We’ve rounded up a list of the area’s best holiday pet photo shoots. Whether you’re looking for a photo of your pet with Santa, a festive winter backdrop, or a holiday photo of the whole family (furry and human), there are plenty of opportunties in the area to get a pawfect photo for your holiday cards!
Do you know of a holiday pet photo shoot in the DC area that’s not on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Saturday, November 12, 2022
Pet & Family Holiday Photos
11:00am-3:00pm
Montgomery County Humane Society
451 Hungerford Dr, Rockville, MD 20850
Holiday photos for your pets and family in a Winter Wonderland setting! Come and enjoy kicking off the holidays with treats for both humans and pets. All pets and their families welcome! $20 per sitting paid on site (cash or credit card)
https://www.mchumane.org/holiday-photos
Sunday, November 13, 2022
Holiday Pet Photos
12:00-4:00pm
Wunder Garten
1101 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Santa Paws is coming to town! Join City Dogs & City Kitties for a holiday-themed fundraiser. Each pet parent will receive high-resolution holiday photos. Photos can be taken with or without Santa in front of a winter-themed background perfect for holiday cards. Two photos will be emailed shortly after the event. Advance registration is recommended and is $25. Walk-up appointments are available for $30. All proceeds benefit CDCK and will further our mission to help homeless and abandoned dogs and cats.
https://givebutter.com/tfV4UP
Monday, November 14, 2022
Family Pet Photos with Santa
11:00am-8:00pm
Springfield Town Center – Grand Court
6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
Family Pet Photos–get your pets ready for their close-up with Santa! Pets are part of the family too! Bring the whole crew for photos with Santa. Reservations are strongly recommended. Guests without a reservation may experience longer wait times or be asked to visit at a different time. All pets must be on a leash, in a carrier, or held by the owner at all times.
https://springfieldtowncenter.com/event/Family-Pet-Photos-with-Santa/2145564611
Pet Nights with Santa
6:00pm-8:00pm
Tysons Corner Center – Fashion Court, Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
Tysons Corner Center invites Pet Parents to bring their pets in their Holiday best for photos with Santa! This much-loved event has become a signature and well-attended theme night for Tysons Holiday. Enter in our pet photo contest for your chance to win a FREE Casper pet bed! Reservations preferred but not required.
https://www.tysonscornercenter.com/Events/Details/558776
Monday, November 21, 2022
Family Pet Photos with Santa
11:00am-8:00pm
Springfield Town Center – Grand Court
6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
Family Pet Photos–get your pets ready for their close-up with Santa! Pets are part of the family too! Bring the whole crew for photos with Santa. Reservations are strongly recommended. Guests without a reservation may experience longer wait times or be asked to visit at a different time. All pets must be on a leash, in a carrier, or held by the owner at all times.
https://springfieldtowncenter.com/event/Family-Pet-Photos-with-Santa/2145564611
Pet Nights with Santa
6:00pm-8:00pm
Tysons Corner Center – Fashion Court, Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
Tysons Corner Center invites Pet Parents to bring their pets in their Holiday best for photos with Santa! This much-loved event has become a signature and well-attended theme night for Tysons Holiday. Enter in our pet photo contest for your chance to win a FREE Casper pet bed! Reservations preferred but not required.
https://www.tysonscornercenter.com/Events/Details/558776
Monday, November 28, 2022
Family Pet Photos with Santa
11:00am-8:00pm
Springfield Town Center – Grand Court
6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
Family Pet Photos–get your pets ready for their close-up with Santa! Pets are part of the family too! Bring the whole crew for photos with Santa. Reservations are strongly recommended. Guests without a reservation may experience longer wait times or be asked to visit at a different time. All pets must be on a leash, in a carrier, or held by the owner at all times.
https://springfieldtowncenter.com/event/Family-Pet-Photos-with-Santa/2145564611
Pet Nights with Santa
6:00pm-8:00pm
Tysons Corner Center – Fashion Court, Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
Tysons Corner Center invites Pet Parents to bring their pets in their Holiday best for photos with Santa! This much-loved event has become a signature and well-attended theme night for Tysons Holiday. Enter in our pet photo contest for your chance to win a FREE Casper pet bed! Reservations preferred but not required.
https://www.tysonscornercenter.com/Events/Details/558776
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Holiday Pet Photos
10:00am-2:00pm
District Veterinary Hospital
240 7th St. SE, Washington, DC, 20003
Join City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue for a holiday-themed fundraiser. The event will take place during the Eastern Market. Each pet parent will receive high-resolution holiday photos perfect for holiday cards. Photos can be taken with or without Santa in front of a winter-themed background. Two photos will be emailed approximately a week after the event. Advance registration is recommended and is $25. Walk-up photos are available for $30. All proceeds benefit CDCK and will further our mission to help homeless and abandoned dogs and cats.
https://givebutter.com/CN5d8v/cdck
Santa Paws
11:00am-2:00pm
Frederick County Humane Society
550 Highland St, Suite 200, Frederick, MD 21701
Pet and family pictures with Santa at the Frederick County Humane Society! Monetary or pet food donations greatly appreciated, but not required. Call (301)694-8300 to set up an appointment.
http://fchs.org/santa-paws.shtml
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Holiday Pet Photos
12:00pm-4:00pm
District Veterinary Hospital
240 7th St. SE, Washington, DC, 20003
Join City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue for a holiday-themed fundraiser. The event will take place during the Eastern Market. Each pet parent will receive high-resolution holiday photos perfect for holiday cards. Photos can be taken with or without Santa in front of a winter-themed background. Two photos will be emailed approximately a week after the event. Advance registration is recommended and is $25. Walk-up photos are available for $30. All proceeds benefit CDCK and will further our mission to help homeless and abandoned dogs and cats.
https://givebutter.com/CN5d8v/cdck
Holiday Photos with Your Pet
10:00am-3:00pm
The Big Bad Woof
6960 Maple St NW, Washington, DC, 20012
Proceeds Benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. Come on over between 10am and 3pm, we have raffles, gift bags and elves helping to set up photos for you and your pets. Only $20 for the donation and you will have a chance to enter 1 free ticket into the raffle and a gift bag as well!
https://www.thebigbadwoof.com/content/other/events
Holiday Pet Portraits
11:00am-3:00pm
Historic Congressional Cemetery, 9/11 Memorial Path
1801 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003
In partnership with Just Walk, join us for a Holiday pet portrait event in your pup’s favorite place! Options for portraits include either dog or family style. Plan to dress up in your favorite costume! We will have some costume options available for your pet, as well as seasonally cheery backgrounds and decorations. Portraits will take place between the Chapel and the Sousa family plot. There will be a Yappy Hour and a Holiday Pop Up Gift Shop held in conjunction with the event.
https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/holiday-pet-portraits
Photos with Santa
3:00pm-5:00pm
Barkhaus
529 East Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Barkhaus is partnering with our friends at Homeward Trails Animal Rescue to offer photos with Santa on three different dates for 2022. Bring your pup to meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and get their photos taken for a $25 donation to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. You will receive 3 edited digital images emailed to you within a week of the event and the option to purchase prints and products online.
https://brewskisbarkhaus.com/calendar/photos-with-santa-1
Holiday Pawty
5:30pm-7:30pm
Pawsh Dog Wash
4907 Brenman Park Dr, Alexandria, VA 22304
Come celebrate the holiday season with us! No reservations needed. Tickets come in two packages:
Photo Package: $25 – Digital copy of photo with or without Santa (seasonal background)
Pawty Package: $45 – Digital copy of photo with or without Santa (seasonal background), holiday snacks and treats, paint your own ornament and play time in our tub room with toys.
https://pawshdw.com/event/holiday-pawty
Monday, December 5, 2022
Family Pet Photos with Santa
11:00am-8:00pm
Springfield Town Center – Grand Court
6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
Family Pet Photos–get your pets ready for their close-up with Santa! Pets are part of the family too! Bring the whole crew for photos with Santa. Reservations are strongly recommended. Guests without a reservation may experience longer wait times or be asked to visit at a different time. All pets must be on a leash, in a carrier, or held by the owner at all times.
https://springfieldtowncenter.com/event/Family-Pet-Photos-with-Santa/2145564611
Pet Nights with Santa
6:00pm-8:00pm
Tysons Corner Center – Fashion Court, Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
Tysons Corner Center invites Pet Parents to bring their pets in their Holiday best for photos with Santa! This much-loved event has become a signature and well-attended theme night for Tysons Holiday. Enter in our pet photo contest for your chance to win a FREE Casper pet bed! Reservations preferred but not required.
https://www.tysonscornercenter.com/Events/Details/558776
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Photos with Santa
6:00pm-8:00pm
Barkhaus
529 East Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Barkhaus is partnering with our friends at Homeward Trails Animal Rescue to offer photos with Santa on three different dates for 2022. Bring your pup to meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and get their photos taken for a $25 donation to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. You will receive 3 edited digital images emailed to you within a week of the event and the option to purchase prints and products online.
https://brewskisbarkhaus.com/calendar/photos-with-santa-2
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Holiday Photos with Your Pet
4:00pm-8:pm
Dacha Beer Garden (Shaw)
1600 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Join the Humane Rescue Alliance’s mascot, Wags, at Dacha Beer Garden. Local vendors, delicious food, festive spirit, and Wags. Fun guaranteed! 100% of proceeds with benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance.
https://www.humanerescuealliance.org/default.aspx?p=151325&evtid=2751782:12/7/2022
Friday, December 9, 2022
Santa Paws Yappy Hour
5:00-7:00pm
Central Place Plaza
1800 N Lynn St, Arlington, VA 22209
Bring your furry friends out to Central Place Plaza to enjoy pictures with Santa, pet goodies, and giveaways. Happy Hour presented by Open Road will include beer, wine, and spiked cider to warm you up! Don’t worry, we didn’t forget drinks for the four-legged friends — it is yappy hour, after all! Puppucinos and bone broth will be available for a small donation, with proceeds benefiting R-DOGS. Dog-friendly vendor tables will be on-site as well to provide fun activities for you and your pets. Plus, Arlington County Police Department Therapy Dog, FRK9 Brooks, will make an appearance!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rosslyn-cheer-2022-santa-paws-yappy-hour-tickets-464387033117
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Photos with Santa!
10:00am-12:00pm
Bark Social
935 Prose St, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Holiday dreams do come true – it’s time for pictures with Santa Paws! Bring your dog (ugly sweater not required) any time from 10am-12pm to take their picture with Santa!
https://barksocialbethesda.eventcalendarapp.com/u/35203/200833
Santa Paws
11:00am-2:00pm
Worthington Dog Park
8170 Hillsborough Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Attention dog owners, Santa is making stops at Worthington Dog Park to get your pups ready for the holidays (weather permitting). Cost is $10 (cash) for a photo with Santa. Dogs must be on leash and be current on their rabies vaccine.
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/santa-paws-all-ages
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Santa Paws
11:00am-2:00pm
Worthington Dog Park
8170 Hillsborough Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Attention dog owners, Santa is making stops at Worthington Dog Park to get your pups ready for the holidays (weather permitting). Cost is $10 (cash) for a photo with Santa. Dogs must be on leash and be current on their rabies vaccine.
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/santa-paws-all-ages
Monday, December 12, 2022
Family Pet Photos with Santa
11:00am-8:00pm
Springfield Town Center – Grand Court
6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
Family Pet Photos–get your pets ready for their close-up with Santa! Pets are part of the family too! Bring the whole crew for photos with Santa. Reservations are strongly recommended. Guests without a reservation may experience longer wait times or be asked to visit at a different time. All pets must be on a leash, in a carrier, or held by the owner at all times.
https://springfieldtowncenter.com/event/Family-Pet-Photos-with-Santa/2145564611
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Photos with Santa
6:00pm-8:00pm
Barkhaus
529 East Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Barkhaus is partnering with our friends at Homeward Trails Animal Rescue to offer photos with Santa on three different dates for 2022. Bring your pup to meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and get their photos taken for a $25 donation to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. You will receive 3 edited digital images emailed to you within a week of the event and the option to purchase prints and products online.
https://brewskisbarkhaus.com/calendar/photos-with-santa-3
Wednesday, December, 14, 2022
Paws, Claus & Claws
5:00pm-8pm
Center Plaza
100 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Paws, Claus, and White Claws will offer a night for you and your dog to have a little holiday fun together. We’ll have pet photos with Santa, plus dog and human treats all evening long to benefit BARCS Animal Rescue & Care center. $10 Donation includes drink ticket, pet photo with Santa*, and doggie bag dispenser.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paws-claus-claws-tickets-460131574927
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Santa Paws
11:00am-2:00pm
Worthington Dog Park
8170 Hillsborough Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Attention dog owners, Santa is making stops at Worthington Dog Park to get your pups ready for the holidays (weather permitting). Cost is $10 (cash) for a photo with Santa. Dogs must be on leash and be current on their rabies vaccine.
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/santa-paws-all-ages
Pet Photos with Santa
12:00pm
Harbor East
650 S. Exeter St, 2nd floor, Baltimore, MD 21202
Complimentary photos with pet photos with Santa, hot cocoa, live music and shopping on Aliceanna. Benefitting the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS).
https://www.barcs.org/events/#event-312
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Santa Paws
11:00am-2:00pm
Worthington Dog Park
8170 Hillsborough Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Attention dog owners, Santa is making stops at Worthington Dog Park to get your pups ready for the holidays (weather permitting). Cost is $10 (cash) for a photo with Santa. Dogs must be on leash and be current on their rabies vaccine.
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/santa-paws-all-ages
Monday, December 19, 2022
Family Pet Photos with Santa
11:00am-8:00pm
Springfield Town Center – Grand Court
6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
Family Pet Photos–get your pets ready for their close-up with Santa! Pets are part of the family too! Bring the whole crew for photos with Santa. Reservations are strongly recommended. Guests without a reservation may experience longer wait times or be asked to visit at a different time. All pets must be on a leash, in a carrier, or held by the owner at all times.
https://springfieldtowncenter.com/event/Family-Pet-Photos-with-Santa/2145564611
Tips for a Great Holiday Photo Shoot with Your Pet
Choose the Type of Holiday Photo You (and Your Pet) Want
Different venues offer different types of photos. Some are for photos of just pets only while others let your include the human members of your family as well. Some offer photos with Santa and others offer a festive holiday or winter backdrop. Think about the type of photo you’d like, but also think about your pet as well. How does your pet feel about strangers? If they tend to be fearful or uncomfortable with people they don’t know, don’t think they’re going to make an exception for Santa.
Check the Photo Shoot’s Requirements
For many of these photo shoots a reservation is required or recommended, so plan ahead to be sure you get a spot. Some also require that you bring proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination. You’ll also likely need to have your pet on a leash, in a carrier, or held in your arms at all times.
Respect Your Pet’s Feelings About Costumes
Sure, your pet looks cute and festive in a pair or reindeer antler’s, a Santa hat, or an ugly Christmas sweater, but are they really happy about having to wear it? Unless your pet is used to wearing clothing and hats and they don’t bother him, skip the costumes or opt for something simple, like a festive collar or bandana instead.
Happy Holidays from Ready Pet Go
We hope you have a great holiday photo session with your pets, and would love to see your pictures! Be sure to share your holiday pet photos with us at hello@readypetgomd.com or on our Facebook Page.
