Still looking for the perfect place to snap a holiday picture? Whether you’re looking to shoot one as a couple, with your pet, or featuring the whole fam, we’ve put together the best list for that photo-worthy opportunity. Of course, there’s always the Capitol or Zilker Tree, Mozart’s, and Miracle on 5th Street, but here are a few others to add to your list!
The best places to take Christmas photos in Austin in 2023!
Longhorn Lights
Through January 1 | Guadalupe Street between 21st and 24th Streets
The University of Texas at Austin presents a new tradition perfect for any Longhorn fan! Longhorn Lights stars 24 Heritage Oak trees that are illuminated with synchronized burnt orange and white lights dancing to music by the Longhorn Band. The display runs along Guadalupe Street between 21st and 24th, also known as The Drag, and is free and open to the public nightly through January 1, from 5 to 10 p.m.
The Driskill Hotel
Through December 25 | Nightly | 604 Brazos Street
Pop into The Driskill Hotel for an iconic Austin photo opportunity. This historic hotel located in central downtown features a stunning, floor to ceiling Christmas tree and festive decor in the 1886 Cafe and Bakery!
Snow Much Fun
Through December 25 | The Edge Rooftop at JW Marriott, 110 E 2nd Street
Snowfall on the hour, every hour at Edge Rooftop makes Snow Much Fun one of Austin’s favorite holiday pop-up. Sip on festive cocktails, roast s’mores, and listen to live music while surrounded by twinkling lights.
Check out our Massive List of Holiday Light Displays here!
NORTHSIDE North Pole
Through January 1 | Domain NORTHSIDE, 11821 Rock Rose Avenue
Throughout Domain NORTHSIDE, get into the holiday spirit with the beautiful holiday decorations, located at various spots around the center. When you post photos to Instagram, you’ll be entered to win a shopping spree at Domain NORTHSIDE. To enter – take a photo or, should we say, Elfie with any of the holiday decorations, upload your photo to Instagram, geo-tag “Domain NORTHSIDE” + tag @domainNORTHSIDE + #HolidaysatNORTHSIDE.
I Love You Snow Much Selfie Wall
Now through December 31 | Domain NORTHSIDE, next to YETI
I Love You Snow Much! Take a selfie at the all-new holiday selfie wall! Located on Palm Way, across from the Lawn, near YETI.
Illumaverse
Weekends from December 8 through 30 | dadaLab, 2008 Alexander Avenue
Illumaverse is a new immersive holiday event taking place in East Austin this holiday season. Brought to you by Austin creative companies Nelda Studios and dadaLab, Illumaverse remixes and reimagines holiday traditions with installations built by local artists that are created for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now.
You’ll Feel Like You’re In A Hallmark Movie In These Texas Christmas Towns!
Photos With Santa at Hill Country Galleria
November 25 through December 24 | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Boulevard
Photos with Santa is back this holiday season at Hill Country Galleria! Enjoy a magical experience that allows families to visit Santa and take their own photos for FREE. There will be no professional photographer on site, but families are welcome to use their own cameras to capture this magical moment. Open select days from November 25 through December 24, Santa will be temporarily located outdoors in the Central Plaza near the big holiday tree.
Gibson Wonderland
Beginning November 24 | Gibson Street Bar, 1109 S Lamar Boulevard
The halls are being decked and the mistletoe is being hung as the South Lamar bar transforms into Gibson Wonderland. Guests will sip on festive cocktails, snap fun photos in the iconic Gibson Sleigh, and enjoy the expanded seating outside under the 60×40 tent that will house a large lit-up Christmas mug pop-up bar for toasty boozy beverages.
Fairmont Austin
Beginning November 24 | 101 Red River Street
The 7th floor rooftop bar has been transformed into The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-Up Bar. Take in sleighs and skyline views and enjoy nibbles and nog while sporting festive attire to fit the very merry vibes. Guests can expect twinkling lights, an abundance of kitschy holiday cheer, and lively libations. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Saturday and 5 to 11 p.m. on Sundays.
Looking for more holiday fun?
Check out these posts:
- Massive List of Holiday Light Displays
- Hallmark Christmas Towns in Central Texas
- 15 Perfect Ways to Have a Very Merry Christmas in Austin
Featured photo via Domain Northside on Instagram.
