The Best Christmas adverts Ever and Top Campaigns of 2025
Setting the Scene: Why Christmas Adverts Matter
Christmas adverts have become a cultural moment, blending storytelling, emotion, and seasonal spirit. They go beyond simply promoting products, shaping how people experience the festive season. Brands that get it right capture attention, inspire emotion, and leave a lasting memory. From heartwarming stories to magical visuals, the adverts that endure show the power of creativity in connecting with audiences.
Iconic Christmas Adverts from the Past
A few adverts have become part of the festive landscape, remembered year after year. John Lewis has long been at the forefront, creating campaigns that feel like short films. The 2015 ad, “The Man on the Moon,” told the story of a lonely boy reaching out to a man who lived alone on the moon. Its gentle message of kindness and generosity touched millions and is still celebrated today.
Another John Lewis classic is 2014’s “Monty the Penguin.” It showcased the bond between a boy and his penguin companion, combining emotion with playful storytelling. Audiences remembered the story long after the festive season ended.
Coca‑Cola’s “Holidays Are Coming” from 1995 is another evergreen example. The glowing trucks, nostalgic jingle, and festive towns created a sense of wonder that became synonymous with Christmas. These campaigns succeeded because they told stories people wanted to see and share, rather than simply selling a product.
What Makes These Adverts Memorable
The most successful Christmas adverts share common traits. They evoke emotion, remain simple and timeless, and treat viewers as part of the story. Monty the Penguin captured longing and companionship, while The Man on the Moon emphasised compassion and generosity. Coca‑Cola’s campaign created nostalgia and festive excitement without focusing on the product itself. By centring on human feelings, these adverts became cultural touchstones rather than traditional commercials.
The Top Christmas Adverts of 2025
Two campaigns stood out this year for creativity and impact.
Waitrose: The Perfect Gift
Waitrose delivered a cosy mini romantic comedy with “The Perfect Gift.” Starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson, the story begins at a Waitrose cheese counter and unfolds into a charming festive romance. The ad relies on humour, warmth, and cinematic storytelling, showing how a supermarket campaign can feel like a short film that audiences want to watch again.
Samsung: A Friend for Christmas
Samsung’s “A Friend for Christmas” tells the story of a young girl feeling lonely in a new house. With the help of her grandad and a Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, she brings her imaginary friend Milo to life on Christmas morning. The campaign demonstrates how technology brands can tell emotional stories that resonate with human experiences, creating a heartwarming connection with viewers.
What Brands Can Learn
The classics and 2025 standouts offer clear lessons for advertisers. Successful festive campaigns focus on storytelling, emotion, and human connection rather than product features. John Lewis and Coca‑Cola show the enduring value of simplicity and nostalgia, while Waitrose and Samsung illustrate the opportunity to innovate with humour, romance, and technology. Brands that create emotional resonance leave a lasting impression and encourage audiences to engage with their story.
Embracing the Spirit of Christmas Advertising
Christmas adverts are moments that bring audiences together and create shared memories. By combining narrative, emotion, and festive imagery, brands can craft campaigns that resonate beyond the holiday season. As we look ahead, the potential for creative storytelling in Christmas adverts remains vast, promising more memorable campaigns in the years to come.