Capturing the perfect family holiday photo in New York City isn’t just about finding a pretty backdrop – it’s about bottling up that magical moment when the city’s festive spirit meets your family’s joy. As 2024 brings fresh energy to NYC’s timeless holiday locations, photographers and families alike are discovering innovative ways to frame their memories against the city’s spectacular winter canvas. But with so many dazzling spots to choose from, which locations will give your family photos that extra special sparkle?
From catching the first morning light as it hits the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to finding those hidden corners of Central Park where fresh snow creates a winter wonderland, New York offers both iconic backdrops and unexpected gems for your family portraits. We’ve curated 15 picture-perfect New York Christmas family photo and creative photo concepts that blend classic New York holiday charm with modern twists – ideal for everything from professional photoshoots to spontaneous smartphone snapshots that capture genuine family moments.
Let us guide you through both famous landmarks and lesser-known spots, each offering unique photo opportunities throughout the day. Learn when to catch the softest natural lighting at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, discover quiet corners of Grand Central Terminal’s historic halls for intimate family moments, and find out which new holiday installations make stunning contemporary backgrounds. We’ll share expert timing tips to avoid crowds, suggest complementary color schemes for your family’s outfits, and reveal which locations offer both outdoor grandeur and indoor backup options for unpredictable December weather.
Explore 15 enchanting photo spots and creative ideas to capture the perfect holiday card or memorable family moments, from elegant portraits to candid shots!
1. Tree Magic with Friends, Rockefeller Center
A perfectly candid NYC moment capturing genuine joy against the iconic tree’s twinkling lights. The mix of casual and cozy winter wear creates an authentic holiday vibe that screams “Christmas in New York!”
Best Photography Tips: Frame the tree’s lights as a bokeh backdrop, get low to capture faces clearly, use portrait mode for depth, and encourage natural interaction between subjects.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8-9am) for minimal crowds and soft lighting, or after 8pm for maximum sparkle.
Fashion Tips: Mix textures with teddy coats, knit beanies, and cozy scarves. Stick to warm earth tones that complement the golden tree lights.
2. Elegance Under Lights, Radio City Music
The Lotte Palace’s golden archway creates a dreamy holiday portal, with its ornate decorations and warm lighting offering the perfect backdrop for elegant family portraits.
Best Photography Tips: Center subjects in the arch, shoot slightly upward to capture the ceiling details, use f/2.8 aperture for sharp subjects with softly blurred ornaments.
Best Time to Visit: 4-6pm when natural light balances with interior lighting.
Fashion Tips: Choose statement holiday pieces like plaid dresses, coordinate colors within family, add classic accessories like berets or elegant headbands.
3. Staircase Family Holiday Portrait, The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza’s grand marble staircase combines with coordinated burgundy outfits to create a sophisticated, timeless holiday portrait that exudes warmth and elegance.
Best Photography Tips: Arrange family in a pyramid formation, use stairs for natural height variation, shoot from below to capture architectural details.
Best Time to Visit: Early afternoon (2-4pm) for optimal indoor lighting conditions.
Fashion Tips: Coordinate in rich burgundy tones, mix formal wear textures, incorporate subtle holiday accessories.
4. Sweater Party Sparkle, Millennium Hilton NYC
Modern architecture meets festive fun, with mirrored ceilings and twinkling lights creating a contemporary holiday atmosphere perfect for group celebrations in New York at Christmas.
Best Photography Tips: Utilize reflective surfaces, shoot wide angle to capture architecture, position group in a casual, staggered formation.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon as daylight transitions to evening glow.
Fashion Tips: Go bold with festive sweaters, maintain a color theme, add playful accessories like elf ears or Santa hats.
5. Lights Festive Display Magic, Dyker Heights
Brooklyn’s most enchanting holiday display offers a spectacular light show that transforms an ordinary neighborhood into a magical Christmas wonderland.
Best Photography Tips: Use night mode settings, position subjects slightly off-center, capture wide shots to show scale of displays.
Best Time to Visit: 6-9pm when displays are fully lit but crowds are manageable.
Fashion Tips: Wear dark, solid colors to stand out against lights, add one festive element like a holiday sweater or scarf, keep accessories minimal.
6. Holiday Bar Fun with Friends, Frosty’s
A festive and lively scene capturing the spirit of NYC holiday celebrations with friends. The mix of plaid flannel, cozy knits, and casual wear creates a perfect blend of comfort and style against the warm, twinkling backdrop.
Best Photography Tips: Get close together for an intimate shot, tilt the camera slightly up to catch the overhead lights, and encourage natural laughter and movement for authentic joy.
Best Time to Visit: Evening hours (7-10 pm) when the bar lighting creates the perfect ambiance and holiday lights are most vibrant.
Fashion Tips: Mix casual winter wear with festive touches – plaid flannels, cozy sweaters, and add one holiday accent piece per person.
7. Elegant Family Portrait, St. Regis Hotel
Image Credit: @mimozasinishtaj
The grandeur of this iconic hotel entrance creates a timeless holiday setting. The coordinated neutrals with pops of designer touches showcase sophisticated family style.
Best Photography Tips: Position the family centered at the entrance base, use a wide aperture to capture ornate details while keeping subjects sharp.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon (3-5 pm) when natural light complements the hotel’s warm interior glow.
Fashion Tips: Choose luxe materials like silk and cashmere, coordinate in sophisticated neutrals, and add subtle designer accents.
8. Santa’s Golden Throne Group Shot, The Bank Note
A classic holiday portrait setup with professional Santa, mixing casual and formal wear against a traditional Christmas backdrop with gold accents.
Best Photography Tips: Use portrait mode to blur busy background, position group symmetrically around Santa, ensure even lighting across faces.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning to early afternoon for consistent indoor lighting and shorter wait times.
Fashion Tips: Balance casual and dressy elements, incorporate holiday colors naturally, keep accessories minimal.
9. Christmas Blanket Session, Westchester Country
Overall Impression: A charming outdoor family portrait capturing casual holiday spirit with natural elements. The neutral color palette and relaxed styling create an inviting, authentic mood.
Best Photography Tips: Use natural light, shoot at eye level, incorporate festive props subtly, encourage natural interaction.
Best Time to Visit: Golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) for warm, flattering light.
Fashion Tips: Layer comfortable neutrals, coordinate but don’t match exactly, add texture through knits and weaves.
10. Hotel Burgundy Tree Elegance, The Plaza Hotel
Overall Impression: Luxurious holiday decor featuring burgundy and gold creates a sophisticated backdrop for this coordinated family portrait.
Best Photography Tips: Frame the shot with trees on both sides, utilize the red carpet line for positioning, capture the height of decor.
Best Time to Visit: Early evening (4-6pm) when interior lighting creates the most dramatic effect.
Fashion Tips: Statement coats in bold colors, coordinate children’s outfits with sparkly accents, keep base layers simple and elegant.
11. Festive Family Walk Portrait, Hudson Yards
Overall Impression: A perfectly coordinated family moment against a backdrop of golden holiday lights. The matching red plaid theme creates a classic Christmas card aesthetic while keeping individual style elements.
Best Photography Tips: Capture during golden hour, position family walking naturally, use portrait mode to create depth with twinkling lights in background.
Best Time to Visit: Just before sunset (4-5pm in winter) when natural light meets holiday illumination.
Fashion Tips: Coordinate with a central color theme (red plaid), mix with solid blacks for contrast, add festive accessories like hair bows.
12. Cozy Home Holiday Gathering, West Islip
Overall Impression: A warm, intimate setting with classic holiday decor elements. The neutral palette and casual-chic outfits create an inviting atmosphere.
Best Photography Tips: Use natural window light, position group centered under wreath, ensure even spacing between subjects.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning when natural light streams through windows best.
Fashion Tips: Layer neutral patterns (houndstooth, plaid), mix textures, keep color palette cohesive with beige and grey tones.
13. Christmas Tree Portrait, Family Church
Overall Impression: Elegant holiday setup with dramatic red ribbon-adorned trees. The mix of casual and dressy elements creates a perfectly balanced family photo.
Best Photography Tips: Frame with lit trees, shoot straight-on to capture symmetry, ensure faces are well-lit.
Best Time to Visit: Early evening when tree lights create optimal ambiance.
Fashion Tips: Mix holiday colors (green dress, red accents), incorporate both casual and dressy pieces.
14. Village Tree with Friends, Bryant Park
Overall Impression: Casual daytime holiday gathering with friends against a festive community tree. The laid-back styling creates an authentic, joyful mood.
Best Photography Tips: Use wide angle to capture full tree, position group close together, utilize natural daylight.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for best natural lighting and fewer crowds.
Fashion Tips: Layer cozy neutrals, mix casual pieces like jeans with stylish jackets, keep it comfortable yet polished.
15. Holiday House Party Joy, NYC
Overall Impression: Candid gathering capturing the genuine warmth of holiday celebrations. The mix of casual outfits and festive decorations creates an authentic party atmosphere.
Best Photography Tips: Use wide angle for large groups, arrange people on different levels, ensure good indoor lighting.
Best Time to Visit: Evening hours when indoor lighting creates cozy ambiance.
Fashion Tips: Opt for comfortable party wear, mix casual and semi-formal pieces, incorporate one festive element per outfit.