If you’ve never been to Holiday Matsuri, it’s a Christmas-themed cosplay celebration where the joy of anime meets the warmth of the holidays. Think sparkly lights, Santa-style versions of familiar characters, winter-flavored Disney looks, glamorous gowns with fandom twists, and this wonderful buzzing energy everywhere you go.
Before attending, I had only just recently rediscovered some of the anime shows I watched and loved as a kid. I was chatting with an old high school friend about it, and I realized I never actually knew that the shows I loved were anime. Sailor Moon was my absolute favorite, and I also loved Pokemon, Sonic X, Cardcaptors, and Megaman. I found a couple of them on YouTube and started rewatching them, mostly for the nostalgia.
Then one weekend, that same friend asked if I wanted to check out a convention to see if I’d enjoy it. He had an extra badge and lent it to me for the day. Holiday Matsuri ended up being the first convention I ever attended, and I’ll never forget how it felt to walk inside and see hundreds of people in cosplay, smiling, trading compliments, taking photos together, and welcoming each other like they had all known each other forever. It genuinely felt like being invited into a big creative family.
From the Marriott to the convention center
For years, Holiday Matsuri took place at the Orlando World Center Marriott, which had this cozy nostalgic feel that longtime attendees really loved. Everything was indoors and connected, which made it easy to run into the same people throughout the day, chat in hallways, and feel like you were part of one shared space.
One of the most beloved spots was actually the pool area. There were bamboo clusters, rock formations, bridges, and tropical styling that felt like a built-in set. It inspired so much creativity for photographers and cosplayers. You could shoot something dramatic, whimsical, dreamy, or cinematic just by shifting a few feet. I’m genuinely glad I got to do a few photoshoots there before the convention relocated.
But as HolMat got bigger, with more people attending, more vendors, more programming, and more creative energy, it eventually needed more space to breathe. The convention moved to the Orange County Convention Center working alongside the Hyatt Regency Orlando, giving everyone a much larger footprint.
2025 will be the second year at this newer location, and while it may not have the Marriott’s nostalgic warmth, the expanded venue has opened up so many perks: better lighting in certain areas, more backdrops and architectural spaces for photos, wider hallways, more room for movement, and ultimately even more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and meet fellow cosplayers and creatives.
Cosplay, Photography, and Everything Ahead for 2025
This year I’ll be attending HolMat again, and one of my favorite parts of being there is photographing people while I’m also in cosplay myself. It makes me feel more immersed in the weekend and less like I’m “just working.” I get to participate as a fan, enjoy the event, and connect with other cosplayers as one of them. I don’t wear anything overly elaborate when I’m shooting. I stick to something comfortable and recognizable, often using my natural hair. With my hair being red right now, characters like Kim Possible or Misty from Pokemon have been great options for me to wear. It’s fun, easy to manage, and still lets me be part of the atmosphere.
Beyond cosplaying, I’ll be there primarily to photograph, create video content, meet up with friends, cosplayers, and clients, and document the energy of the weekend. I’m planning to experiment with some behind-the-scenes photography videos this year: chatting with cosplayers, giving posing direction, adjusting angles and light, capturing candid laughter and interactions, and asking people questions about their characters, their craft, and their everyday lives outside of cosplay.
Because the truth is, cosplayers are multidimensional people with careers, commitments, families, creativity, and passion. I want my content to reflect that. I want to capture not just the polished final photos, but also the real connections, the teamwork, the excitement, and the sense of community that happens behind the camera.
Why holmat has a special place in my heart
HolMat will always be special to me because it’s where I fell in love with this community. It’s where I went from nostalgic anime fan to cosplay photographer, from quiet observer to active participant. I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve made, the photos I’ve taken, and the memories I’ve collected. And I can’t wait to keep adding to that story this year.
Looking Forward
If you'd like photos during the con or want to book a cosplay mini-session, I now have time slots available on my website. I’d love to capture you in your element and help you feel confident and celebrated in your cosplay!
Until then, I’ll be counting down the days, charging batteries, clearing memory cards, prepping lenses, and very seriously debating which snacks qualify as “essential equipment.”
