Shots of Christmas Cheer

London does it big when it comes to celebrations, and the London Santa Con 2024 was no exception! This festive tradition sees the streets of the city flooded with Santas of all kinds—traditional, wacky, and everything in between. It’s a playful, chaotic, and joyful gathering that truly embodies the holiday spirit.

For those of you who haven’t experienced it, Santa Con is part pub crawl, part costume parade, and part giant festive street party. This year, I joined the fun, camera in hand, to capture the energy, creativity, and sheer absurdity of the event.

From Paddington to Trafalgar Square, the city turned into a red-and-white blur as Santas mingled with elves, reindeer, and even a few Grinches! The costumes ranged from classic to downright bizarre—including a KISS-inspired group of Santas, a Santa with lobster claws, and biker Santa.

What struck me most was the sense of community and laughter. Strangers sang carols together, groups posed for impromptu photo shoots, and there was an endless stream of good-natured silliness. It wasn’t just about the outfits; it was about the people and the overall feeling of joy.

Photographing Santa Con was a treat. The challenge was in the movement—capturing moments of joy in the chaos of the crowd. But those moments, like a group of Santas sharing a laugh or improvising a rave across the Tate Modern, were priceless.

Next year, though, I’m upping my game. I’ll be there again—but this time, not just behind the camera. I’m already brainstorming costume ideas (something quirky and definitely photogenic).