On average, brands spend $2.5 billion on holiday season advertising, as most brands go all in to create brilliant Christmas commercials. These top 30 Christmas ad campaigns caught our eye, so let’s dive right in.
Christmas campaign #1: Coca-Cola (2020)
Why we liked it: This ad emotively captures the true spirit of Christmas — putting others before self, especially for dads with daughters. And just like a father would move heaven and earth to fulfill his daughter’s Christmas wish, this ad depicts how Coca-Cola makes every effort to satisfy their consumer’s wishes. The ad’s powerful message is a sublime example of what emotional marketing should feel like, which is why we rank this ad among the best Christmas campaigns.
Christmas campaign #2: John Lewis (2016)
Why we liked it: John Lewis has a yearly tradition of creating some of the UK’s best Christmas advertising campaigns. This 2016 ad was heart-warming, relatable, and humorous, and the storyline reminded viewers that Christmas gifts could be enjoyed by everyone (including our furry friends).
Just like the family dog enjoys jumping on a trampoline that’s a Christmas gift for the little girl, the ad emphatically shows you can buy a Christmas gift that everyone will love. It’s a genius strategy for a giant retailer like John Lewis, which sells an assortment of products.
Christmas campaign #3: Sainsbury’s (2014)
Why we liked it: Sainsbury’s brilliant marketing strategy also includes some of the best Christmas digital campaigns, like this 2014 Christmas ad, themed by one of the best Christmas original songs (Silent Night Holy Night).
This ad takes us on a long trip down memory lane to the 1914 Christmas truce, where warring factions in World War I would cease fire and come together to celebrate Christmas. It evokes a nostalgic feeling with a happy ending, reminding customers Christmas is about sharing hearty moments or just a chocolate bar with friends and family amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
Christmas campaign #4: Aldi (2016-2020)
Why we liked it: Over the years, Aldi’s marketing strategy has made us fall in love with Kevin the carrot. Aldi’s Christmas campaigns have personified and given character to Kevin the carrot so much that viewers want what Kevin wants, from champagne and turkey to party food specials.
Aldi’s great Christmas campaigns are the perfect example of humanized marketing and a good reference if you wish to infuse character in your Christmas marketing campaigns.
Christmas campaign #5: Google (2018)
Why we liked it: Theming their Christmas marketing campaign after a famous Christmas movie (Home Alone) was a stroke of genius from Google. Seeing the 38-year-old Kevin McCallister home alone (again) is relatable and amusing to millions of people who grew up watching this film. It’s also strategic because it speaks to millennials who watched the movie as kids and are heavy users of Google Assistant. Childhood nostalgia here is at its best.
Christmas campaign #6: Burberry (2014)
Why we liked it: Burberry’s best Christmas digital campaigns don’t sell luxury products; they sell a luxurious lifestyle. This ad utilizes the romance appeal (couples dancing in romantic settings) and the endorsement appeal (starring Romeo Beckham) to send out a powerful Christmas message. This commercial doesn’t feel like a marketing ad, but a short film — a significant fete to achieve in luxury ad campaigns.
Christmas campaign #7: McDonald’s (2020)
Why we liked it: This animated ad depicts a mother’s struggles to get her teenage son into the Christmas mood. While her son’s inner child cherishes mum’s effort to ignite the Christmas spirit, the son is aloof until they go to Mcdonald’s and get some reindeer treats. The ad appeals to families raising rebellious teens, as most go through the same experience at some point.
Check out my source to find more of the best Christmas campaigns.