkly holiday backdrop.
What You’ll Need:
- A small Santa hat for that classic Christmas touch
- A cozy, white or cream-colored knit onesie or pajama set
- A fluffy throw blanket or faux fur rug to lay on
- A small plate of cookies and a mug of milk (just for props!)
Pro tip: Slightly dim your room lights so the fairy lights and tree glow really pop on camera.
Smile for Santa
Baby Christmas Photo Idea from @thea.fie follow her on Instagram
Sometimes, the sweetest photos are the simplest ones. For this idea, lay your baby on their tummy over a soft, white fluffy rug—it’s a cozy setup that highlights their tiny smile.
Location and lighting:
- Choose a spot near a large window with plenty of natural light—your living room is perfect.
- The soft daylight will give your baby’s skin a natural glow and keep the photo bright and clean.
What You’ll Need:
- A knitted Santa baby hat
- A knitted red vest
- A simple white top
- You can add a festive touch with a red decorative lantern beside your baby for that extra holiday charm!
Pro tip: Make silly sounds or faces to catch your baby’s smile while you snap away!
Related: Best Tips for Photographing Your Own Newborn
Extra Special Newborn at Christmas
Baby Christmas Photo Idea from @naomibarkerphotography follow her on Instagram
There’s something magical about a tiny newborn wrapped up like a Christmas gift! This swaddled setup may look advanced, but with a little patience (and a good wrap), you can pull off a heart-melting newborn holiday photo.
Location and lighting:
- Choose a spot with plenty of natural light—by a window works best.
- No natural light? No problem. Use a soft lighting kit like this one to keep the photo looking cozy and bright.
What You’ll Need:
- A red newborn wrap blanket
- A basket lined with a soft knitted blanket or fluffy blanket
- A Santa hat made just for newborns
- You can also use a heart-shaped wooden bowl to make the setup even more special
Pro tip: Need help with swaddling? Check out this easy swaddling guide to wrap your baby snug and safe before the shoot. A sleepy baby = a peaceful (and adorable) photo.
Baby’s First Christmas Glow
This magical photo captures the wonder of the holidays through your little one’s eyes. With the Christmas tree twinkling in the background and a shiny ornament in hand, it’s a sweet and simple moment that feels straight out of a holiday movie.
Location & Lighting:
- Set up your baby near the base of your Christmas tree, ideally in a dimly lit room for maximum glow.
- Use the tree lights as your main light source—no flash! Let the warm twinkle wrap softly around your baby.
- Shoot during golden hour or after sunset to get that dreamy contrast and cozy feel.
What You’ll Need:
- A small Santa hat for a festive touch
- A warm blanket for baby to lie on
- A plastic or shatterproof ornament for safety
- If the baby is not fully clothes, it’s best to keep a space heater nearby to keep them comfy
Pro tip: Use a low aperture (like f/1.8 or f/2.2) if you’re shooting with a DSLR or phone portrait mode to get that beautiful, blurred background full of twinkle lights.
Related: How To Take Newborn Photos At Home – DIY
Stealing Santa’s Cookies
Baby Christmas Photo Idea from @noah_bear_photography follow her on Instagram
This setup is too cute to handle! Dress your little one in a cozy red overall and let them “sneak” a few cookies while lounging in a tiny wooden bed. It’s playful, festive, and picture-perfect!
Location and lighting:
- Set up in an all-white room or against a light-colored backdrop for a clean, cozy feel.
- Use natural light from a window, or boost the brightness with a lighting kit like this one.
What You’ll Need:
- A wooden doll bed (perfectly baby-sized!)
- A chunky knitted blanket to line the bed
- A tiny posing pillow for support
- A red knitted overall or matching hat + overall set
- A metal cookie tray with gingerbread cookie ornaments (or real cookies if you want a snack after!)
Pro tip: Capture your baby holding or reaching for the cookie tray—it adds the perfect touch of mischief!
Stocking Stuffer
This festive baby photo turns your little one into the ultimate holiday surprise—snuggled inside a Christmas stocking under the twinkling tree. With cozy textures, warm colors, and a pop of red, it’s a heart-melting setup perfect for cards, keepsakes, or your holiday photo album.
Location & Lighting:
- Set up near your Christmas tree on a soft surface like a bed, blanket, or rug.
- Use natural daylight from a side-facing window to softly light your baby’s face (avoid direct light or harsh shadows).
- Add sparkle with nearby string lights ornaments peeking into the frame for a festive, glowing effect.
What You’ll Need:
- A red knit stocking big enough to wrap your baby
- A red velvet bow or headband for a sweet finishing touch
- Optional: a few wrapped presents or ornaments for extra holiday charm
Pro tip: Capture the photo from above while your baby is awake and alert—those wide eyes will steal the show!
Christmas Peekaboo
Looking for a super simple (and budget-friendly) idea? This peekaboo-in-a-box setup is a fun and creative way to capture your baby’s curious personality—with minimal props!
Location & Lighting:
- Set up near a large window or in a bright, naturally lit space.
- The light should fall on your baby’s face from the front or side—this keeps the photo clear and glowing.
What You’ll Need:
- A medium-sized cardboard box (open at both ends)
- A baby Christmas outfit
- A Santa hat
Pro tip: Place your baby on a safe, steady surface like a low chair or a step stool. Let them hold the box and peek inside while you snap the photo from the opposite end.
Christmas Tongue Out
Babies are fascinated by new textures and shiny things—especially Christmas ornaments! This fun setup is perfect for capturing your baby’s wonder (and maybe a little tongue-out giggle!).
Location & Lighting:
- Choose a bright spot with natural light, like near a big window.
- You’ll be taking the photo from above, so make sure the area is well-lit to avoid shadows.
What You’ll Need:
- A fluffy brown rug or soft neutral-colored surface
- A mix of Christmas ornaments or baubles scattered around
- A festive outfit like a:
Pro tip: Get above your baby and snap the photo from overhead. Make silly faces or noises while holding the camera to get that perfect smile (or cheeky tongue-out moment)!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This sweet and cozy photo captures the magic of a holiday classic—How the Grinch Stole Christmas—in the hands of the tiniest reader. With a Santa hat pulled low and fuzzy blankets all around, it’s the perfect blend of festive and heart-melting.
Location & Lighting:
- Set up the scene near the base of your Christmas tree or in a cozy reading nook.
- Use the tree lights or a soft lamp as your main light source to create a warm, storytime glow.
- Turn off overhead lights for a more intimate, magical effect that highlights the book and your baby’s expression.
What You’ll Need:
- A small Santa hat or knit beanie for a festive touch
- A cozy swaddle, sleeper, or soft onesie
- A fluffy faux fur blanket or beanbag-style cushion for baby to sit in
Pro tip: Slightly angle the book toward the light source to avoid shadows on baby’s face and make the cover pop in photos!
Sweet Baby Santa
Is there anything more heart-melting than a baby dressed as Santa? This setup is simple, sweet, and guaranteed to get you all the “awws.”
Location & Lighting:
- Set up in an all-white room or use a light-colored backdrop for a clean, festive feel.
- Place your baby near a window with natural light, and hang window curtain string lights behind them for a warm, glowing background.
What You’ll Need:
- A 4-piece Santa costume (hat, top, pants, and belt)
- A red Christmas basket
- A fluffy blanket to line the basket
Pro tip: Use the “Portrait” mode on your iPhone to blur the background for a professional touch—or try the Snapseed app to add a blur effect after shooting (works on both Apple and Android).
Tasty Santa
Sometimes the best photos aren’t posed—they’re playful and spontaneous. Let your little Santa explore and giggle while you capture the magic in motion!
Location & Lighting:
- Set up near your Christmas tree for a festive, twinkly background.
- Dim the room lights and turn on the tree lights to create a soft, cozy glow.
- If needed, add a small lamp or lighting kit to brighten your baby’s face without overpowering the scene.
What You’ll Need:
- A 4-piece Santa costume
- A few Christmas ornaments for your baby to hold and play with
- A decorated Christmas tree with lights
Pro tip: Let your baby explore the tree area freely (just make sure it’s safe and supervised!). Capture those real smiles, tiny hands reaching for ornaments, and all the joyful expressions that come naturally.
You and Your Baby
Don’t forget to jump in front of the camera too—these moments are just as much about you as they are about your baby. A simple, heartwarming photo of the two of you together will be one you treasure forever.
Location & Lighting:
- Choose a bright space with natural light, like a cozy corner by the window.
- For added warmth, hang fairy lights in the background or around the frame.
What You’ll Need:
- A neutral or festive outfit for both of you (think cozy knits, soft whites, or matching PJs)
- Your partner or a family member to take the photo (or set a timer!)
Pro tip: Keep it relaxed. Sit or snuggle with your baby, laugh, play, or just hold them close—these natural moments make the most beautiful memories.
Christmas Lights
There’s something magical about the soft glow of Christmas lights—especially when your baby is the one holding them! This cozy setup is simple, safe, and oh-so-beautiful.
Location & Lighting:
- Place your baby on a bed or soft blanket in a dimly lit room.
- Use the Christmas lights as your main light source to create a warm, dreamy effect.
- No need for extra lighting—just let the string lights do the magic!
What You’ll Need:
- A battery-operated string of fairy lights (safe for baby to touch and hold)
- A cozy spot like your bed, sofa, or a cushioned play mat
- Optional: A festive outfit or Christmas PJs
✨ Pro tip: Let your baby explore and play with the lights while you snap away. The natural curiosity and joy on their face will make this one of your favorite holiday shots.
GINGERBREAD DELIGHT
This clever and cozy holiday photo turns your little one into the sweetest gingerbread “cookie” on the tray. With the perfect perspective and a festive backdrop, it’s a whimsical holiday memory that’s guaranteed to make everyone smile.
Location & Lighting:
- Set up the photo on a neatly made bed with textured white or cream blankets for a soft, cozy base.
- Use natural light from a nearby window to brighten the space and keep shadows soft (mid-morning or early afternoon works great).
What You’ll Need:
- A knit beanie for a cozy winter touch
- A solid, light-colored onesie to keep the background clean
- A large gingerbread cookie (or paper cutout) with a missing “bite” at the top to frame baby’s head
- A steady hand to align the cookie just right in front of the camera
Pro tip: Snap the photo while baby is calm and alert—wide eyes make the illusion even more magical!
Related: What to Wear for Newborn Photos / Maternity Photos
With Big Sister
There’s nothing sweeter than capturing the bond between siblings—especially during their first Christmas together. This memory will be one for the family album and their hearts forever.
Location & Lighting:
- Set up near the Christmas tree or in a cozy corner of their bedroom.
- Use natural light from a window if possible, or add a warm glow with string or tree lights for that extra festive feel.
What You’ll Need:
- Coordinating holiday outfits or pajamas for both baby and big sister
- A few wrapped Christmas presents to “open” together
Pro tip: Let them interact naturally—unwrapping gifts, giggling, or simply cuddling. These authentic moments between siblings make for the most touching holiday photos.
