Looking for Central Coast Santa photos or Christmas Mini sessions for 2026? You've come to the right place!
We've rounded up some fabulous Santa photographers on the Central Coast and surrounding region, with eight very different Christmas photo experiences to choose from this year.
Santa on the beach in boardies? Santa among the flowers? Santa on a farm? Or in a cosy lounge room? Or perhaps you'd prefer to skip Santa altogether and capture some beautiful festive family photos outdoors among fir trees or baubles?
There are traditional Santa sessions, relaxed outdoor shoots, Christmas Mini sessions, pet-friendly options and Sensitive Santa sessions too – so you can choose something that suits your family.
One little warning though: don't dilly-dally on booking! The popular sessions and times can sell out very quickly, and some photographers have early-booking offers too.
Scroll down, take a peek at all eight and find your family's Christmas photo spot for 2026.
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Natural Lights Photography – Christmas Wonderland and Santa Sessions
This year, Danielle from Natural Lights Photography is offering two beautiful experiences. At the farm you’ll be joined by jolly old Saint Nick, while the Catherine Hill Bay 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 – 12th 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
Cost: This is a 30-minute on-location photoshoot. There are two pricing options: $249 - session with 7 digital downloads from personal web gallery. $299 - session, 3x 5x7 matted prints and 7 digital downloads from personal web gallery.
When: Sat 7th Nov, Sat 21st Nov, Sat 5th Dec, Sat 12th Dec, and Sat 19th Dec. 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, Tocal Homestead, Paterson
For most of the year, historic Tocal Homestead is known as one of the Hunter’s most beautiful wedding venues – but come Christmas time, Santa arrives to join Natural Lights Photography for a very special series of festive photo sessions.
And the backdrop isn't set in stone. Each day, the Natural Lights Photography team chooses the spot around Tocal that will work best with the light and weather – so your Santa photos could be captured among the open paddocks, around the beautiful historic homestead or even inside the rustic barn.
With rolling green countryside, magnificent old trees and gorgeous heritage buildings to choose from, there are plenty of beautiful possibilities. And if the weather throws a Christmas curveball, the barn also provides a fabulous option for particularly hot or wet days.
Natural Lights Photography – Santa at the farm, Tocal Homestead
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.
Discounted sessions: Early bird pricing for selected November dates is valid until September 30th – limited spaces available. $60.50.
More info: Sensitive Santa sessions and pet sessions are also available.
Location: Tocal Homestead, 957 Tocal Road, Paterson.
When: Every Sunday from 1 November until 13 December 2026, 2pm-6pm! (Sun Nov 1st, Sun 8th Nov, Sun 15th Nov, Sun 22nd Nov, Sun 29th Nov, Sun 6th Dec, Sun 13th Dec). 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
The Santa Claus Experience by Imy & Me Photography, Tuggerah
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: 15 minute interactive session with Santa, including portraits. A personalised profile in Santa's Magic Book. 5 High-Resolution Digital Images. Personalised video message from Santa for your child/ren to view on Christmas Eve. Extra Digital images are available at an extra charge of $35 per image.
Location: The Studio Room ~ 4a/8 Pioneer Ave, Tuggerah. (This studio is on the ground level and is wheel chair and pram accessible).
When: 14th,15th, 28th and 29th November and 6th December 2026. Further sessions will be added by demand. If there aren't any sessions that suit your availability, please contact us on 0414726205 to discuss.
Pets are welcome too!
Imy and Me's website
The Santa Claus Experience's Insta page
The Santa Claus Experience's Facebook page
Central Coast Santa Studio, Forresters Beach
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 younger children, it's about creating an authentic Santa experience, complete with a special gift and an Elf Report so little ones leave feeling like they've truly visited Santa.
Have teenagers who suddenly think Santa photos are "too embarrassing"? The studio has thought of that too. Away from the eyes of the shopping centre crowds, they're embracing the awkward family photo trend, with Santa happily joining in to create plenty of laughs and funny memories.
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: 2026 pricing is being confirmed, but there will be a Quick Snap option from $99.
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
Bookings opening soon. Stay tuned!
Santa on the Beach Central Coast, Shelly Beach
Santa on the Beach Central Coast is back at North Shelly Beach in 2026 – and we are here for the fabulously festive Aussie vibes.
Back for a third year, photographer Katie from One Breath Creative is once again teaming up with the much-loved Santa Mal – a Santa with a real beard who's incredible with kids (and fur babies too!).
Beach photography is Katie's specialty. She regularly captures locals in the surf and on the sand, and even specialises in underwater photography. At Christmas time, she swaps the wetsuit for an Aussie Santa in boardies and a Hawaiian shirt.
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.
New in 2026: Make your visit even more magical with a personalised Letter from Santa ($15 per child). Written just for your child using details you provide, it's handed to them by Santa himself at the end of your session.
They are offering two types of sessions in 2026.
Santa on the Beach
- 5-minute photography session
- 10 professionally edited digital images delivered within 7 days, $115.
- Upgrade to your full gallery (20+ images) for an additional $35. See deal below.
- Available every Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon from 7 November to 20 December 2026 (Sat 7 Nov, Sun 8 Nov, Sat 14 Nov, Sun 15 Nov, Sat 21 Nov, Sun 22 Nov, Sat 28 Nov, Sun 29 Nov, Sat 5 Dec, Sun 6 Dec, Sat 12 Dec, Sun 13 Dec, Sat 19 Dec, Sun 20 Dec).
Christmas Minis on the beach with NO Santa
- 5-minute photography session
- 10 professionally edited digital images delivered within 7 days, $80.
- Upgrade to your full gallery (20+ images) for an additional $35. See deal below.
- Available every Friday morning from 6 November to 18 December 2026 (Fri 6 Nov, Fri 13 Nov, Fri 20 Nov, Fri 27 Nov, Fri 4 Dec, Fri 11 Dec, Fri 18 Dec).
Playing in Puddles deal: FREE gallery unlock for all bookings made before 30 September 2026: please type password "PUDDLE" in the comments when booking.
Location: North Shelly Beach.
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
Central Coast Santa, North Avoca beach
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 21st November, Sunday 22rd November, Saturday 28th November, Sunday 19th November, Saturday 5th December, Sunday 6th December, Saturday 12th December, Sunday 13th December 2026 | 8am till 7pm.
Pets are welcome too!
Central Coast Santa Website
Central Coast Santa's Facebook page
Central Coast Santa's Instagram page
Santa in the Garden, Palmdale
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.
After a wonderful first Christmas season last year, Santa in the Garden returns to Weeping Willow Farm, bringing together local photographer/videographer Your Story and the flower farm renowned 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, with families given the time and space to settle in and enjoy the experience without feeling hurried.
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.
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 little 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.
It's less about ticking Santa photos off your Christmas to-do list and more about slowing down and enjoying a gentle Christmas experience together. The sessions are also sensory friendly, pets are welcome, and if Santa isn't your thing, festive family photo sessions without Santa are available too.
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: $75 for 1 photo or $95 for 3 photos. Sessions are 5 min. Photos are digital and delivered within 48 hours.
Location: Weeping Willow Farm, Palmdale.
When: 8th, 14th and 28th November 2026. Plus 12th, 19th and 23rd December 2026.
Pets are welcome too! All pets must be on a leash and under their owner’s control at all times. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and even fish are welcome; if there's another pet you'd like to bring, just let them know when booking, so they can confirm if appropriate.
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
Kulnura Christmas Tree Farm Minis with Ginseea Photo
Now this is a gorgeous spot for Christmas photos! Central Coast photographer Ginny from Ginseea Photo is offering Christmas Tree Farm Minis at Kulnura Christmas Tree Farm, where rows of lush green pines create the most beautiful natural backdrop for relaxed family photos.
And what we really love about these sessions is that you can make them as Christmassy – or not – as you like. Bring out the festive outfits and reindeer ears for Christmas-card-worthy snaps, or keep your clothing simple and neutral and you’ll come away with beautiful family portraits that can stay on the walls long after the Christmas decorations have been packed away.
Ginny has been photographing Central Coast families for years, and her style is wonderfully relaxed and natural. Think cuddles, giggles, kids being kids and plenty of those lovely in-between moments rather than everyone standing stiffly and saying cheese.
We’re so excited to see these sessions being offered at this beautiful local Christmas tree farm. It’s such a gorgeous spot for family photos – festive without being over-the-top Christmassy, and perfect for capturing the kids just as they are.
Kulnura Christmas Tree Farm Minis with Ginseea Photo
Price: 15-minute photoshoot: $290 for 10 high-resolution digital images (chosen by you) | $400 for ALL Images.
Location: Kulnura.
When: 9th, 21st, 22nd, 28th November 2026.
Contact: Ginny on 0403810805 or [email protected]
Ginseea Photo's Facebook page
Ginseea Photo's Instagram page
Ginseea Photo's website
+ Want your Santa photos or Christmas Minis to be included too? Reach out to Katie on [email protected].
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.
