Updated September 2026 · By Krissy Sexton, founder of The Hair Bow Company
Quick answer: The best time to buy matching family Christmas pajamas is September through October. Shop as soon as your favorite print is released if you need baby, child and adult sizes in the same design, have a large family or are wearing the pajamas for holiday photos. If you are taking family pictures, have every set in hand at least two weeks before the session—ideally by ordering four to six weeks ahead.
Shopping early gives you the best chance of finding every size before popular designs begin selling out. Waiting until November or December can still work if you are flexible about the design, but finding a complete matching set gets harder as individual sizes sell out—especially for larger families and families shopping infant, child and adult sizes in one print.
At The Hair Bow Company, we have been dressing families for the holidays since 2008, and we know Christmas pajamas are worn for much more than Christmas morning. Families wear them for pictures, movie nights, school pajama days, Christmas Eve boxes and gatherings all season long. Buying early means your family gets to enjoy them for more than one night.
The Best Christmas Pajama Shopping Timeline
| Shopping Period | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Late August–September | Large families, professional photos and one specific print | The widest range of sizes—new holiday collections are just arriving |
| October | Most families and early holiday activities | A good balance of selection and seasonal timing |
| Early November | Christmas Eve and Christmas morning | Many prints remain, but individual sizes may be limited |
| Late November–December | Flexible, last-minute shoppers | You may need to coordinate different styles instead of matching exactly |
For 2026, Thanksgiving falls on November 26 and Christmas Day is a Friday. If your family wears its pajamas the weekend after Thanksgiving to decorate the tree, plan to order by early November.
Why You Should Buy Matching Christmas Pajamas Early
1. Every family member needs a different size
Buying one pair of pajamas is simple. Coordinating an infant romper, children's pajamas and adult sets in one print takes more planning. A collection can stay in stock even after the one size you need has sold out. Shopping early makes it easier to place one complete order instead of hunting for substitutions later.
2. Children's sizes can change quickly
Before ordering, compare each child's current height and weight with the product's size information instead of choosing a size by age alone. Our children's size guide and size calculator can help. Always read the fit notes on the specific product page, because sizing and fit vary by style.
Some family pajama styles have a relaxed fit, and the product page will tell you when sizing up is recommended. If a child's sleepwear garment is labeled to be worn snug-fitting, buy your child's true size—do not size up. (More on sleepwear labels below.)
3. Christmas pictures often happen before December
Many families schedule holiday photos in October or early November so there is time to order Christmas cards. If pajamas are part of your photo plans, work backward from the session date and allow time for:
- Order processing and shipping
- Trying on every family member's pajamas
- A size exchange, if needed
- Washing or steaming the pajamas according to their care instructions
- Choosing coordinating hair bows and photo props
4. Buying early gives you more chances to wear them
Matching Christmas pajamas do not have to be saved for Christmas Eve. Families wear them while decorating the tree, watching holiday movies, baking cookies, visiting grandparents, taking Christmas-card photos, attending school pajama days and opening Christmas Eve boxes.
When to Buy Christmas Pajamas for Family Photos
Order matching Christmas pajamas four to six weeks before your family photo session, and aim to have them in hand at least two weeks before. The pajamas don't need that long to ship—the extra time gives you room to solve sizing or scheduling problems so the outfits never become a last-minute worry.
The more people in the picture—and the wider the range of sizes and garment types—the earlier you should shop.
Our Matching Family Christmas Pajamas for 2026
Our new Christmas Tree Cake Family Matching Pajamas are available in styles for babies, kids, moms and dads. The festive red print features white Christmas tree cakes, candy canes, snowflakes and colorful sprinkles, with button-front tops, white piping and matching elastic-waist pants. Select styles add fluffy white trim at the cuffs and hems.
Looking for a different print? Our Christmas Train Matching Family Pajama Set is also made for the whole family, and our Pink Nutcracker Mommy & Me Christmas Pajama Sets are perfect for mother-daughter matching. Check each product page for the exact sizes in stock.
Should Everyone Match Exactly?
No. Exact matching creates a playful, unified look, but coordinating pajamas work just as well—especially when your family spans a wide range of ages.
Choose exact matching when:
- You want a traditional Christmas-morning photo
- The same print is available in every size and style you need
- You are dressing both children and adults
- You want a simple, cohesive look
Choose coordinating pajamas when:
- One family member's size is unavailable
- You want baby, child and adult garments with different silhouettes
- Older children prefer a less identical look
- You are combining pajamas with sibling outfits or holiday dresses
To coordinate without matching exactly, repeat two or three colors across the family. A holiday print with red, green and white coordinates easily with a solid or plaid style in the same colors.
How to Choose the Right Christmas Pajamas
Check the complete size range first
Before falling in love with a print, confirm it comes in every size and garment type your family needs. Review every option before placing your order, because availability changes throughout the season.
Think about how the pajamas will be used
Pajamas worn mainly for pictures can be chosen for color and print. Pajamas meant for repeated movie nights and sleeping should also be judged on comfort, fabric, care instructions and fit.
Browse our kids' and matching family pajama collection, or explore the full Christmas boutique collection for sibling sets, dresses, rompers, boys' outfits, tutus and accessories. For a nostalgic look, our A Very Vintage Christmas collection pairs coordinating sibling pajamas and outfits with handmade bows.
Is It Better to Wait for a Christmas Pajama Sale?
Waiting for a promotion may save money, but it can also shrink your choices. Buy early if you need a complete family size range, have a scheduled photo session, want one specific print or need infant and adult sizes to match.
You can probably wait if you are buying for only one or two children, are flexible about the print, don't need the pajamas until Christmas Eve or are happy to coordinate instead of matching exactly. A discount only helps if the sizes your family needs are still available.
What If You Waited Too Long?
- Coordinate by color. Choose different prints that share the same main colors.
- Match the children only. Parents can wear solid tops and pajama bottoms in complementary colors.
- Mix garment types. Pair a baby romper with children's two-piece pajamas from the same collection.
- Create a sibling look instead. Dress the kids in matching sibling outfits and let adults wear neutral colors.
- Add matching accessories. A Christmas hair bow ties a girl's outfit into the family's palette.
Sibling looks are adorable and mom and dad can coordinate!
Make the Pajamas Part of the Celebration
The ideal time to buy matching family Christmas pajamas is early enough to enjoy them all season. For most families, that means shopping in September or October. If you need many sizes, a particular print or outfits for early Christmas pictures, buy as soon as your favorite collection is released.
Shop the Christmas Tree Cake Family Matching Pajamas or browse all Christmas and matching family pajamas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matching Family Christmas Pajamas
When do Christmas pajamas come out?
Most holiday pajama collections are released in late summer or early fall. The Hair Bow Company's 2026 matching family Christmas pajamas, including the Christmas Tree Cake collection, are available now.
What is the best time to buy matching family Christmas pajamas?
September through October. Shopping then gives you the best chance of finding a complete range of infant, child and adult sizes in the same print.
Is September too early to buy Christmas pajamas?
No. September is an excellent time to buy matching Christmas pajamas, particularly for large families, early holiday pictures or shoppers who want a specific print.
When should I buy Christmas pajamas for family pictures?
Order them four to six weeks before the photo session and have them in hand at least two weeks before. That leaves time to check every family member's fit and handle an exchange before picture day.
Should I size up in children's Christmas pajamas?
Follow the fit notes on the individual product page and the garment label. Some relaxed-fit styles recommend sizing up, but never size up a children's sleepwear garment that is labeled to be worn snug-fitting.
Does the whole family need to wear the same pajamas?
No. Family pajamas can coordinate through a shared print or two to three common colors. Coordinating styles work well when an exact match is unavailable or family members prefer different silhouettes.
Can matching Christmas pajamas be worn before Christmas Eve?
Absolutely. Families wear them for decorating, movie nights, baking, holiday photos, school pajama days and visits with relatives throughout the Christmas season—and many still save the big reveal for a Christmas Eve box.
About the author: Krissy Sexton founded The Hair Bow Company in 2008. A mom of four, she has spent more than 15 years helping families find matching holiday outfits, hair bows and pajamas at prices families can afford.