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 2025!
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! The lights of Texas are upon you at Longhorn Lights. This season, lights will illuminate the South Mall, adding a festive glow to the heart of the Forty Acres and framing the Tower in celebration of the holidays. The iconic Tower is in the midst of a multi-year restoration, the first since its installation in the 1930s, and the holiday lights celebrate its importance on our campus. The display is free and open to the public nightly through January 1.
The Driskill Hotel
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 28 | 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.
You’ll Feel Like You’re In A Hallmark Movie In These Texas Christmas Towns!
Photos With Santa at Hill Country Galleria
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 through December 24, Santa will be temporarily located outdoors in the Central Plaza near the big holiday tree.
Gibson Wonderland
Through January 4 | 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
101 Red River Street
All aboard The Fairmont Express, a holiday train car designed to create festive memories on the hotel’s 7th floor rooftop. Reserve a cozy booth complete with a Build-Your-Own Hot Cocoa experience, seasonal menu of treats and all the nostalgic charm inspired by holiday train classics. While there, you can also jingle and mingle at The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-Up Bar in Rules & Regs.
Ralphie’s on Congress
Open at 4 p.m. through January 5 | 701 Congress Avenue
You can always cound on the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel for the perfect photo op! Pose beside the tree in the lobby or head to the bar upstairs. The iconic Stephen F’s Bar & Terrace is transformed into Ralphie’s on Congress, a holiday pop-up bar that you’ll shoot your eye out for! Guests are invited to step onto a dazzling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive decor and unforgettable major awards.
Looking for more holiday fun?
Check out these posts:
- The Best Free Holiday Light Displays
- Hallmark Christmas Towns in Central Texas
- 15 Perfect Ways to Have a Very Merry Christmas in Austin
