Holiday Minis & Santa Sessions in Irvine (Orange County)

It’s that time of year again! Are you ready to capture magical holiday memories with your loved ones? Our Holiday Mini & Santa Sessions in Irvine (Orange County) are back - with three beautiful options designed to make this holiday season truly unforgettable:

1. Holiday Minis: Polar Express and Christmas Cabin (two sets) (No Santa)

2. Santa Session: Santa’s Christmas Cabin

3. Santa Session: Santa’s Magical Workshop

Whether you’re updating your family portraits or creating stunning holiday cards, these sessions are the perfect way to celebrate the season and make lasting memories together.

And the best news? Santa is coming back! Our beloved Santa, who has been spreading holiday cheer with us since 2018, can’t wait to bring the magic of Christmas to your little ones once again.

🎄 Session Details

Who: Sessions are for kids and their immediate family only. (Please see the FAQ below for more details.)

Before Your Session: After booking, you’ll receive a pre-session questionnaire to help us plan your experience and make the most of your time in the studio.

After Your Session: A viewing and ordering appointment will be scheduled via Zoom within 3 days of your session so you can select and order your favorite images.


✨ Spots are limited and fill quickly each year - don’t miss out!

DATE: Saturday, November 1st, 2025 & Saturday, November 8th, 2025

LOCATION: Cathy’s Photo Studio, Irvine, CA 92620
PRICE: $375

The session fee includes:

  • 25-minute photo session (Time includes entering and exiting the studio)
  • 3 digital images (high & low resolution) with print release – additional images: $95 each
  • One outfit change (optional)
  • Viewing and ordering appointment via Zoom

This will be a fun child(ren) and family session with two sets (No Santa).

  • Polar Express – a magical train-inspired holiday scene - For Child(ren) only
  • Christmas Cabin – a cozy, classic holiday setup - For Child(ren) and family

Option 2: Santa Session

Santa's Christmas Cabin

Christmas Cabin holiday mini session backdrop in Irvine, Orange County with festive holiday decor and cozy cabin scene
2025 Holiday Santa_Christmas Cabin

DATE: Sunday, November 9th, 2025

LOCATION: Cathy's Photo Studio in Irvine, CA 92620

PRICE: $375

  • 10-minute photo session with Santa (The time includes for entering and exiting the studio.)
  • 3 digital images (high & low resolutions) with print release. - Additional images: $95 each
  • Viewing and ordering appointment via Zoom

This quick and sweet Santa session is excellent for:

  • Babies and younger children who are not quite ready to interact with Santa at Santa's Magical Workshop session.
  • Children who love Santa!
  • Children who came to Santa's Magical Workshop session in previous years and would like to continue taking photos with the same Santa every year with a different set!

Parents are welcome to jump in at the end for family portraits. This private session gives your children and family plenty of time to interact with Santa and capture beautiful, lasting memories.

Option 3: Santa Session

Santa's Magical Workshop

DATE: Sunday, November 16th, 2025
LOCATION: Cathy Murai Photography, Irvine, CA 92620
PRICE: $375

The session fee includes:

  • 15-minute photo session with Santa (Time includes entering and exiting the studio)
  • 3 digital images (high & low resolution) with print release – additional images: $95 each
  • Viewing and ordering appointment via Zoom

Step into a whimsical, storybook-style Christmas experience filled with wonder and joy! During this interactive session, your child will find their name on the Nice List, help Santa prepare toys in his Magical Workshop, and receive a small gift from Santa.

Parents are welcome to join in at the end for a few family portraits.
Your child(ren) will leave with unforgettable Christmas memories, and you’ll have beautiful portraits to treasure for years to come!

Holiday Minis & Santa Sessions FAQ

Can a newborn or baby join the photo sessions?

Holiday Mini Sessions: If your little one isn’t standing yet, we’ll focus on family portraits and capture some sweet moments together. For more specialized baby portraits, please contact me about booking a dedicated newborn or baby session with different setups.

Santa Sessions: Santa loves holding babies! Your little one will be safely cared for and included in the photos with Santa.

Can grandparents join our photo session?
Yes! Grandparents are welcome for an additional fee of $95, which includes one extra digital file featuring them in the photos. It’s a wonderful way to capture multigenerational memories.


Are family dogs allowed in the photos?
Absolutely!

Holiday Mini Sessions: Please try to book an afternoon time slot if bringing your dog. If mornings are your only option, just let me know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Santa Sessions: To keep Santa’s suit allergen-free, family members must hold their dogs during the photos. Please make sure your dog is well-groomed, with clean paws, and don’t forget their favorite treats! 🐾

Can I book a session for a cousin?
Yes! Cousins can book consecutive time slots to allow time for a few photos together. It’s a fun way to celebrate family bonds during the holiday season.

Can relatives or friends come to watch our session?
To ensure the best experience, especially for children, only the subjects being photographed should attend the session. This keeps the environment relaxed and focused, resulting in the best photos possible.

How do I order my images?
Within three days after your photo session, we’ll schedule a viewing and ordering appointment via Zoom. During that appointment, you’ll review your proofs and select your favorite images.

When will we receive our photos?
You’ll receive your digital files within 2 weeks, provided you attend your viewing and ordering appointment within three days of your session.

Can I request a rush order to receive photos faster?
Yes! A rush order is available for an additional $100 fee, and your images will be delivered within 3 days after your ordering appointment.