Matching pyjamas have become a regular part of Christmas for many UK families. The usual pattern: open them on Christmas Eve, wear them the next morning, take a photo. Repeat each year.
This guide goes through 20 options for 2026. The sets are organised by style and material, so it is easier to find what works for your family, whatever ages you are buying for. If you want to browse a solid range in one place, Christmas pyjamas family sets at Silly Santa cover everything from classic tartan to novelty prints.
This is a collaborative post
What to Look for in Family Christmas Pyjamas
A few practical points before the list:
- Fabric
- Cotton is breathable and easy to wash. Fleece is warmer but can pill. Jersey blends sit in the middle.
- Sizing
- Always check the size guide. Children’s sizing varies between brands.
- Fastenings
- Younger children do better with elasticated waistbands. Buttons look better but take longer.
- Print durability
- Some novelty prints fade after a few washes. Check care labels.
- Matching vs. coordinating
- Full matching sets look better in photos. Coordinating sets work better if family members have strong preferences.
The 20 Best Christmas Pyjamas for Families in 2026
1. Classic Red and White Tartan Set
Tartan remains the most recognisable Christmas pyjama pattern. A red and white check, available in adult and children’s sizes, works for mixed-age families. The fabric is typically a brushed cotton warm without being heavy. Trousers have a drawstring waist for adults and an elasticated waistband for children. These wash well and hold their shape after multiple cycles.
Best for. Families who want a traditional look without novelty prints.
2. Penguin Print Fleece Pyjamas
A penguin-print fleece set in navy and white. The penguins are arranged in a repeat pattern across both the top and trousers. Fleece is the right call for draughty houses or anyone who gets cold easily. The print is simple enough to wear for more than one season.
Best for. Younger children and anyone who runs a cold.
3. Green Elf Costume Pyjamas
These are pyjamas styled to look like an elf outfit, green with red trim, a collar, and subtle jingle bell buttons. They work as both sleepwear and a costume, which means less faff on Christmas Eve. Adults in these look ridiculous in the best possible way. Children take them very seriously.
Best for. Families who like getting into character.
4. Snowflake Jersey Set in Grey
A simpler option. Grey jersey with a white snowflake print, long-sleeved top, and full-length trousers. Jersey is soft, stretchy, and forgiving in sizing. The grey base makes this look less overtly festive, which is useful if you plan to wear it beyond the Christmas period.
Best for. Families who prefer understated prints.
5. Santa Claus Novelty Print
A white base with a scattered Santa Claus print in red and black. The Santas are drawn in a cartoon style, not overly detailed. This is the kind of set that photographs well and tends to get worn year after year because it is clearly festive without being overwhelming.
Best for. Young children and families who do annual Christmas photos.
6. Reindeer Family Set with Names
Personalised pyjamas with a reindeer print and space for each family member’s name on the chest. The name is usually printed or embroidered. Ordering lead time tends to be longer for personalised items, so factor that in. The reindeer design is simple, and the personalisation makes them feel like a proper gift rather than a purchase.
Best for. Families who give pyjamas as a Christmas Eve tradition.
7. Polar Bear Print Cotton Set
White and light blue with a polar bear print. The bears are drawn in outline, minimalist rather than illustrated. Cotton fabric, mid-weight. This set tends to run slightly large, so sizing down by one is worth considering. The print is gender-neutral, which makes it easier to buy for mixed-age groups.
Best for. Families with children of different ages and preferences.
8. Nutcracker Soldier Print
A burgundy and navy set with a nutcracker soldier print. The pattern draws on a traditional Christmas aesthetic rather than a modern cartoon one. This one tends to appeal to adults more than children, though children who have seen The Nutcracker ballet tend to respond well.
Best for. Families who lean toward classic Christmas imagery.
9. Christmas Pudding Novelty Set
A dark navy set with embroidered Christmas puddings on the chest pocket of the top. The rest of the set is plain. This is a more restrained take on novelty pyjamas. The joke is there, but it is not the whole garment. Good quality cotton, holds colour well.
Best for. Adults who want something festive but not loud.
10. Fairisle Pattern in Red
Fairisle is a traditional knitwear pattern that has been adapted into pyjama prints. A red base with white, green, and gold fairisle geometric designs. This is one of the more photogenic options on the list. Available in a wide size range. The pattern is complex enough to look intentional and simple enough not to become dated.
Best for. Families who take their Christmas morning photos seriously.
11. Baby’s First Christmas Set
A soft all-in-one for babies, with a “Baby’s First Christmas” print and a small Santa hat included. Cotton fleece, envelope neck for easy dressing. This one is more of a keepsake than a practical recurring purchase, but it photographs well, and parents tend to hold onto it.
Best for. Families with a baby under 12 months.
12. Matching Pet and Owner Set
A pyjama set designed to coordinate with a matching bandana or jumper for a dog. The human set is a standard tartan in green and red. The dog set includes a matching bandana in the same fabric. Getting the dog into family photos requires a bit of effort, but the results are consistently popular.
Best for. Families who include their dog in Christmas traditions.
13. Christmas Eve Box Pyjamas
A simple, affordable set specifically marketed for Christmas Eve boxes. Often comes in a drawstring bag that can be reused. The design is functional. Soft cotton, easy to wash, comes in a wide size range. These prioritise value without compromising on wearability.
Best for. Families on a budget or those buying for multiple children.
14. Gingerbread Man Print Set
A cream base with a brown and red gingerbread man print. The gingerbread men are drawn with simple lines and expressions. This is a cheerful print without being overpowering. Cotton, good weight for the season. Sizes go from 12 months up to adult XL.
Best for. Families with a mix of toddlers and adults.
15. Festive Stripe in Red and Green
A striped set, like red, green, and white vertical stripes. Simple, bold, and clear Christmas without relying on a character or print. Stripe pyjamas tend to age better than novelty prints. The colours are saturated and hold well after washing. Button-front top for adults, elasticated trousers throughout.
Best for. Families who want something that will last multiple seasons.
16. Luxury Brushed Cotton Set in Check
A premium option. Heavyweight brushed cotton in a muted check, dark green and burgundy. This feels noticeably different from a standard supermarket set. It is heavier, softer, and the seams are finished more carefully. Worth the price if pyjamas are meant to be worn regularly across the winter, not just on Christmas morning.
Best for. Adults who want something they will actually keep wearing.
17. Star Print Organic Cotton Set
Made from organic cotton with a star and moon print in white on a deep blue background. Not explicitly Christmas, but it works well in the context of a winter celebration. Certified organic, which matters to some buyers. The print is calm and works for children who do not like busy patterns.
Best for. Families who prioritise organic materials or prefer low-key prints.
18. Thermal Lined Pyjama Set
A pyjama set with a thin thermal lining inside the fabric. Looks like a normal pyjama from the outside, but is considerably warmer. Available in a simple check or plain colour. Practical for houses that get cold overnight or for children who kick off their covers.
Best for. Cold sleepers and draughty houses.
19. Long John Style Two-Piece
A traditional long john style: long-sleeved top and ankle-length bottoms, both in red with white trim. Button placket at the collar. This is the kind of pyjama that appears in Christmas illustrations and has a long history as winter nightwear. Functional, warm, and widely recognised as festive.
Best for. Adults and older children who want a classic look.
20. Customisable Initial Monogram Set
A plain flannel set, such as navy, dark green, or burgundy, with an initial monogrammed on the chest pocket. No festive print, but the personalisation element makes it feel like a gift. Flannel is a durable, mid-weight fabric that works across a range of temperatures.
Best for. Teenagers or adults who dislike novelty prints but still want something personal.
Christmas pyjamas are a simple way to mark the season and give the family something shared. The 20 options above cover a wide range of styles, price points, and practical needs, from organic cotton for sensitive skin to thermal-lined sets for cold houses.
If you are looking for a starting point, classic tartan or a snowflake print in cotton are the options most likely to work across age groups and get worn more than once. For personalisation, the monogram or name-print options add something that off-the-shelf sets cannot.
The tradition matters more than the specific set. Pick something comfortable, order early, and let the rest sort itself out.