It's the most wonderful stressful time of the year! We get it — the holidays can be heavenly and challenging at the same time. If you're in dire need of a cozy escape from it all, give these local restaurants/coffee shops/bars a try. At the very least, you'll find plenty of Instagrammable Christmas opportunities and chances to escape from the stress of the holidays. Don't be a grinch, just get away!

Poetic Republic Coffee & Wine Co
Poetic Republic Coffee feels like San Antonio's own slice of Stars Hollow (here's looking at you Gilmore Girls fans) nestled on South Presa Street. Order yourself one of their handcrafted specialty lattes (they've got a seasonal menu out now with options like a Marshmallow latte), sit down with a nice book and take a breather. Don't forget to grab a bag of Writers Fuel coffee beans on the way out! (Did we mention they also serve wine?) 2330 S. Presa St.

La Frite Belgian Bistro
If you've been dying to take a European vacation but have no desire to step foot in the airport during the holiday season, head over to La Frite Belgian Bistro instead. The city's only authentic Belgian bistro feels like a mini European getaway tucked in Southtown. An order of La Frite mussels with a side of their signature frites is mandatory if you visit. 728 S. Alamo St.

Bar Du Mon Ami
After you've checked out the Light the Way display at UIW, drive a bit further down Broadway for a handcrafted cocktail at the Bar Du Mon Ami. If you caught a chill in this unusually cold winter weather, warm up with a $8 Bar Du Mon Ami hot toddy. This cozy bar is open every day of the week. 4901 Broadway

Miracle Pop-Up at the Esquire
The Miracle on Commerce Street Christmas pop-up at the Esquire Tavern is tucked away in the Esquire speakeasy (marked by a stocking on the doorway to the entrance). Warm yourself up with a naughty or nice shot and enjoy this quintessentially Christmas downtown escape with plenty of photo opportunities and fun, seasonal cocktails. For any aspiring Carrie Bradshaws out there, make sure to order yourself a Christmapolitan! (You'll thank us later). 155 E. Commerce St.

Coffee Crush
If you're looking for a cute caffeinated getaway on the North East side of the city, check out Coffee Crush. The locally owned and operated coffee spot recently celebrated its first anniversary, with many locals loving the shop's prime seating area, cute decor/vibes, and fresh pastries (and they usually have vegan options too). Coffee Crush's signature espresso shakeratos always get the job done if you need a caffeine fix after Christmas shopping! 18010 Bulverde Rd., #109

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
If you've already explored Belgium thanks to La Frite, check out San Antonio's own little slice of France thanks to Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. The restaurant's Christmas decorations are not to be missed, and we loved that they even had options on their menu for guests with dietary restrictions (for example, the Couscous Aux Legumes Et Piment D'Espellette is warm, hearty, and completely dairy and egg free.) If you're okay with dairy, the Sandwich Au Fromage Raclette is a guaranteed crowd pleaser or good for the 'Gram if you're dining solo. 312 Pearl Parkway

Bonus: San Antonio Pets Alive!
If you're in need of some unconditional love and want to help pets in need, consider volunteering for a shift or two at San Antonio Pets Alive! The local pet shelter is always in need of fosters for pets looking for loving homes too, particularly during the holiday season. What better way to escape holiday stress then with a hearty dose of puppy love? Click here for more info about volunteer opportunities.

Further afield:
If you're doing some holiday shopping up in Austin and need a break, the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is a serene spot with multiple restaurants, spacious grounds, and fun Christmassy opportunities open to hotel guests and visitors just stopping by like their Holiday in the Hills light trail, and a Holiday in the Hills Snowdown light display.