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 12 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!

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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! Santa Snaps is a fundraising initiative of local school and sports photography group LookPro Photography. You can read more about them in our feature here.

Here's how it works: SantaSnaps turns school halls into Christmas wonderlands and each booking comes with a $10 sitting fee, which (after GST and platform charges) goes straight to the school’s P&C. LOVE that!

Here's why we love SantaSnaps for families, too:

  • 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.
  • 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 SantaSnaps 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!


LookPro Photography's SantaSnaps
When and where:
+ Warnervale Public School | Saturday 18 October.
+ Terrigal Public School | Sunday 19 October.
+ Narara Public School | Saturday 25 October.
+ Gorokan Public School | Sunday 2 November.
+ Ourimbah Public School | Saturday 8 November.
+ OLR Wyoming | Saturday 1 November.
+ Umina Beach Public School | date coming soon.
+ Porters Creek Public School | Sunday 16 November.
+ Kincumber Public School | Saturday 22 November.

Cost:
Have a five-minute photo session with Jolly Santa John. $10 sitting fee (donated to the hosting school’s P&C). Get your photos snapped, view them online and then decide what you’d like to purchase. There are four packages to choose from ranging from $39.99 to $89.99. PLUS Christmas cards, canvas, acrylic and Chromaluxe products are also available.

LookPro Photography's SantaSnaps
Contact: [email protected]
SantaSnaps website
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 and 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 seven packages available.
+ FurBaby | Pet Friendly: Pet-friendly session with your furry, scaly & feathery babies | 5+ high-res images | 10 min | $119.
+ Santa in the Studio: Perfect for those with younger children | 5+ high-res images | 10 min | $119.
+ Multi-Family | Extended Session: Because sometimes one family unit just isn't enough! | 10+ high-res images | 20 min | $249.
+ Sensory Friendly: A quieter session where they tailor their approach to suit your needs | 5+ high-res images | 10 min | $119.

+ Santa-less Session in the Studio | without Santa | 10+ high-res images | 20 min | $119.
+ Santa-less Multi-Family Session | without Santa | 10+ high-res images | 20 min | $249
+ Santa-less Pet friendly | without Santa | 10+ high-res images | 10 min | $119
Location: 16A John Street, Forresters Beach.
When: Multiple dates from November til Christmas.
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 Heartstrings' Facebook page
Hello Heartstrings' Instagram 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



Santa on the Beach Central Coast, Shelly Beach

Santa on the Beach Central Coast. Images supplied


After a huge inaugural year, Santa on the Beach Central Coast is back at North Shelly Beach – and we are here for the fabulously festive Aussie vibes.

Katie of One Breath Creative is behind the lens and she's no stranger to taking photos on the beach. Katie specialises in underwater photography and regularly captures locals in the surf and on the sand. And at this time of year, she's bringing an Aussie Santa complete with boardies and a Hawaiian shirt with her.

What to expect: a relaxed, super-fun session. Come as you are – boardies and thongs, festive frocks, or matchy-matchy PJs – bring the kids, bring the dog, bring the grandparents. Choose a mix of shots with Santa and without – you’ll walk away with keepsakes that feel joyful and real.

Katie is also proudly neurodiversity-aware (she’s a mum to two neurodiverse kiddos) and welcomes questions or requests so she can make your session as inclusive and comfortable as possible for your family.

Timing: Sessions run early morning and late afternoon/early evening to catch that golden-hour glow and beautifully soft, dappled light.


Santa on the Beach Central Coast
Price:
$99 for a 5-minute session (large families or extended family groups may require 2 x sessions) with 10 professionally edited high-res images delivered via online gallery.
Location: North Shelly Beach.
When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 14 November until 21 December 2025. Friday and Saturday Mornings (7am- 10am)  and Sunday afternoons (4pm- 7pm).
Pets are welcome too! (Dogs on leashes please)
Contact:
Katie on [email protected].
Santa on the Beach Central Coast's Facebook page
Santa on the Beach Central Coast's Instagram page
Santa on the Beach Central Coast's Website



Santa in the Garden, Palmdale

Santa in the Garden. Image supplied


If you’ve ever dreamed of Christmas photos that feel relaxed, natural and truly enjoyable, Santa in the Garden is going to steal your heart.

This brand new Santa experience is a beautiful collaboration between local photographer/videographer Your Story and local flower growers Weeping Willow Farm – a property known for its pick-your-own flower days and floral craft workshops.

The result is Christmas magic without trying. Think kids giggling on a wooden bench, Santa in gumboots, and petals blooming around you. It’s simple, warm and wonderfully wholesome.

You’ll meet Santa in the middle of a flower-filled paddock. The natural setting is green and golden and gloriously summery, and the inclusion of festive red props makes the whole scene feel special and storybook-beautiful.

There are four packages to choose from – pet friendly, with or without Santa, and a Christmas video message option! This is the first time we've heard of a video being an option and we think it's all kinds of brilliant: what a special gift to send family and friends you won’t be seeing this festive season.

They’ve thought of all the little details, too. Photos are taken under a marquee (cleverly positioned so it never appears in your shots), which means your session can go ahead rain, hail or scorching December sunshine. And if you arrive a bit early, there’s plenty to keep little ones happy – a sweet Santa Library stocked with Christmas books and a spot where kids can write a letter to Santa himself.

And if you want to turn your visit into a whole outing, Weeping Willow Farm also runs pick-your-own-flower sessions and Christmas craft workshops – the dreamiest way to wrap a bow around your festive photo day.


Santa in the Garden
Price:
You can choose from four photo styles: Photos with Santa | Festive photos without Santa | Pet-friendly sessions | Christmas video messages. And from there, there are three price options:
• Standard Photo Session – $75 (1 photo)
• Premium Photo Session – $95 (3 photos)
• Christmas Video Message – $149 (1 personalised video)
Sessions are 5 min. Photos are digital and delivered within 48 hours.
Location: Weeping Willow Farm, Palmdale.
When: Sun 23 and Sat 29 Nov + Sat 6, Sun 7, Sat 13, Sun 14, Sat 20, Sun 21, Tues 23 December.
Pets are welcome too! (Dogs on leashes please)
Contact:
Michelle on [email protected]
Santa in the Garden's Facebook page
Santa in the Garden's Instagram page
Santa in the Garden's Website

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, Hello Heartstrings, Santa on the Beach Central Coast and Santa in the Garden.

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

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Header image: Santa in the Garden.



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.