The magic of London at Christmas in 21 photos

Simon and Jen are the Australian husband-and-wife duo behind The September Chronicles. After a one-way honeymoon ticket to Europe sparked their shared wanderlust, they’ve explored 37 countries together and now adventure across the UK with their twin boys in tow.

It’s no secret that we’re enamoured with our adopted hometown of London in every season, but at Christmastime, the capital transforms into something downright magical. Having both grown up in Australia – where December means scorching beach days, backyard BBQs and cricket in the sun – a cold Christmas always felt like something from a storybook. 

So when we first moved to the northern hemisphere, we made it something of a mission to seek out the most festive cities in the world (Bruges, Cologne, Stockholm, Paris, Edinburgh, Vienna and New York, to name a few). And while each one left its mark, we can say with confidence that London is truly one of the very best places to spend the holiday season. We fell so hard for the city during that first winter – everywhere we turned looked like a film set – and the novelty hasn’t worn off yet. 

Christmas has become one of our favourite times to head out with our camera because the season brings an entirely different energy to the city. London is richly photogenic at the best of times, but when its landmarks and tucked-away corners are dressed in festive finery, it’s nothing short of spectacular. 

Fresh pine trees pop up on every corner, twinkling lights and fir garlands drape over shopfronts, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine lingers in the frosty air. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a rare dusting of snow, which only heightens the sense of enchantment. Somehow, the holiday spirit manages to transform what could be the gloomiest month of the year into a glittering wonderland, making the short dark days feel not only bearable but utterly captivating. 

Yes, the crowds can be intense, and yes, the rush of pre-Christmas to-do lists can be overwhelming, but if you slow your pace and wander off the main thoroughfares, you’ll find plenty of small, magical moments that feel entirely your own.

Our number one piece of advice for anyone visiting London – at Christmas or otherwise – is to explore on foot. This is a city that rewards strolling, especially at this time of year when the details are half the joy: the glow of fairy lights against Victorian brick, the scent of cinnamon from a bakery, or the quiet charm of a pub with a fire roaring inside. 

London is sprawling, so we recommend picking a couple of neighbourhoods to really dig into, rather than trying to conquer it all in one go. Each area is like its own little town, with its own character and atmosphere. During December, these are a few of our favourites.

Mayfair and St James’s

This area is Christmas central for us. From the glitz and glamour of Bond Street to the old world charm of Jermyn Street and iconic institutions like Fortnum & Mason and Burlington Arcade, you could spend a week here and not get bored. The sheer density of festive sparkle is unrivalled.

Covent Garden and Seven Dials

A more family-friendly hub, home to one of the city’s most beautiful trees, whimsical decorations and plenty of shops, restaurants and street performers – a joy to capture each year.

Marylebone

Just steps away from the frenzy of Oxford and Regent Street, Marylebone offers a more relaxed charm. We love it here for gift shopping, cosy cafés and excellent restaurants – it feels like a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city.

North London

Our home neighbourhood in north London feels like a fairytale village and is the perfect spot to capture the quieter, cosier side of the season. Bring your walking boots for a brisk stomp around Hampstead Heath followed by a hot drink in front of a pub fire – our idea of Christmas bliss.

Tips to photograph the magic

If you’re keen to capture the festive atmosphere, timing is everything. We find the best moments are either early in the morning, when the streets are quiet and the tourists are still tucked up in their hotels, or around 3pm – just before sunset – when the golden hour coincides with the first glow of the lights.

Local neighbourhoods tend to be less crowded, so you can save busier spots like Oxford Street and Covent Garden for later in the day when the vibe really comes alive. And don’t forget to focus on the smaller details. While the grand decorations and glowing facades are spectacular, some of our favourite shots have been of the little things: a tray of mince pies cooling in a bakery window, a wreath on a colourful front door, or the amber glow of a fire glimpsed through a frosted pub window. Those intimate moments often capture the spirit of the season just as powerfully as the big showstoppers.