London is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, but during Christmas, it becomes even more magical. The streets are glowing with twinkling lights, the stores are decked out in holiday decor, and the entire city feels like a festive film set. Whether you want to snap aesthetic pictures for Instagram, or just want to capture memories from your trip, there are some great photo spots around London that look straight out of a Christmas card, but you have to know where to look.
During my visit to London in December, I spent a few days exploring the most beautiful neighborhoods, popular attractions, and holiday displays. I’ve compiled this list of all my favorite photo spots from the trip. Not all of them are Christmas specific, some of them are iconic London spots that you should visit and capture any time of year! For each spot I’ve included a few tips including how to get there, where to stand for the best photo, and where to buy tickets if necessary.
If you want a full London Christmas Itinerary, check out my 9-Day Winter in Europe Itinerary. It includes 3 days in London, as well as 2 in Paris and 3 in Barcelona, with details on the most popular attractions to visit during Christmastime.
Quick London Christmas Travel Tips
- Where to stay
- Budget: Wombat’s City Hostel London
- Moderate: The Z Hotel Shoreditch
- Luxury: The Resident Covent Garden
- Must-see attractions
- Weather in London in December: highs in the 40s°F (5–10°C), frequent gray skies and occasional rain
- Christmas Tour: Christmas Lights Bus Tour With Live Guide
- Stay connected to the internet with an Airalo eSim
- Stay protected with travel insurance from SafetyWing
Best London Christmas Photo Spots
Regent Street
If there’s one place you should head to for Christmas in London, it’s Regent Street. Every year, the street is covered with thousands of sparkling lights that hang above the traffic, creating one of the most magical holiday scenes in the city.
For the best shot, stand on the median in the middle of the street, where you can capture the twinkling lights stretching off into the distance. Just be mindful of cars and buses, you definitely don’t want to cause an accident just for a picture. Wait for a red light and move quickly across the street between shots.
While you’re in the area, walk over to Oxford Street and Carnaby Street, both famous for their themed holiday decorations. Oxford Street is more classic and grand like Regent Street, while Carnaby’s lights change theme every year. The year I was there (2023), the theme was Carnaby Universe, with glowing planets and a galaxy hanging over the street.
Getting to Regent Street: Take the Tube to Oxford Circus from the Bakerloo, Central, or Victoria line.
If you want to see the best of Christmas in London from the comfort of a bus, check out this tour that takes you to Regent & Oxford Streets, as well as past Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye and Big Ben!
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is beautiful all year, but during the winter months it’s extra exciting, when Christmas decorations start appearing on pastel-colored homes and storefronts. Stop for coffee on Portobello Road, then walk toward Ladbroke Grove to find rows of soft pink, yellow, and blue homes that make the perfect backdrop for photos.
Two other popular streets for photography are Lancaster Road, known for its rainbow-colored houses, and St. Luke Mews, a quiet cobblestone street lined with pink and pastel cottages.
When you’re taking pictures, be mindful that these are private homes, not tourist attractions. Avoid blocking doorways, standing on people’s stoops, or blocking traffic for a photo.
Getting to Notting Hill: Take the Tube to Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove station. It’s an easy walk to all the main photography streets.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a great addition to a London itinerary anytime of the year, but it’s even better during the holidays. Along with the history, artifacts and Crown Jewels, you’ll find Christmas trees lining the pathways, festive wreaths hanging on all the lampposts, and even carolers singing right outside the tower.
The best spot for photos is along the south wall right against the Thames. You’ll find a perfect view of the Tower Bridge in one direction, and a view of the White tower in the other.
Buy your tickets to the Tower of London online in advance to skip the line. Plan to spend 1-2 hours there, depending on how many exhibits you check out.
Getting to the Tower of London: Take the Tube to Tower Hill Station (Circle or District line).
Westminster Bridge
This is one of those classic London photo spots that’s beautiful year round. From Westminster Bridge, you’ll get a perfect view of both Big Ben and the London Eye, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The best time to go is early morning, just after sunrise, when the bridge is quiet and you can take photos without crowds. Or visit in the evening, when Big Ben and Parliament is illuminated against the night sky.
Getting to Westminster Bridge: Take the Tube to Westminster Station (Jubilee, District, or Circle line) and follow signs to the bridge.
Tower Bridge from the Queen’s Walk
Of course, walking across Tower Bridge is a must. But for the best photo of it, you’ll want to head to the Queen’s Walk on the south side of the Thames. From here, you can capture the bridge’s twin towers perfectly reflected in the water.
This area is especially fun in December, when you can visit the Winter by the River Market, one of London’s prettiest holiday markets. The wooden stalls sell mulled wine, handmade gifts, and festive treats, all with the Tower Bridge in the background.
Getting to the Tower Bridge: Take the Tube to Tower Hill Station, the walk across the Tower Bridge towards the Queen’s Walk.
Battersea Power Station
The newly renovated Battersea Power Station is one of London’s coolest Christmas hangouts. In winter, they host the Glide ice skating rink right beneath the massive industrial chimneys, with twinkling lights, festive music, and cozy bars nearby.
You’ll find great photo opportunities both during the day, but especially at night when the building is illuminated with colorful, Christmas-themed light projections. I had to use the wide mode on my phone camera to fully capture the tall chimneys.
Getting Battersea Power Station: Take the Northern Line to the new Battersea Power Station stop.
Holiday-Themed Tea at Sketch London
If you want the ultimate London Christmas experience with endless photo opportunities, make a reservation at Sketch. It’s a popular restaurant that offers a Holiday afternoon tea. The whole restaurant is decked out in decorations, starting with the entrance hallway, which looks like a frozen winter wonderland. The tea experience happens in the famous pink velvet Gallery Room, and you’ll be served traditional pastries along with some Christmas themed goodies. There’s even a ballerina who dances around the dining room!
Definitely snap some pictures in the dining room, but the best photo spot is surprisingly the bathroom. Each stall is a futuristic egg pod, and when we were there in December they each had a little Christmas tree on top. It’s such a fun, quirky detail that you won’t find anywhere else.
Reservations for Sketch open weeks in advance for the holiday season, so book early. If you aren’t able get a reservation for afternoon tea, just visit for dinner or a drink.
Getting to Sketch: Take the Tube to Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus, both about a 5-minute walk away.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is hands-down one of London’s most festive locations and a great photo spot. Inside the covered market hall, you’ll find giant ornaments and bells hanging from the ceiling, twinkling fairy lights, and a charming Christmas market with stalls selling handmade gifts.
Step outside to see the massive Christmas tree in the main square. It’s one of the biggest in the city and makes a perfect backdrop for photos, especially at night when it’s fully lit up. There’s also street performers, carolers, and cozy cafés to warm up in.
Getting to Covent Garden: Take the Tube to Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly line).
I hope this guide helps you find some of the most beautiful photo spots in London, from festive light displays to timeless landmarks that are photo-ready year round. Whether you’re visiting during the holidays or another season, these locations are guaranteed to leave you with incredible memories and some gorgeous photos! If you’re planning a longer trip that includes London, be sure to check out my 9-Day Winter in Europe Itinerary, which features three magical days in the city, along with Paris and Barcelona.
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