Joy, nostalgia and magic: unwrapping the UK’s best Christmas adverts

With the leaves falling and temperatures dropping, one thing marks the true beginning of the festive season in the UK: the release of Christmas adverts. These mini masterpieces have become cultural events, sparking joy, laughter, tears, and sometimes debate. They are so much more than just commercial content – they set the tone for the festive period, becoming a nostalgic part of our Christmas season.

So, let’s take a look at some of our favourites and why they leave such an impact.

1. John Lewis – “The Bear and the Hare” (2013)

John Lewis has mastered the art of Christmas storytelling, with their advert premiers being scheduled into TV programming. One of their most beloved creations is 2013’s “The Bear and the Hare.” This advert tells the story of a hibernating bear who experiences Christmas for the first time, thanks to the kindness of a friendly hare. With an enchanting blend of animation and stop-motion, alongside a haunting cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know,” it taps into the emotions of friendship, anticipation, and togetherness. The Bear and the Hare shows John Lewis’s dedication to creating warmth and wonder – the essence of the festive season.

https://youtu.be/G5TRcyJBnJQ?si=fPLDkwF319VyJesB

2. Sainsbury’s – “1914” (2014)

Sainsbury’s 2014 advert, commemorating the centenary of World War I, took viewers on an exceptional emotional journey. Based on the true story of the Christmas Truce, where British and German soldiers put aside their weapons and celebrated Christmas together, this advert highlighted the power of human connection during the festive season. As well as being beautifully shot and historically inspired, it’s a Christmas advert that reminds us of the power of kindness and peace, even in the darkest times.

https://youtu.be/NWF2JBb1bvM?si=NEzj-wEOlmFiOrd5

3. Coca-Cola – “Holidays Are Coming” (1995-Present)

We can’t look at Christmas adverts and not include the iconic Coca-Cola truck advert. With its bright, twinkling lights and nostalgic “Holidays Are Coming” jingle, this advert has been marking the start of the festive season for nearly three decades. Although a simple concept, it has become one of the most instantly recognisable symbols of the festive season. It’s a beloved Christmas advert that for many marks the true beginning of the season.

https://youtu.be/X13N-Bx17Oc?si=-oi6AvLyW31xOug5

4. Heathrow Airport – “Coming Home for Christmas” (2016)

What could pull at the heartstrings more than two elderly teddy bears making their way through Heathrow Airport to reunite with their family? Representing grandparents coming home for the holidays, the bears symbolise warmth, tradition, and the joy of family reunions. The adverts success led Heathrow to bring back the bear family in future campaigns, showing the lasting impact it had on viewers.

https://youtu.be/oq1r_M5a6uI?si=2W8RxtpHI9VSciYh

5. Marks & Spencer – “Mrs. Claus” (2016)

Marks & Spencer’s “Mrs. Claus” advert offers a refreshing twist on the usual Christmas hero. This story follows Mrs. Claus as she takes on a secret mission to help a young boy make his sister’s Christmas special. Dressed in stylish red attire, Mrs. Claus brings a dash of glamour to the North Pole, a quality M&S often promotes in their branding. M&S managed to blend humour, warmth, and Christmas magic in a way that makes this advert both memorable and endearing.

https://youtu.be/V5QPXhStb5I?si=3UqlWALYS12uI4gS

6. Aldi – “Kevin the Carrot” (2016 – Present)

Since his debut in 2016, Kevin the Carrot has become a festive mascot for Aldi. The adventurous, charming carrot has been on numerous Christmas journeys, from facing off against Pascal the Parsnip to forming a vegetable family. Aldi’s Kevin adverts are full of festive cheer, humour, and are often a gentle parody of classic Christmas tales. Over the years, Kevin the Carrot has won his own unique place in the hearts of UK viewers, adding a playful element to Christmas adverts.

https://youtu.be/aYDtHpLO8hw?si=DEitR1YMjuwu7wTu

7. John Lewis – “Buster the Boxer” (2016) 

Buster the Boxer is a firm favourite amongst the dog lovers of the UK. The advert follows a little girl named Bridget eagerly awaiting her turn to try out the new trampoline her parents set up on Christmas Eve. However, she’s beaten to it by a group of wild animals who decide to enjoy a joyful nighttime bounce. Having watched the animal during the night, Buster, the family’s dog, beats Bridget to the trampoline on Christmas morning, jumping with pure, hilarious delight. With a soundtrack of Vaults’ cover of “One Day I’ll Fly Away,” the advert perfectly mixes humour with festive magic, capturing the simple joy of Christmas surprises – even for pets.

https://youtu.be/iN0lbTq4HnQ?si=ULlq6l8Kf67Hgxnm

8. John Lewis – “Man on the Moon” (2015)

John Lewis adverts are a yearly event, so it’s no surprise they are making several appearances in our list. Out of all their adverts “Man on the Moon” is one of their most emotionally significant. So, this story follows a young girl who spots a lonely elderly man on the moon through her telescope. Determined to reach him, she eventually sends him a telescope of his own so they can share a connection on Christmas Day. Paired with Oasis’s “Half the World Away” as the soundtrack, this advert beautifully highlights the theme of reaching out to those who may feel isolated, an especially relevant and important message around the festive period.

https://youtu.be/Xp7sn-syzfI?si=qMGZ2C6KDNRemQQ5

9. Sainsbury’s – “Mog’s Christmas Calamity” (2015)

Created in collaboration with children’s author Judith Kerr, this advert follows Mog the Cat, who accidentally causes a series of mishaps on Christmas Eve, nearly ruining Christmas for the whole family. However, the neighbours come together to help bring back the festive spirit. Full of humour, warmth and a feeling of community, “Mog’s Christmas Calamity” became an instant classic. It struck a chord with families and fans of Kerr’s books, as well as with those who had never met Mog before. Besides, it helped raise funds for literacy charities, giving the advert an even greater impact.

https://youtu.be/kuRn2S7iPNU?si=GuBsVHtTNKYYZ1K4

The UK’s Christmas adverts have become a huge part of the festive season. They invite us to pause, feel, and immerse ourselves in the season’s magic. They not only capture the spirit of Christmas, but also the spirit that particular year. Each year, brands continue to push boundaries, aiming to touch hearts and make us laugh, cry, or feel nostalgia for childhood Christmas memories.

So, as we approach this year’s festive season, we look forward to the new heartwarming and joyful adverts that bring Christmas spirit to life. Whether they’re emotional tear-jerkers, humorous adventures, or tributes to the power of kindness, these adverts give us all something to share, talk about, and remember each year.