Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and generosity. It is also a time when many brands try to capture the spirit of the season and create memorable ads that touch our hearts and minds. Some of these ads have become iconic and part of our cultural heritage. Here are the top 7 legendary Christmas ads ever, in no particular order.
Coca-Cola – “Holidays Are Coming” – 1995
This ad is one of the most recognizable and beloved Christmas commercials of all time. It features a fleet of red trucks decorated with lights and carrying the Coca-Cola logo, driving through snowy landscapes and bringing happiness to everyone they pass by. The catchy jingle, “Holidays are coming, holidays are coming”, has become synonymous with the arrival of Christmas.
John Lewis – “The Bear and the Hare” – 2013
John Lewis is known for its emotional and heartwarming Christmas ads, and this one is no exception. It tells the story of a bear who hibernates every winter and misses out on the festive fun. His friend, the hare, decides to give him a special gift: an alarm clock that wakes him up on Christmas morning. The bear is overjoyed to see the snow and join his friends for the first time. The ad is beautifully animated and accompanied by a cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know”.
Hershey’s Kisses – “Jingle Bells” – 1989
This ad is simple, yet effective. It shows a group of Hershey’s Kisses arranged like a bell choir, each one ringing as a note in the classic song “Jingle Bells”. The final kiss, wearing a red bow, wipes its forehead in relief after the performance. The ad is cute, charming, and has been running for over 30 years, making it the longest-running Hershey’s ad ever.
M&M’s – “Faint” – 1996
This ad is hilarious and memorable. It features the red and yellow M&M’s characters, who are surprised to encounter Santa Claus in their living room. The red M&M exclaims, “He does exist!” and faints. Santa, equally shocked, says, “They do exist!” and faints as well. The yellow M&M is left alone, holding a bowl of candies, and says, “Uh, Santa?” The ad plays on the idea that both Santa and M&M’s are mythical and magical.
Sainsbury’s – “Mog’s Christmas Calamity” – 2015
This ad is based on the popular children’s book series by Judith Kerr, featuring a clumsy cat named Mog. In the ad, Mog accidentally causes a series of disasters that ruin his family’s Christmas preparations, such as setting the oven on fire, breaking the tree, and destroying the presents. However, the neighbors come to the rescue and bring food, decorations, and gifts to save the day. The ad ends with the slogan, “Christmas is for sharing”.
Apple – “Frankie’s Holiday” – 2016
This ad is a touching and uplifting story of acceptance and kindness. It features Frankenstein’s monster, who lives in a secluded cabin and longs for human connection. He decides to venture into the town and surprise the villagers with a rendition of “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays”, using two light bulbs as props. At first, the people are scared and hostile, but a young girl encourages them to join in and sing along. The monster is moved to tears and smiles, as he finally feels welcomed and appreciated.
H&M – “Come Together” – 2016
This ad is a stylish and star-studded affair, directed by Wes Anderson and starring Adrien Brody. It depicts a train journey that is delayed by bad weather, forcing the passengers to spend Christmas Eve on board. The conductor, played by Brody, organizes a festive celebration in the cafeteria, complete with a decorated tree, a chocolate cake, and a surprise gift for a young boy. The ad captures the quirky and whimsical aesthetic of Anderson’s films, as well as the message of coming together and making the best of a situation.
Conclusion
These are some of the best Christmas ads ever made, that have entertained, inspired, and moved us over the years. They show us the true meaning of Christmas, and remind us to cherish the moments we share with our loved ones. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. Happy holidays!