The holiday season is one of the best times of year to visit Phoenix — the weather is beautiful, the sunsets are glowing, and the desert is showing off its best light. ☀️
If your family is coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just enjoy a winter getaway, why not capture that special time with a family photo session?
Whether you’re staying at one of the amazing Scottsdale resorts, visiting relatives in Ahwatukee, or gathering for a family reunion, it’s the perfect opportunity to create keepsakes that last long after the holiday decorations are packed away.
🎄 Why the Holidays Are Perfect for Family Photos
Let’s be honest — getting your whole family in one place isn’t easy! Between work schedules, school, and travel, the holidays are often the only time everyone is together.
That’s what makes this time of year so ideal for scheduling extended family photo sessions. You’ll already have the grandparents, cousins, siblings, and little ones all in town — so why not make the most of it?
The energy during the holidays feels extra special, too. Everyone’s happy to see one another, the weather is mild (no sweating through summer sessions here!), and the desert backdrop gives your photos a unique, timeless glow.
🌅 The Beauty of Phoenix in Winter
If you’ve never experienced a Phoenix winter, you’re in for a treat. While much of the country is covered in snow, here in the desert, we’re blessed with sunny skies, warm afternoons, and the most incredible golden hour light.
The desert tones — soft creams, tans, greens, and pops of warm orange — make a stunning, natural backdrop for family photos. 🌵
Some of my favorite Phoenix photography locations this time of year include:
- Papago Park – easy access, beautiful red rocks, and glowing desert light
- Pyramid Trail in Ahwatukee – mountain views and wide-open space (perfect for large groups!)
- Desert Foothills Park – open fields, paths, and a perfect view of the sunset
- Granada Park – lakeside reflections and lots of room for big families
- Downtown Phoenix – fun, colorful, urban murals and art-filled backdrops
You can check out even more of my favorite spots here 👉 Best Locations in Phoenix for Family Photos
👨👩👧👦 Extended Family Sessions: When Everyone’s in Town
Many of the families I work with book their session when they’re visiting from out of town or gathering for the holidays.
Extended family sessions are some of my favorites because they tell the whole story — grandparents with grandkids, siblings who haven’t seen each other in months, cousins running and laughing together. These are the moments that only happen once a year (if you’re lucky!).
With a little planning, we can capture:
✨ Big group portraits
✨ Smaller family groupings
✨ Individual family shots
✨ Generational photos
✨ Fun candids and in-between moments
And yes — we can do all of that in one session!
🕰️ When to Schedule Your Holiday Photo Session
The best time to book your holiday or vacation family session in Phoenix? As soon as you have your travel dates!
The months of November through early January are my busiest time of year. The weather is perfect, and so many families are visiting Arizona during that window.
Once you know when everyone will be in town, I recommend:
- Booking early to secure your ideal date and time.
- Choosing the right time of day — I almost always recommend golden hour (about an hour before sunset) for that warm, dreamy light you see in my photos.
- Planning your outfits — Need ideas? I’ve got you covered here: What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session
🌴 Where Should You Take Your Holiday Family Photos?
If you’re visiting from out of state and staying at one of the gorgeous Phoenix or Scottsdale resorts — like The Westin Kierland, Arizona Grand, or JW Marriott Desert Ridge — we can even photograph your family right there!
Resorts and nearby desert trails offer tons of variety, from palm-lined paths to mountain views, and most have easy access for large families.
Or, if you’re renting an Airbnb or staying with family, I can recommend locations that are nearby and simple to get to — some spots even require very little walking, which is great for sessions with grandparents or young kids.
Check out this helpful guide: Photo Locations in the Phoenix Area That Don’t Require a Lot of Walking
🎁 Make It a Holiday Tradition
Some of my clients have been scheduling their family photos every holiday season for years — it’s become a special tradition that documents how much everyone grows and changes year to year.
Imagine being able to look back at your family through the years — the little ones who used to be toddlers now off to college, the family expanding, and those heartwarming moments of togetherness every year.
Even if your family only gathers once or twice a year, capturing those moments professionally is something you’ll never regret.
💬 What Clients Are Saying
Here’s what one extended family recently shared after their holiday session:
“We have worked with Emily from Cozy Clicks Photography over the past 8 years to take our family photos. Our family is large with 13 grandchildren ranging in age from 1 to 24 in six different family groups, and Emily has worked with all of us with great patience and skill. We are so grateful for the memories she has captured!”
— Melissa B.
Reviews like that remind me exactly why I do what I do — because family photos are more than just pretty pictures. They’re memories preserved forever.
📸 Ready to Schedule Your Holiday Family Photos in Phoenix?
If your family is coming to Arizona this holiday season, I’d love to help you capture those special moments.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, I’ll make sure your session feels easy, fun, and totally stress-free — so you can just focus on spending time together.
Sessions typically last about an hour, which is perfect for capturing a mix of group and candid shots, and I always help you choose the best location and time for lighting.
If you’re planning a holiday trip to Phoenix or Scottsdale, don’t wait — those golden desert sunsets book up fast!
Let’s make your visit to the Valley of the Sun one you’ll always remember, with photos your family will treasure for years to come. 💛 emily@cozyclicks.com
