13 Creative Outdoor Christmas Photoshoot Ideas

Looking for some fun and creative outdoor Christmas photoshoot ideas? At Peerspace, we get it! This Christmas, you might want to take photos as an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the crisp winter air. Or, perhaps you live in a place where Christmas is a warm day, and it’s comfortable to spend extended periods outside.

Either way, here are 13 outdoor Christmas photoshoot ideas to get you started as you decide what your own holiday photoshoots are going to look like.

1. Snow angels photoshoot

If you’re lucky enough to be in a place with snow on the ground, take advantage of this and make some snow angels with your loved ones. Be sure to take photos of everyone making snow angels and of the snow angels themselves.

Like to find a scenic area that you and your family can have all to yourselves while you’re taking photos? Then rent a private outdoor photoshoot location is a great Christmas photoshoot idea. We’d recommend somewhere like this rustic modern A-frame cabin on a meadow in Shaver Lake, CA. Here, you can take snowy photos in the winter and take some equally adorable family photos inside the beautifully decorated cabin itself.

2. Christmas group selfie

An especially of-the-moment outdoor Christmas photoshoot idea, this one involves finding a beautiful outdoor spot to act as a backdrop for your group selfie, then standing in a group as one of you takes the photo yourself. In addition to creating a unique perspective for something like a Christmas card photo, this Christmas photoshoot idea is also highly practical and affordable.

You won’t need to hire a photographer or book a studio (although you can if you want a more neutral backdrop). The only purchase you might choose to make is a selfie stick, which will give the person taking the selfie a little more reach and a better angle for a photo of a larger group of family members.

3. Wintry photos

This outdoor Christmas photoshoot idea comes to us from The Pioneer Woman. Not every Christmas photoshoot has to be all about the holiday!

They can be a more general celebration of the beauty of wintertime, especially if they’re taken outdoors. “For photos that dial back the holiday vibes ever so slightly, think about creating a wintry feel for your pictures. With snow on the ground, wear your warmest sweaters, get a fire going, and choose a red barn as the backdrop for a pop of color”. Get creative, but either way, the resulting photos are bound to be adorable.

Planning this shoot with your SO? Then you also need to check out our merry couples Christmas photoshoot ideas!

4. Wearing matching pajamas

Bundle up your whole family in matching Christmas-y PJs (the pattern is your choice, but something suitably festive) and head out to a scenic area for a photoshoot. Be sure to bundle up in plenty of outerwear when you’re not having photos taken. You don’t want to have to leave early because someone catches a chill!

5. Consider using props

You might want to bring some cute props along for your Christmas photoshoot! Marcie in Mommyland’s outdoor Christmas photoshoot prop ideas include “strings of lights, cute ornaments, Christmas books, Santa hats, a Christmas wreath, lanterns, garland, mistletoe, holly, [and] poinsettias.” And when it comes to plants as photoshoot props, fake plants are totally acceptable and it’s unlikely anyone will be able to tell the difference in photos.

6. Matching Santa hats

Wherever you do your photoshoot, our favorite accessory for a Christmas photoshoot is Santa hats for the whole family. After all, it’s a classic for a reason! We think a baby wearing a Santa hat is one of the cutest combos around, and when you see the photos you’re sure to agree.

7. Outdoor winter sports

You might want to hire a photographer for this one, or else assign one of your family members to be the photographer for the day. If your family are fans of skiing, this is a great choice for a photoshoot. In fact, it will result in plenty of exciting and dynamic photos.

8. Photos in front of your decorated home

This is an especially great idea for families that go all-out decorating their homes with Christmas decorations. Why not show off your incredible decorating skills with a photoshoot of your family posing in front of your home? It’s easy to get everyone in the photo by using your phone or camera’s self-timer function.

9. Snowball fight

Another snow-related photoshoot idea, though one that is less peaceful than making snow angels. Yet some of your goofier family members might say it’s more fun: take photos of everyone having a snowball fight!

10. Matching Christmas sweaters

If you couldn’t tell, we’re big fans of matching family outfits. But instead of PJs, this one is all about the cozy Christmas sweaters. You can wear the exact same sweaters in different sizes or, for a slightly more subtle result, sweaters in the same color or a similar shade but in a different style.

Make the most of the season with our wintry snow photoshoot ideas!

11. Go on a nature walk

Head out to your nearest nature trail and take some photos as you walk through the winter forest or other natural landscape near you. The beauty of nature is all you need for a backdrop!

12. Christmas baking photoshoot

Here’s another fabulous suggestion courtesy of The Pioneer Woman: candid photos of you and your kids having a blast in the kitchen while baking together, ideally something like Christmas sugar cookies. Relatives are sure to love the photos, and you and your kids will look back on the happy memories fondly in the years to come!

And eating the delicious baked goods is a great bonus, too.

13. Take your photos at a Christmas tree farm

We’re saving the best for last with this creative outdoor Christmas photoshoot idea! Get your family together and take them to your nearest Christmas tree farm for a photoshoot (but be sure to get the owner’s approval first, so you don’t get in any trouble).

You might be able to rent access to a Christmas tree farm by the hour. For instance, this Christmas tree farm in Sammamish Valley, Redmond, Washington, is just $100 an hour, and the view is stunning.

Find unique holiday photoshoot locations on Peerspace