London's iconic festive landscape has been captured in a breathtaking new series of aerial photographs taken from a helicopter at night. The images, shot by renowned photographer Jason Hawkes, showcase the capital adorned in its Christmas finery, from the dazzling lights of the West End to the vibrant swirls of Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland.
A Bird's-Eye View of Christmas Magic
The collection, published on Monday 22 December 2025, offers a unique perspective on the city's seasonal transformation. From high above, the intricate patterns of Regent Street and Carnaby Street's Christmas lights become rivers of colour, while the giant ferris wheel and fairground attractions at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park are revealed as a spectacular constellation of light and motion against the dark expanse of the park.
Other landmarks are also framed in their nocturnal glory. The collection includes a striking view of The Shard with Tower Bridge illuminated to its left, the bustling South Bank area beside the Thames, and the historic Grade II-listed Chancery Rosewood building on Grosvenor Square. The famous ice rinks at Somerset House and within Winter Wonderland are pictured as perfect circles of light, drawing skaters into their orbit.
Iconic Landmarks and Seasonal Celebrations
The photographs provide a comprehensive tour of central London's festive hotspots. Views extend across Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Haymarket, and Mayfair, showing the dense network of glowing streets. The London Eye, Waterloo, and the South Bank cultural complex are also featured, highlighting how the city's riverside becomes a major draw during the holiday period.
Further shots capture the detailed architecture around Blackfriars and the atmospheric glow of Covent Garden market. The series was shot from a helicopter, allowing for crisp, high-altitude views that are impossible to achieve from the ground. The images were first published at 19.29 GMT and subsequently updated at 19.36 GMT on the same day.
This aerial project by Jason Hawkes serves as a powerful visual record of London during one of its most photogenic seasons. It underscores the scale and ambition of the city's Christmas installations, transforming familiar streets and parks into a mesmerising winter spectacle seen from a truly unforgettable angle.
