Families are constantly evolving and changing over the years, and even as you enter each new phase, eager to see what changes bring as babies are born, teenagers move out, and then new families are formed, we can’t help but look back wistfully on previous stages, especially at the holidays. And because we know these moments won’t last forever, we often use the holidays to take the important photos, the family photos that capture a moment and make them last even as the people in them morph into new versions, versions that may not participate in the family Christmas vacation over the next years. If your journey brings you to Port Aransas with children on the cusp of moving on to their own adventures in life, this guide to where to take family holiday photos for Christmas in Port Aransas during your stay in our magical holiday hideaways will help ward off the wistful!
Sand Santa, Roberts Point Park
Every year talented artists work together to create a sand sculpture of Santa Claus, creating whimsy and the perfect backdrop to your family pics. Costing nothing to see and open every day of the holiday season, Santa may be captaining one of our Farley Boat Works boats, dropping a line in the water to catch his nightly meal—all recreated from sand and water, of course. But whatever pose he takes this year, the pose you and your family make in front of Sand Santa will be immortalized in history, even if you don’t use it for your family Christmas card.
In Front of the Memorial Christmas Tree in Roberts Point Park
Every year, the city puts up a Christmas tree that is decorated with photos and notes about those who have passed, and the solemn beauty of this treasured tree is another popular photo op spot, especially as it is resting on a platform that is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Gulf, adding a hint of blue to the traditional red and green color scheme of Christmas in Port Aransas.
Add a Festive Touch to your Beach Pics
We’ve seen millions of versions of family beach pics over the years, with most participants wearing white clothing, smiles, and suntanned faces, but if you really want to be creative in 2024, why not give the pictures a Christmas theme? Adding a Christmas tree and a pile of colorfully wrapped gifts, your white clothing and smiling faces will stand out against all the vibrancy, and the sea, blue skies, and sunshine will help give this picture a unique look you will treasure forever.
Chapel on the Dunes, 203 S 11th Street
There are many reasons you may be celebrating the season during your visit to Port Aransas, and if yours are more personal, the Christmas photos you take should reflect your personal beliefs, making a posing session in front of the Chapel on the Dunes a beautiful idea. The white of the stucco, the green of the palm trees, and the blue of the skies will give this family photo a serene touch, but if you want to up your photo game, consider taking these shots in black and white, adding a moody and peaceful appeal to each picture taken.
Something Fun and Different
Pajama pictures are perhaps the most common of all holiday photos, but yours will offer a unique twist when they are taken at sunrise with the Gulf as your backdrop. Bring the focus low and long, as you kneel around a sand Christmas tree, perhaps topped with a red star (we are in the lone star state after all) and as the sun rises in the background, setting the morning sky on fire, and your kids put the finishing touches on your sandy tree, the moment you have captured will be one that will be remembered forever.
Take It Home to The Dunes
Some of the best holiday photos are the candid shots you take while hanging out at home with your family: your spouse helping your youngest place the star above the tree; the sheer joy on the face of your tween when the colorful gift wrap he tears off his gift reveals a video game console he has been asking for forever; a selfie taken in front of the tree, everyone in their pajamas and the hubris of Christmas morning creating a backdrop to remember. Every minute of your stay will be a photo opportunity that will memorialize this holiday getaway in such a way you will never forget. Offering comfort, peace, and a festive cheer, our escapes at The Dunes are designed to be an integral part of your vacation experience and will enhance a Christmas journey that already shines brightly. Reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today and fall in love with Christmas at the beach!