San Antonio’s 15 Most Instagrammable Holiday Spots

Downtown San Antonio and the River Walk offer a plethora of dazzling holiday photo opportunities. However, I find it is very hard to get Instagram-worthy photos of my family with twinkling lights in the background. The pics never seem to come out right. Someone has red eye, the lights don’t show up whether I try the flash on or off, and strangers lurk in the background. So here is a list of some holiday photo opp locations that I suggest trying during the “golden hour” at dusk on a slower weekday night. Use your phone’s burst mode for several options, and try angles high and low. Start snapping and tag us in your photos (@AlamoCityMoms #alamocitymoms) so we can see all the fun!

Note: these are suggestions for non-professional photos. If you opt for a professional photo shoot, some locations may have fees or requirements, so plan in advance.

1. SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas CelebrationIn addition to NINE MILLION lights, “the largest Christmas light display in Texas,” SeaWorld has designated interactive photo opp spots featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends throughout the park.

2. Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ Holidays In the ParkSanta’s Cottage provides the ultimate walk-through experience, where you can see the elves hard at work preparing toys for good girls and boys.

3. San Antonio Zoo LightsThe Zoo turns on its lights at 5:00 P.M., giving you plenty of time to snap photos before it gets too dark. Selfie stations, larger-than-life snowmen, a snow globe that can fit the entire family, camel rides, and of course the iconic lion sculpture at the front all offer fabulous holiday photo opportunities.

4. Holidays in Bloom at San Antonio Botanical GardenGarlands, red ribbons, a bit of sparkle, and other holiday decorations jazz up the already picturesque Garden grounds. 

5. Devine Acres FarmIt is always Christmas at Devine Acres! They have more than 20 acres of Christmas tree fields, rustic barns, and other picture-perfect setups.

6. Santa’s Railroad Wonderland at the Texas Transportation MuseumPretty much everything on the 40-acre site is decorated for the holidays, from the model trains to the real locomotives. Perfect for the kids who love Thomas!

8. Magic Time Machine’s Christmas BoothOur favorite special occasion restaurant for kids includes a Christmas booth area set up year-round. The fun and campy vibe would work perfectly with an ugly Christmas sweater theme.

9. Natural Bridge Cavern’s Christmas in the CavernsFor a super unique holiday photo, go underground in Texas’ largest and most spectacular cavern.

10. Mi Tierra Cafe in Market SquareHere, it looks like the holiday season year-round. Since Mi Tierra is open 24/7, try going for an early breakfast with the kids and take pictures in the morning before it gets too busy.

11. Morgan’s Wonderland’s A Wonderland ChristmasIn addition to gorgeous decorations, Morgan’s Wonderland offers photos with The Wonder Squad (superheroes who turn their disabilities into super abilities), juggling elves, or therapy dogs who love a good holiday snuggle. 

12. Old West Christmas Light FestEnchanted Springs Ranch is a quaint Western village with beautiful scenery, making it the perfect backdrop for holiday photos. It is usually reserved for private events and movies, but for Christmas, it is opening up to the general public. (Click here to read more about this awesome family-friendly event.)

13. The Texas Hill CountryGruene, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Boerne, etc. all have stunning downtown decorations. Fredericksburg’s six-foot German Christmas pyramid at Marktplatz will totally dazzle your Instagram followers and serve as the perfect background for a gorgeous family photo.

14. The PearlThe Pearl is an obvious choice, with many options for beautiful holiday photos including the tree on the main lawn, Hotel Emma, and funky storefront designs. 

15. Any Spurs mural—Put on some Santa hats or elf ears and show some holiday love for the Spurs! San Antonio has several murals dedicated to our boys in silver and black, including the “I Love My Spurs” mural at 2202 Broadway St. 

Stacey
Before she had kids, Stacey would have described herself as an alternative rock lover, bibliophile, foodie and adventure seeker. She started her career working as a DJ at radio stations, then as a news reporter and somehow ended up in advertising and marketing. But now, she identifies as all of those things but in addition, she is a mom. Stacey has two boys (4 and 7) and her eldest is high-functioning Autistic. She is sensitive and aware of the challenges and opportunities moms with special needs kids have. Plus, she has two nieces (when she needs girl time) and a big old Golden Retriever named Bolt. Stacey's currently working part-time at an ad agency.