It’s the most wonderful time of the year as the advertising industry brings out the festive cheer with their Christmas campaigns. In this blog, Because of Marketing has unwrapped 2024’s Christmas adverts so you can see all of your favourite festive ads in one place.
Aldi’s Christmas advert sees Kevin the Carrot return to help Santa Claus save Christmas
In true Aldi spirit the superstore has released its Christmas instalment featuring fan favourite Kevin the Carrot. The ad, created by agency McCann, centres around Kevin and Katie’s secret mission to gain back the Christmas spirit that has been stolen by the ‘Humbugs’.
The light-hearted advert gives viewers a sneak peek into the Aldi Christmas food range that will be available this year. Numerous fans have praised the ad online commenting, ‘It wouldn’t be Christmas without Kevin’ And ‘This is one of the best Kevin the Carrot Christmas adverts ever!’
Kevin the Carrots popularity with fans over the years makes it no surprise that the Aldi marketing team would bring him back for the 9th time this year. The ad has clearly won over the hearts of the nation making it a tough opposition in the superstore Christmas ad rivalry.
Jemma Townsend, Marketing Director at Aldi UK, said: “Would it even be Christmas without Kevin the Carrot on our screens? We’re delighted to bring back everyone’s favourite carrot for a ninth year to help the nation get into the Christmas spirit.”
Amazon’s Christmas ad shows how thoughtful gestures and gifts can have a profound impact
Amazon is pulling on heart strings in its new festive ad which is centred around a theatre janitor whose colleagues unveil his vocal talents.
A heartwarming brand film, titled ‘Midnight Opus’ tells the story of a theatre janitor whose hidden vocal talent is discovered and celebrated by his colleagues during his daily shift.
Produced by Amazon’s internal creative team in partnership with production company Hungry Man, and directed by award-winning director Wayne McClammy, the caretaker gives an emotional performance of the 1965 Bacharach-David classic ‘What the World Needs Now Is Love’ assisted by his fellow colleagues who use the amazon app to buy him a tuxedo and assist him in achieving his dreams.
The ad captures the essence of workplace camaraderie and the happiness that comes from supporting others’ aspirations. It highlights how small acts can lead to deeply meaningful moments and honors the bravery involved in sharing one’s talents.
“‘Midnight Opus’ is a story that celebrates the joy from doing something special for the people in your life,” said Jo Shoesmith, Global Chief Creative Officer at Amazon. “I think we all know how wonderful it feels to be the recipient of even the smallest act of kindness – whether that be a thoughtful gift or an encouraging word – and we wanted to bring that ineffable emotion to life.”
Argos makes gift dreams come true this Holiday season
Catalogue retailer Argos bring back their two much-loved mascots, Connie the doll and Trevor the dinosaur in their 2024 Christmas campaign.
The 40-second TV spot, directed by Golden Globe winner Michael Gracey and created by T&PM shows Trevor living his rock star dreams, as he performs a cover of T-Rex’s classic hit ’20th Century Boy’ on a mountain of Marshall speakers.
His best friend Connie is shown cheering him on.
The brand’s campaign, which builds upon its ‘There’s More To Argos’ platform launched last year, will consist of TV, press, OOH, social and an activation to encourage consumers to bring their own Christmas dreams to life.
Head of Campaign, Laura Boothby at Argos said: “Our customers love Trevor the dinosaur and Connie the doll, so we’re thrilled they’re back again to spread some festive fun and magic in such an energetic and upbeat way… at Argos, whatever your loved ones are dreaming of this Christmas, we’ve got it covered.”
Asda is going ‘big and going gnome’ in its punny Christmas ad campaign
Asda’s 2024 Christmas ad, “Go Big or Go Gnome,” and created by agency Havas London, brings holiday magic with an animated tale of five heroic gnomes: Max, Gnibbles, Gnorma, Gnicky, and Gnarla. The campaign opens with Asda staff Maggie and Bill facing a snowstorm that threatens their holiday prep, prompting Bill to activate the gnomes with a press of their glowing noses. Answering the call, the gnomes leap into action, transforming the store into a festive wonderland, highlighting Asda’s Christmas offerings, from mince pies to sequin dresses.
Set to The A-Team theme song and Chris Rea’s adapted “Driving Gnome for Christmas,” this seven-month project features over 3,000 hours of animation. Each gnome brings unique skills: Max as the bold leader, Gnicky the fashionista, chef Gnibbles, surfer Gnarla, and party planner Gnorma.
Asda’s campaign combines charm and humour, positioning the gnomes as festive icons. From Thursday 7th November, the five hero gnomes will be available for customers to buy.
David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Asda, commented: “Asda’s gnomes are long standing favourites with our customers and they were staring us in the face as the obvious characters for our Christmas campaign – a very Asda way for us to showcase our breadth of offer.
“Our priority is to make sure our customers can have their best Christmas possible with great quality food, general merchandise and amazing George clothing & home items all under one roof.
Our customers can trust that they will get the best quality they expect from the festive season all at Asda’s incredibly low prices. From decorating their home and dressing for the party season, to consuming award-winning Exceptional mince pies and truly show-stopping centrepiece meats and desserts – all with Asda’s uncompromising value promise.”
Barbour and Shaun the Sheep return with a light-hearted festive film focusing on giving the gift of warmth this festive season.
Shaun the Sheep and his flock return to Barbour’s 2024 Christmas campaign, this time celebrating the brand’s cozy winter accessories. In a light-hearted film created with agency, Aardman, Bitzer the sheepdog leads a shivering choir of sheep in carolling at Mossy Bottom Farm. As their “baas” turn to frozen breath, Bitzer rushes off to fetch Barbour hats and scarves, which magically warm the flock and bring their singing back to life.
Rachael Peacock, Senior Brand Manager at Aardman commented: “We’re delighted to launch the next festive Shaun the Sheep adventure for Barbour…these iconic British brands share strong values of quality, craft and a shared love of the outdoors. Shaun and the flock have never looked better than in Barbour!”
Boots ‘Makes Magic’ with Bridgerton Adjoa Andoh as Mrs Claus in their latest holiday advert
Mrs Clause is in the spotlight as the true holiday hero in Boots festive campaign. Starring Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh, as Mrs Clause, she is reimagined as the leader of the Christmas ‘Werkshop’ with the help of her beauty-savvy elves. The ad leans into female empowerment as Mrs Clause playfully declares, ‘You thought it was all him?’ The film combines Boot’s festive favourite beauty products with popular culture to create an engaging and current Christmas ad.
Pete Markey, Chief Marketing Officer at Boots said: “As the UK’s favourite beauty retailer1, we are on a mission to spread magic and excitement to beauty enthusiasts this Christmas, whilst also recognising the unsung powerhouses who make Christmas so special. This advert is the perfect culmination of both, and I cannot wait to see the reaction and help gift-givers find the perfect gift this Christmas.
Coca-Cola remakes their 1995 ‘Holidays are Coming’ Christmas ad with AI
This year, Coca-Cola has created an AI-generated version of their classic ‘Holidays Are Coming’, as they say they want to bring the ad to “today’s times”.
First launched in 1995, Holidays are Coming consistently ranks among the best Christmas ads of all time, scoring an impressive 5.9 from System 1. Featuring a convoy of Coca-Cola trucks winding through a snowy landscape and accompanied by Coca-Cola truck tours, the ad has become a true holiday icon. For many, the season officially begins with the sound of that memorable Kingdom Choir soundtrack.
However, this year the advert is remade with AI. The Campaign also includes interactive AI experiences such as ‘Talk to Santa’ with the ‘Create Real Magic’ sharing personalised Snow globes with loved ones. The Coca-Cola Company and the team at WPP Open X were the creative minds behind this campaign, blending technology and nostalgia producing a refresh of Coca-Cola’s beloved festive branding.
Debenhams shows how effortless Christmas shopping can be with online ordering
Titled “Duh, Debenhams” the 30 second ad stars In Debenhams festive spot, the online department store shows how effortless Christmas shopping can be with online ordering.
Titled “Duh, Debenhams” the 30 second spot stars actress Elizabeth Hurley, model and TV host Leomie Anderson, comedian Ellie Taylor, and presenter/podcaster Hannah Cooper-Dommett, who have the answer to pre-Christmas stress of paper shopping bags disintegrating in the rain, too many search engine pop-ups and standing in long queues.
Debenhams CEO Dan Finley said: “Duh, Debenhams’ flips the script on festive shopping chaos and boldly establishes us as the ultimate answer for a stress-free Christmas shopping experience…our iconic British cast delivers ‘Duh, Debenhams’ in a classic yet humorous style.”
Disney Christmas advert follows friendship between a young boy and an octopus
Disney’s 2024 holiday spot was directed by Taika Waititi and features a surprisingly cute, animated octopus.
Titled “The Boy & The Octopus” tells the story of a child who is on holiday at a beach and meets with an octopus in the sea. The creature the attaches itself to the child’s head as they go on a magical adventure together.
Etsy captures emotional magic inspired by Children’s book Where’s Wally?
Etsy has unveiled its 2024 Christmas ad with Orchard Creative, featuring a live-action take on the beloved children’s book Where’s Wally? The ad shows Wally travelling the world in his iconic red-and-white striped top, talking about how he loves crowds but wishes people would stop asking “Where’s Wally?” and instead ask “Who’s Wally?
In a heartfelt ending, Wally returns home to a woman dressed in a matching outfit, who hands him a thoughtful gift, a personalised compass. She says, “Sometimes it takes someone who really knows you to make you feel seen.”
Etsy Chief Brand Officer Brad Minor said: “We wanted to create a campaign that captures the emotional magic of meaningful gift-giving – how Etsy sellers create gifts that make people feel truly seen and understood. Our holiday campaign highlights how Etsy sellers aren’t just making products, they’re creating moments of connection.”
Greggs enlist Nigella Lawson in this year’s holiday campaign
Gregg’s Christmas campaign leans into elegance, as the bakery chain enlists culinary favourite Nigella Lawson for their 2024 Christmas ad. The ad showcases Nigella entering a festively decorated cozy house, as she devours a festive bake describing it as a ‘rapturous riot of flavour’ in true Nigella style. This collaboration with Nigella who is associated with luxury and the finer aspects of the culinary world brings a sense of accessible indulgence to the Greggs brand just in time for the Christmas season.
Lidl celebrates the joy of giving in 2024 Christmas ad
Lidl’s 2024 Christmas advert celebrates the joy of sharing with a heartwarming 60-second film that brings the season’s spirit to life.
The story begins with a narrator speaking of the magic to be had by “all but one.” We meet a young girl sledging with her friends, who then notices a boy standing on the sidelines, shivering as he watches the others play.
Later, on her way home, the girl stops to help an elderly woman who has dropped her Lidl shopping bags. Grateful, the woman gives the girl a special set of bells, saying, “Make a wish when the bell rings.”
At home, each family member takes turns making a wish. Her brother wishes his Brussels sprouts would transform into cookies, while her sister wishes her toy raccoon could come to life—a playful nod to Lidl’s 2023 Christmas ad. When it’s the girl’s turn, she wishes to give her new Lidl woolly hat to the little boy she saw earlier.
Through this charming story, Lidl invites customers to make a difference with small acts of kindness by contributing to its toy bank. This year, the supermarket aims to donate over 100,000 toys to its charity partners, hoping to spread joy to children in need.
John Lewis ‘The Gifting Hour’ Christmas advert is a tale of two sisters and a magical search for a special gift.
Lindt shares festive magic featuring their golden teddy in new Christmas ad
Nespresso Christmas Advert
M&S’s Food features Dawn French in the spotlight
M&S have shared its brand new 2024 Christmas Advert featuring Dawn Smith who appeared in last year’s advert as the Christmas fairy. This year’s ad features a double helping of the British icon playing herself and the fairy, as the Christmas fairy prepares her house and food ready for a Christmas party.
The ad, created in-house, captures festive feelings showcasing the Marks and Spencer’s Party food range while Dawn is transformed into glam by the fairy ready for her party.
Brands are seemingly leaning into what they know by bringing back festive favourites from previous years, to create bigger and better ads.
M&S Food Marketing Director, Sharry Cramond said: “Last year, our Fairy added something truly magical to Christmas, and this year, we’re thrilled to take it to the next level, with Dawn French herself joining the fun alongside her Fairy character! “We’re always looking to push creative boundaries, and we believe this year’s campaign will leave our customers smiling and feeling super inspired. To top it off, we’re honoured to feature the incredible Katherine Jenkins, adding even more festive magic to our screens!”
Dawn French added: Voice of Fairy, Dawn French, says “I’m absolutely thrilled to be fluttering back as Fairy this Christmas, and oh my wings, do we have a plot twist for you!
“Let’s just say, Fairy meeting Dawn herself was quite THE moment! Who knew we’d ever share the same screen? Magic really does happen!”
M&S Clothing & Home Christmas Advert
Matalan debuts its first Christmas ad under a new brand platform
Morrisons singing Oven Gloves return to spread holiday cheer
Morrisons and creative agency, Leo Burnett UK has unveiled its festive film featuring the return of its singing oven gloves. Centred around a variety of different homes, the gloves are shown to lend a helping hand to families at Christmas in the musical theatrical.
Directed by Micheal Gracey best known for ‘The Greatest showman’ , the singing oven gloves deliver a spectacle from the Bugsy Malone musical ‘Give a little love’.
A 26-person choir of Morrison colleagues from across the UK have lent their voices for the musical short. The campaign’s aim by Marketing Officer, Alex Rogerson, is to show ‘Morrisons is here to ensure that every host can put on the greatest show at home’, by showcasing their festive food and drink collection.
Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s BIG Christmas by New Commercials Art
Sainsbury’s was the first UK supermarket to release their BIG Christmas campaign by New Commercials Art.
Inspired by Roald Dahl’s timeless children’s tale, the campaign, ‘Sainsbury’s Big Christmas’ brings the beloved BFG together with Sophie, a dedicated Sainsbury’s colleague, as they take viewers on a whimsical, heartwarming journey to find great food this Christmas.
Emma Bisley, Head of Campaigns, at Sainsbury’s, said: “The festive season is about making wonderful memories, and we’re here to help our customers create a truly unforgettable Christmas with family and friends, especially when it comes to food.
Collaborating with the Roald Dahl Story Company this year was a remarkable opportunity to tap into the nostalgia and heartwarming spirit that the BFG embodies and we hope that this advert captures the nation’s hearts and fills them with joy.”
Shelter highlights the issue of child homelessness with a powerful and moving 2024 Christmas ad.
Sports Direct Christmas Advert
Tesco Christmas Advert
TK Maxx brings back last year’s Christmas ads for the 2024 season
Created by Wieden + Kennedy, the retail store, TK Maxx has reprised its Christmas ad from 2023. In a 40-second spot titled “Festive Farm,” these adorable creatures catwalk out of their barn, donning fashionable TK Maxx outfits, coinciding with the retailer’s most extensive Christmas gift collection ever.
As the iconic intro of Eve and Gwen Stefani’s early noughties hit “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” sets the stage, the animals gracefully parade through the snowy landscape, flaunting their fabulous Yuletide presents.
First to emerge is an alpaca sporting a turtleneck and crossbody bag, followed by a pair of ducks bedecked in Harry Styles-inspired pearls, an elegant silk scarf, and a suave pink bow tie. Bringing up the rear is an irresistibly cute hedgehog, donning a cozy pink cashmere woolly hat, and the “lil’ goat” from the 2020 TK Maxx Christmas campaign, making a stylish return to the parade.
The ad concludes with the farmer questioning his wife about the lavish farm outfits, to which she responds, “Oh, I did, love,” and they share a laugh as they watch their animals strut into the distance, decked out in quality gifts for less at TK Maxx.
Waitrose leaves the nation in suspense with a star-studded ‘whodunnit’ Christmas ad
Waitrose has launched the first part of its Christmas advert, Sweet Suspicion: A Waitrose Mystery, kicking off the retailer’s festive campaign. This Christmas ‘whodunnit,’ featuring an all-star cast, delivers a suspenseful holiday cliffhanger and, for the first time, will unfold in two parts, with the conclusion coming in the weeks ahead.
Created by Saatchi & Saatchi, the ad follows a family getting ready for Christmas Day, only to realise that the No.1 Waitrose Red Velvet Bauble Dessert has mysteriously disappeared. Throughout the ad, Succession actor Matthew Macfadyen plays an amateur detective who embarks on a quest to find the culprit.
Waitrose Customer Director Nathan Ansell said: “For the first time, we’re keeping Waitrose customers guessing with a ‘whodunnit’ festive crime drama featuring a stellar cast for this year’s Christmas ad.
“Our Christmas Campaign is all about how Waitrose (Christmas) food is so good, you can’t wait to get your hands on it so we’ve showcased the very best of our delicious range while also adding a touch of festive fun and sparkle. Was it Uncle Phil? Was it Fig the cat? You’ll have to wait and see.”
