Looking for a Central Coast Santa photographer or a festive photographer? You’ve come to the right place.

We’ve found the best-of-the-best Central Coast Santa photos and Christmas Mini sessions – all taken by talented local photographers on the Central Coast and the surrounding region! Many of these photographers offer Sensitive Santa sessions. Plus, we’ve found spaces where you can bring your fur babies along for a snap too.

Christmas photos are a wonderful annual tradition and each year we’re blown away by the stunning backdrops, festive flair, and Christmassy creativity brought to us by the Central Coast’s many talented photographers. And with so many incredible settings to choose from, 2025 promises to be no exception!

AND Don’t dilly-dally on making a booking – these photographers sell out very quickly!

Jump To…



Natural Lights Photography – Christmas Wonderland and Santa Sessions

This year, Danielle from Natural Lights Photography is offering three beautiful locations to choose from. At the farm and the park, you’ll be joined by jolly old Saint Nick, while the bush setting skips Santa so the spotlight stays entirely on you and your family.

Natural Lights Photography – Christmas Wonderland Portraits and Festive Family Sessions, Catherine Hill Bay

Tucked away in the heart of Catherine Hill Bay, Natural Lights Photography’s dreamy winter-wonderland set is the perfect backdrop for your Christmas photos.

Photographer Danielle spends a generous 30 minutes with each family, giving her plenty of time to capture your kids’ genuine smiles, cheeky giggles, and those quiet, heartfelt moments. With this extra time, you’ll walk away with a gorgeous collection of images that do double duty – perfect for your Christmas cards and beautiful enough to treasure as a family portrait session.

Danielle has a knack for keeping the spotlight where it belongs – on your family – creating timeless images you’ll want to print, frame, and proudly hang on the wall for years to come.

PLUS, she runs one day with Santa at this location – 6th December – so you can get family snaps with and without Saint Nick.

All that’s left for you to do? Pop on your favourite red party dress, a pair of angel wings, or even a sparkling Rudolph nose, and head to Catherine Hill Bay, where an enchanting festive scene is ready for you to step into.

Natural Lights Photography Christmas Wonderland Portraits
Join Danielle’s VIP newsletter subscriber list to be able to book now. Otherwise bookings to the general public open 1 September.
Cost: This is a 30-minute on-location photoshoot. The package includes 7 digitally downloadable images and 3 matte gift 5×7 images – all within a password-protected gallery. $249
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from 1 November until Sunday 14 December, plus Monday 15 December and Tuesday 16 December 2025! Bookings essential.
Location: Catherine Hill Bay.
Dogs are welcome too!
More info: Sensitive Santa sessions and pet sessions are also available.
Contact: Danielle on 0410 117 328 or [email protected]
Website: https://nlphotography.com.au/christmas-photos/
Natural Lights Photography’s Facebook page
Natural Lights Photography’s Instagram page


Natural Lights Photography – Santa at the farm, Paterson

For most of the year, the historic Tocal Homestead is known as one of the Hunter’s most beautiful wedding venues – but come Christmas time, it transforms into something truly magical. Santa makes his grand arrival to join Natural Lights Photography for festive photo sessions set against a backdrop of rolling green paddocks, majestic fig trees, weathered wooden barns, and a sparkling dam. The result? A setting that’s rustic, elegant, and unlike anything else you’ll find.

Natural Lights Photography – Santa at the farm
Join Danielle’s VIP newsletter subscriber list to be able to book now. Otherwise bookings to the general public open 1 September.
Cost and who: $70. Each family of up to 5 members per session can spend up to 5 minutes with Santa. (If you would like more than 5 family members to attend, or would like more time with Santa, please book multiple tickets).  
The package includes 5 digitally downloadable images – all within a password-protected gallery. You can of course purchase more images, prints and wall art if you wish.
More info: Sensitive Santa sessions and pet sessions are also available.
Location: Tocal Homestead, 957 Tocal Road, Paterson.
When: Every Sunday from 2 November until 7 December 2025! Bookings essential. Hurry, these sessions sell out super fast.
Contact: Danielle on 0410 117 328 or [email protected]
Website: https://www.nlphotography.com.au/santa-in-the-park/
Natural Lights Photography’s Facebook page
Natural Lights Photography’s Instagram page


Natural Lights Photography – Santa at the park, Morpeth


Ray Lawler Reserve – better known as Morpeth Common – is a picturesque park in the heart of historic Morpeth and the perfect backdrop for Natural Lights Photography’s Santa sessions.

With its pretty pond, shaded playground, and plenty of picnic tables, it’s the kind of spot that invites you to linger. We recommend you pack a picnic rug and a basket of goodies, and turn your photo day into a lovely family outing.

Natural Lights Photography – Santa at the park
Join Danielle’s VIP newsletter subscriber list to be able to book now. Otherwise bookings to the general public open 1 September.
Cost and who:
 $70. Each family of up to 5 members per session can spend up to 5 minutes with Santa. (If you would like more than 5 family members to attend, or would like more time with Santa, please book multiple tickets). 
The package includes 5 digitally downloadable images – all within a password-protected gallery. You can of course purchase more images, prints and wall art if you wish.
More info: Sensitive Santa sessions and pet sessions are also available.
Location: Morpeth Commons, Edward Street, Morpeth.
When: Saturday 22nd November and Saturday 29th November 2025. Bookings essential.
Contact: Danielle on 0410 117 328 or [email protected]
Website: https://www.nlphotography.com.au/santa-in-the-park/
Natural Lights Photography’s Facebook page
Natural Lights Photography’s Instagram page



Jessie Walker Photography’s Christmas Minis


Jessie Walker’s Christmas Minis look like they’ve leapt straight from the pages of a magazine. Her photography and styling are effortlessly timeless, and this year she has three stunning settings (across two locations) for you to choose from. Scroll down to pick.

Jessie Walker’s Studio Christmas sessions, Toukley


Jessie’s studio is always styled to perfection, with every detail thoughtfully chosen to keep the spotlight right where it belongs – on your family. She has a gift for creating spaces that feel both luxurious and inviting, layered with textures that bring warmth and depth. The result? Images that look just as perfect on a Christmas card as they do framed on your wall all year round.

A Christmas Mini Session at Jessie’s studio includes two beautifully styled sets:

  • A classic white winter scene with a glowing fireplace and a majestic 7ft Christmas tree.
  • A lush green backdrop adorned with golden starry lanterns for that extra festive sparkle.

And because Jessie goes that extra mile, her in-studio sessions include access to her client wardrobe – think flowing dresses, sweet kids’ overalls, crisp linen shirts and even festive outfits to make your photos pop. She’ll even have snacks and treats on hand to keep little tummies happy (and big ones too).


Jessie Walker’s Studio Christmas Minis
Price: This 30-minute session gives you access to Jessie’s stunning client closet (more than 100 women’s dresses, men’s outfits, kids clothing plus festive garb) and a private styling appointment. Package includes 7 high-resolution digital images (gallery upgrade available). $350.
When: 16th, 22nd, 29th and 30th November; 6th and 13th December 2025.
Notes: One family per booking – families are welcome to book back-to-back sessions to join in together.
Location: The Studio, Toukley.
Phone: Jessie Walker, 0434 469 440.
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://jessiewalkerphotography.com/mini-sessions
Jessie Walker’s Facebook page
Jessie Walker’s Instagram page


Jessie Walker’s Christmas Tree Farm Minis, Dural


Jessie’s bringing her renowned Christmas Tree Farm sessions back to Dural again this year.

Jessie’s photo sessions are held over sunset and the combination of this gorgeous setting and Jessie’s talent ensures you come away with images that will take pride of place all year round! ⁠Jessie uses beautiful, minimal and neutral-coloured textured props to keep the focus firmly on you and your favourite people.

You’ll have 15 minutes with Jessie: ample time to get snaps of your kids, you and your partner and the entire family together.

These sell out quick-smart, so don’t delay booking your spot.

Jessie Walker’s Christmas Tree Farm Minis
Price: $335 for a 15-minute session including 7 high-resolution digital images.
Location: Dural Christmas Tree Farm, 879 Old Northern Rd, Dural.
When: 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th and 9th November 2025.
Notes: One family per booking – families are welcome to book back-to-back sessions to join in together.
Phone: Jessie Walker, 0434 469 440.
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://jessiewalkerphotography.com/mini-sessions
Jessie Walker’s Facebook page
Jessie Walker’s Instagram page



SantaSnaps – LookPro Photography’s SantaSnaps raise money for local schools!

SantaSnaps. Image ©LookPro Photography 


Looking for an affordable, fun and unique Santa photo experience that gives back to your school community?

SantaSnaps is a fundraiser for local Central Coast primary schools – with money going to the hosting school’s P&C. AND everyone is welcome to attend – not just families who attend the school that’s hosting!

SantaSnaps is the fundraising arm of local school-and-sports-photography group LookPro Photography. You can read more about them in our feature here.

Interested in getting your school involved? You’re in luck: they’re currently looking for Central Coast schools keen to take part in their 2025 Santa photo fundraisers. Simply head to their website here and fill in the “expressions of interest” form before 15 August 2025.

Here’s how it works:

  • Your P&C fills out an expressions of interest formyou can find it here.
  • SantaSnaps turns your school hall into a Christmas wonderland (for 1 day).
    Picture this: your hall transformed with their extra-large 6×3 metre festive backdrop, a big comfy Santa lounge, and beautiful props that make it all feel straight out of the North Pole.
  • They bring the most lovely Santa in town
    Their jolly Santa John has been delighting families for nearly a decade – he’s warm, kind, and has that twinkle in his eye that makes kids (and grown-ups) light up.
  • Families book online – easy peasy
    SantaSnaps handles all the bookings, customer comms, and orders from start to finish. No extra work for your school or P&C – just a stress-free, joy-filled day.
  • Your P&C gets a festive boost
    Each booking comes with a $10 sitting fee, and (after GST and platform charges) that amount goes straight to your school’s P&C. LOVE that!


Here’s why we love SantaSnaps for families, too.

With SantaSnaps there’s no pre-payment. Your photos are available to view online before you buy, so there’s no pressure to purchase should your family be crying, squinting, or having a bad hair day!

Double bonus: the photos are available to view super quickly – within 48 hours (usually the next business day). From there, you can download the digital versions instantly, and any orders of prints or photo gifts will be mailed out that same day – for FREE! No more waiting weeks and weeks to see your snaps and then missing Australia Post’s Christmas deadlines.

Triple bonus: you’re giving back to a local school – perhaps even YOUR local school. That takes ” the season of giving” to a whole new level.

We think LookPro Photography may have been looking at our Christmas photo wish lists because this ticks so many fabulous boxes for us… it’s affordable, it’s fast, it’s quality and it gives back to our schools. All in all, It’s pretty special!

PS. Want your school P&C to get LookPro Photography to do some Santa snaps – share this feature with them and ask them to get in touch before 15 August.

PSS. We’ll let you know where the photos will be held once the schools are determined.

LookPro Photography’s SantaSnaps
Contact: [email protected]
Website: https://www.lookpro.com.au/santa-eoi/
LookPro Photography’s Facebook page



The Santa Claus Experience by Imy & Me Photography, Wyoming

©Images The Santa Claus Experience by Imy & Me Photography.


If you’re after a Santa experience that’s just as magical as the photos, you’ll adore a session with Imy & Me. Kirsty has created something truly special.

For most kids, it’s not about the photo – it’s the thrill of meeting Santa. That mix of awe, excitement, and little nervous butterflies when they realise he’s really there.

Kirsty’s sessions give children the time to soak it all in – to whisper their wishes, feel the warmth of Santa’s kindness, and see the twinkle in his eye. But what makes it extraordinary is how personal she makes it. Before your booking, Kirsty emails parents to ask for your children’s names, their achievements, Christmas wishes, and hopes for the year ahead. When your family arrives, Santa opens his “Magic Book” filled with these details and chats to your kids as if he’s been following their adventures all year.

Imagine your child’s wide-eyed wonder when Santa asks about their soccer final, their dance concert, or what colour bike they’d like – all without any prompting. For little ones starting to question the magic, it’s a beautiful way to keep the sparkle alive.

Kirsty captures the exact moment Santa shares the Magic Book – a photo that preserves a once-in-a-lifetime connection. And to top it off, every family receives a personalised video message from Santa to watch on Christmas Eve. Maybe he’ll say he’s packed their gifts into the sleigh or that he loved meeting them – either way, it’s pure magic.


The Santa Claus Experience by Imy & Me Photography
Price:
A 15-minute interactive session with Santa, including portraits. A personalised video message from Santa for your child to view on Christmas Eve, a personalised profile in Santa’s Magic Book plus 5 high-resolution digital images. Each child gets a wrapped gift from Santa. $175 (Extra digital images are available at an additional charge).
Location: The Soul Space Studio~ Level 1/455 Pacific Hwy, Wyoming.
When: 29th and 30th November, 7th and 14th December 2025. Further sessions will be added by demand; if there aren’t any sessions that suit your availability, get in touch with Kirsty on 0414 726 206 to discuss.
Pets are welcome too!
Contact: To book, contact Kirsty on [email protected] or 0414 726 205.
Imy and Me’s website; to book Santa photos, though, please book here.
The Santa Claus Experience’s Insta page

The Santa Claus Experience’s Facebook page


Central Coast Santa Studio, Forresters Beach

©️Central Coast Santa Studio. Images supplied.


After a hugely popular debut in 2023, Central Coast Santa Studio is back at Forresters Beach for another season of festive magic.

The setting? Gorgeously rustic. The Santa? Spot on. His eyes – how they twinkle! His dimples – how merry! And that snowy white beard is the real deal. This is the stuff Christmas memories are made of.

The team pride themselves on creating relaxed, personalised Santa photo sessions that feel special from the moment you arrive. No rushed lines, no cookie-cutter smiles – just beautiful, joy-filled images you’ll treasure for years.

Want options? These guys have them in bucketloads. They have dedicated Sensitive Santa sessions, pet sessions, super-quick smile-and-snap sessions for couples, and longer sessions for families with tiny tots who may need time to warm up to the man in red.

They even offer a Multi-Gen Extended family session! As someone who comes from a large extended family, we absolutely love this idea. This session warmly invites you to bring your whole family – your aunts, uncles, grandparents and grandchildren. In this session, they aim to deliver 10 images, including the whole group, each individual family (including parents), each individual family (children only), plus a generation shot (e.g. all the grandchildren). This is such a special way to capture the love and joy of your extended family in a fun and festive setting.

And if you love the setting but don’t want the dude in red taking centrestage, you can have a Santa-less photo too!

Central Coast Santa Studio is a fabulous all-weather Santa option, and they have umpteen dates available from November all the way up to a few days shy of Christmas, so it’s perfect for early-bird bookers, last-minute snappers and everyone in between.


Central Coast Santa Studio
Price:
There are six packages available. Prices coming soon.
+ FurBaby | Pet Friendly: Pet-friendly session with your furry, scaly & feathery babies | 5+ high-res images | 10 min.
+ Santa in the Studio: Perfect for those with younger children | 5+ high-res images | 10 min.
+ Multi-Family | Extended Session: Because sometimes one family unit just isn’t enough! | 10+ high-res images | 20 min.
+ Quick Snap | Smile with Santa: A quick in-and-out for couples or families with older kids | 3+ high-res images | 5 min.
+ Sensory Friendly: A quieter session where they tailor their approach to suit your needs | 5+ high-res images | 10 min.
+ Santa-less Session | Book a Santa-less festive family portrait session | 10+ high-res images | 20 min.
Location: 16A John Street, Forresters Beach.
When: Multiple dates from November til Christmas. Bookings will open soon; we’ll update this feature when they do.
Sensory sessions: Yes.
Pets are welcome too!
Contact:
[email protected].
Central Coast Santa Studio’s Website
Central Coast Santa Studio’s Instagram page
Central Coast Santa Studio’s Facebook page



Christmas Minis with Hello Heartstrings and Brooke Biro Photography, Gosford

©️Hello Heartstrings 2025 Christmas Minis

Meet Brooke of Hello Heartstrings (formerly Brooke Biro Photography) – the queen of colourful Christmas Minis that are equal parts polished and playful. And because Brooke includes three different setups in one session, it’s a super easy way to nail both your relaxed annual family portrait and a fun, festive Christmas shot in one go.

You can mix and match three simple set options. Go big with the Christmas hued balloon wall for that bold, merry pop that’s totally kid-approved; switch to the crisp white backdrop with oversized blow-up candy canes and baubles for clean, modern fun; then put the festive paraphernalia to the side and capture a non-themed family portrait that you’ll love long after the tinsel is packed away.

Each 15-minute session is short and sweet, so little ones stay engaged and you’ll receive 20 edited images to download and share. If you’re after Christmas and family photos that feel fresh, cheerful and effortlessly “you,” Hello Heartstrings nails the brief.


Hello Heartstrings
Price: 20 edited images and a 15-min session. $295.
Location: Sundai Studio, Mann Street, Gosford.
When: Saturday 15th November 2025. Sessions throughout the day.
Contact:
[email protected]
Hello Heartstrings website
Hello HeartstringsFacebook page
Hello HeartstringsInstagram page
Booking link here



Central Coast Santa, North Avoca beach

Image ©Central Coast Santa

Love a Santa that screams Aussie Christmas vibes? Then head to North Avoca beach to meet Central Coast Santa! He’s barefoot, breezy and rocking relaxed overalls instead of a heavy winter coat – because, hello, Australian summer!

Central Coast Santa’s sun-kissed beach photos are fun, laid-back and cool (even the teens crack a smile), AND they’re the kind of Christmas pics your northern-hemisphere cousins will frame out of pure envy.

His big, cushy couch is plonked right on the sand surrounded by a festive array of gifts and sacks. It’s all about salty hair, sandy toes, and making a memory that actually reflects your family’s Christmas.

Sessions are pre-booked and spots are very limited, so there’s no snaking shopping-centre queue. You get a private, professional experience from start to finish and a photographer who catches the natural laughs.

Bring the whole family, fur babies included; dogs are absolutely welcome to join the fun and steal the spotlight.

Central Coast Santa
Price: Three high-resolution photos, $90.
Location: North Avoca. Specific address details will be emailed to you when you make your booking.
When: Saturday 22nd November, Sunday 23rd November, Saturday 29th November, Sunday 30th November, Saturday 6th December, Sunday 7th December, Saturday 13th December, Sunday 14th December | 8am till 7pm.
Pets are welcome too!
Contact:
[email protected]
Central Coast Santa’s website
Central Coast Santa’s Facebook page
Central Coast Santa’s Instagram page


This feature was created in partnership with Natural Lights Photography, Jessie Walker Photography, SantaSnaps with LookPro Photography, Central Coast Santa Studio, Imy & Me Photography, Central Coast Santa and Hello Heartstrings.

+ Want your Santa photos or Christmas Minis to be included too? Reach out to Katie on [email protected].

Don’t let your friends miss out! Click below to share these gorgeous Christmas photo sessions with them.

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Header image: Natural Lights Photography.



Written By: KATIE STOKES

Founder & Editor

After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.