The Most Iconic Christmas Campaigns Ever
Christmas is the time for brands to flex their creativity, and over the years, we’ve seen some truly unforgettable campaigns that tugged at heartstrings, sparked joy, and left a lasting impact. Let’s break down the festive magic:
John Lewis – "The Bear and the Hare" (2013)
The campaign: A beautifully animated tale about a bear who learns to celebrate Christmas with the help of his friend, the hare. Lily Allen’s cover of Somewhere Only We Know provided the perfect emotional punch.
Why it worked: John Lewis nailed emotional storytelling with stunning visuals and the ultimate holiday soundtrack. It captured the spirit of giving and friendship, cementing their ads as a Christmas tradition.
Coca-Cola – "Holidays Are Coming" (1995)
The campaign: The glowing Coca-Cola truck, snowy landscapes, and that iconic jingle—it’s Christmas in a nutshell.
Why it worked: Coca-Cola became synonymous with the holiday season, and the ad’s nostalgic vibes kept it timeless. One glance at that truck, and you know it’s Christmas.
Heathrow – "Coming Home for Christmas" (2016)
The campaign: Two elderly bears journey through Heathrow to reunite with their family for Christmas. Cue all the warm fuzzies.
Why it worked: It struck a chord by focusing on family, reunions, and that “coming home” feeling we all crave during Christmas. It was heartfelt, relatable, and put Heathrow in a glowing, human light.
Apple – "The Holiday" (2013)
The campaign: A seemingly tech-obsessed teen surprises his family with a touching video montage of their holiday moments.
Why it worked: Apple flipped the script on technology, showing its power to create meaningful connections. It was simple, heartfelt, and perfectly positioned Apple as a memory-maker.
Sainsbury’s – "1914" (2014)
The campaign: Based on the true story of the WWI Christmas truce, this ad depicted British and German soldiers coming together to share gifts and celebrate Christmas in the trenches.
Why it worked: Emotional, historical, and deeply meaningful. It went beyond Christmas clichés, showing the spirit of peace and humanity. A true showstopper!
These campaigns show how brands can capture the magic of Christmas, turning clever ideas into lasting memories. Whether it’s tugging at heartstrings, spreading festive joy, or making us laugh out loud, these campaigns remind us of the power of storytelling during the festive season. They create an emotional connection that keeps their message, and their brand alive in our minds long after Christmas has passed.
