Where to Take the Best Christmas Photos in London (Without Looking Like a Tourist)
London at Christmas is easily one of the most photogenic cities in the world but here’s the truth no one tells you: most people take the exact same photos. Same Regent Street angle. Same Covent Garden tree. Same Winter Wonderland arch. Same shot of the lights from the bus.
If you want photos that feel magical and effortlessly local (without looking like you followed a tourist checklist), this guide is for you. It’s written especially for people who want:
unique Christmas shots
zero cheesy tourist vibes
calm spots where you can take your time
honest tips on lighting, timing & angles
guidance on how to get there
budget + practical hacks
natural places to add hotel/car rental affiliate links
Let’s get you those perfect holiday captures.
1. New Bond Street London’s Luxury Christmas Runway
Location: W1S 2SF
Nearest Tube: Bond Street or Oxford Circus (5–7 mins walk)
Every year, New Bond Street transforms into a glittering runway of jewellery-themed lights, with Cartier, Tiffany, Chanel and Dior competing to outshine one another. The decorations are insanely photogenic but here’s the trick…
How to shoot it like a local
Go between 8:30 pm - 10 pm (after the shopping rush).
Stand slightly off-centre near Ralph Lauren you get a perfect vanishing-point angle without crowds.
Capture the reflections in luxury store windows for a cinematic frame.
Pro Camera Tip
Use Portrait Mode with a slightly higher exposure. The lights blur beautifully behind you.
Where to stop for a warm drink nearby
You can grab a festive hot chocolate at EL&N Mayfair or dip into a quiet café behind St George Street. If you’re staying nearby, look for central Mayfair hotels for quick access to the lights you can find great deals here.
2. Marylebone Village Christmas Lights With Zero Chaos
Location: W1U 2NS
Nearest Tube: Baker Street or Bond Street
Marylebone’s Christmas lights are elegant, warm, and honestly overlooked. Locals love this area because it feels like a small town within London especially in winter.
Why photographers love it
The streets are narrow with warm-toned lighting, perfect for cosy frames
You can actually take photos without 50 people behind you
The Georgian buildings create a beautiful, timeless backdrop
Best angles
Stand outside The Conran Shop for symmetrical light arches
Shoot the St. Marylebone Church with blurred lights in the foreground
Walk down Paddington Street at blue hour for the softest glow
Extra tip
If you're using an iPhone, activate Night Mode but lower the “seconds” slider to avoid over-brightening.
3. Leadenhall Market The Most Atmospheric Christmas Spot (That’s Not Overrated)
Location: EC3V 1LR
Nearest Tube: Bank or Monument
Leadenhall Market is always magical, but Christmas turns it into a Victorian snow globe fewer crowds than Covent Garden and significantly better lighting.
How to photograph it
Go around 6:30 pm when the lights glow brightest
Capture the lantern reflections on the cobblestones
Use the arches for leading-line compositions
Shoot facing the “Christmas tree corner” for the warmest tones
Bonus: Quiet Christmas Events
Leadenhall also hosts:
festive workshops
daily snow shows
small Christmas markets
This gives you extra content opportunities beyond just “lights and arches.”
If you're exploring the City area at night, a quick bus ride or rental car makes travelling through multiple Christmas spots easy compare transportation options here.
4. St Pancras Station The “Hidden in Plain Sight” Christmas Tree
Location: N1C 4QP
Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras
People visit King’s Cross to catch trains not to take photos. Which is why the St Pancras Christmas Tree (one of the most creative trees in London every year) stays underrated.
Why it’s perfect
It’s indoors (warm!)
The ceiling glass roof gives natural blue-hour lighting
The decorations are always incredibly unique past trees have been themed with LEGO, books, luxury brands, champagne towers, etc.
How to shoot it
Shoot from the upper floor balcony to frame the tree with the station architecture
Get close-ups of the ornaments for detail shots
Capture people naturally walking in the background for a candid vibe
5. Coal Drops Yard The Modern, Minimal, Aesthetic Christmas Setup
Location: N1C 4DQ
Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras
If your style leans more aesthetic / architectural / modern-London, Coal Drops Yard is perfect. Their yearly Christmas decor avoids the “classic” vibe and instead features contemporary installations.
What makes it unique
Light sculptures
Minimal trees
Shadow play under the arches
Indie shops creating aesthetic window setups
Best photo moments
Shoot from the staircase above Icelandic store 66°North
Capture the triangular arches with a Christmas structure in the centre
Wide shots work beautifully here
6. Canary Wharf Winter Lights For High-Contrast, Futuristic Night Shots
Location: E14 5AB
Nearest Tube: Canary Wharf or Heron Quays (DLR)
The Winter Lights festival (running Jan 2025/26) offers the best light installations in the city, and it’s free.
Perfect for:
long exposure photography
neon-themed portraits
icy reflections off the water
Pro Camera Tip
Set shutter speed between 1/4–1 second for a glowing trail effect.
7. Covent Garden The Trick to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist
Location: WC2E 8RF
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden or Leicester Square
Covent Garden is iconic but also crowded. Very crowded. The secret is to avoid the main piazza angle.
Local-style shot ideas
Capture the tree from behind the Apple Market arches
Go early (8–9 am) for empty cobblestones
Stand outside St. Paul’s Church and shoot the arches framing the market
Use the red phone booth near Long Acre for a vintage Christmas frame
8. Somerset House Timeless Winter Portraits
Location: WC2R 1LA
Nearest Tube: Temple, Charing Cross, or Holborn
Somerset House is stunning without crowds especially at night when the ice rink glows blue.
Photo ideas
Shoot from the upper balcony for aerial shots
Capture the ice skaters with slow shutter for motion blur
Get portraits under the big central tree
If you're booking skating tickets or planning a stay near Strand/Covent Garden, check trusted hotel deals here.
9. Chelsea & Belgravia For those “quiet luxury” Christmas photos
Locations:
Elizabeth Street, SW1W
Pavilion Road, SW1X
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square
These are the prettiest residential Christmas spots tasteful, calm, elegant.
Why locals go here
boutique storefronts
pastel buildings
soft fairy lights
cafés that decorate beautifully
Best shots
Elizabeth Street pastel-shop close-ups
Peggy Porschen’s pink doorway with Christmas garlands
Pavilion Road’s overhead lights at dusk
Extra Section: How to Get the Best Christmas Photos (Tech + Timing)
Best Lighting
Blue hour (just after sunset) is perfection
Avoid midday harshness
For indoors, use window light or soft warm lamps
Best Days
Weeknights after 8 pm (crowds drop 70–80%)
Early mornings on weekends (before shops open)
Best Weather
Light rain = the BEST reflections. Bring a lens cloth!
Let’s Make Your Christmas in London Magical
If you're planning to explore London this festive season whether for lights, photography, markets, or hidden gems I share daily real-time updates on crowds, timings, routes, secret spots, and last-minute surprises.
For more insider Christmas guides, follow @london.yaar
And if you take any shots from this list, tag me I’d love to see what you capture