Martin Parr
G.B. ENGLAND. London. Harrods. Santas Grotto. 2002
Representing the world’s most renowned photographers, Magnum Photos is frequently recognised for its talented array of shutterbugs. The group focuses its lens on people and places all over the world, documenting pivotal events using a mix of photojournalism and artistic photography.
Included in Magnum’s diverse catalogue is a number of photographs featuring Saint Nick. Combining the generic image of Santa Claus with the banality of holiday tradition, these works depict an alternative take on one of the most documented events of the year. From the UK to the USA and even the beaches of Europe, scroll below for our selection of the best in holiday-themed imagery from our favourite Magnum Photos photographers.
Bruce Gilden
USA. New York City. 1968. Santa leaving bar.
Thomas Hoepker
USA. Chicago. lllinios. 1986. Santa Claus on a city beach in July.
Guy Le Querrec
Christmas Eve in a family. Saturday 24th December, 1983.
Chris Steele-Perkins
G.B. ENGLAND. London. Father Christmas delivering presents on Christmas Day. 1989.
Erich Hartmann
USA. New York City. 1990. Santa Claus consulting map in subway.
Alex Webb
MEXICO. Mexico City. 2003. Chapultepec Park.
Bruno Barbey
GERMANY. West Berlin. Santa Clauses pose for a group photo by the Berlin Wall. 1989.
Raymond Depardon
USA. New York City. Manhattan. Central Park. 1982.
John Vink
CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 17/12/2010: Christmas party at LycŽe Descartes.
Richard Kalvar
USA. New York. Santa Claus and others in the subway. 1976.
Thomas Dworzak
IRAQ. Najaf. December 2005. US Army Civil Affairs Captain Jonathan Moss. Chrismas dinner in the chowhall. Pakinstani and Indian contractors serving US troops.
Leonard Freed
ITALY. Rome. Musicians dressed as Santa Claus.
Trent Parke. AUSTRALIA. New South Wales. Newcastle. 2006.
David Hurn USA. Arizona. Fountain Hills Parade. America has a long tradition of local parades. They are a way of showing off the local community activities and its commercial base.
Ian Berry
EGYPT. Luxor. Hilton Hotel. Santa Claus in a full red and white outfit on Christmas Day stops by a sunbed to hand out a present to one of the guests. 2006.
Susan Meiselas
USA. New York City. 1977. Fifth Avenue. From the series, “Volunteers of America.”
Ferdinando Scianna
PORTUGAL, Lisboa. Beggar dressed up as Santa Claus.
Dennis Stock
USA. New York City. 1961. Men of the Volunteers of America gather in front of their service center before the Christmas season.
Stuart Franklin
USA. New York. 2015. Brooklyn. Santa festival day.