December 24, 2024
Our selection of the best Christmas ads of 2024 includes standout campaigns from annual favorites like Coca-Cola, Aldi, and Tesco, as well as fresh entries from Barbour, Starbucks, and more
Ho ho ho… It’s that time of year again when our screens are brimming with Christmas ads that not only get us into the festive spirit but also tap into our emotions. This year, artificial intelligence has played a role in crafting some of these ads—though audiences seem divided on how they feel about the tech’s involvement.
From Disney’s heartwarming holiday short The Boy and the Octopus, to JD Sports’ touching The Family Portrait, and Coca-Cola – Secret Santa an (AI-Generated Ad), these are just a few of the standout Christmas ads of 2024.
But think about it—what made you pick up that aftershave for your dad instead of the usual socks this year? Was it watching someone relive key moments of their life growing up with a sibling, hoping to spark inspiration for a last-minute gift? You know, that Christmas ad that almost brought a tear to your eye.
Dive into our curated list of 2024’s most memorable holiday ads that evoke the spirit of the season.
Coca-Cola has leveraged cutting-edge technology to reimagine its classic “Holidays Are Coming” ad for a new generation. The campaign retains the brand’s signature festive spirit—featuring snowy landscapes, festive animals, and the iconic Coca-Cola trucks—while adding a modern twist with AI-generated visuals, including digital actors based on real likenesses. This innovative blend of tradition and technology is one of the reasons we’ve included this ad in our list of the Best Christmas Ads of 2024.
Cartier’s Christmas ad invites viewers into a captivating winter tale, where a melody beckons, festive rhythms unfold, and an enchanted evening begins—seemingly woven by magic.
JD Sports’ 2024 Christmas ad, “The Family Portrait,” beautifully captures the joy of diverse lives during the festive season. Presented in a documentary-style format, it seamlessly blends everyday people with iconic figures from sports, music, and culture, highlighting the universal spirit of family and togetherness.
Disney’s “The Boy and the Octopus” ad brings the holiday season to life with a heartfelt and enchanting story. Directed by Taika Waititi, the tale follows a young boy who befriends a curious octopus during a seaside vacation. Eager to explore life on land, the octopus embarks on a journey through the boy’s world, discovering the magic of the holidays. The ad beautifully captures the joy of finding friendship and warmth in unexpected places, perfectly embodying the Christmas spirit. As every year, this holiday season also features a Taika Waititi ad among our picks for the best Christmas ads of 2024.
Barbour has done it again, and it’s clear why this ad stands out as a favorite of the year. Clever and full of heart, it brings back Shaun the Sheep and his mischievous gang at Mossy Bottom Farm. This festive story captures everything that makes holiday storytelling special—scarves flying, sheep causing chaos, and that cozy countryside charm that Barbour has perfected over the years.
In Aldi’s Christmas Spirit ad, the dastardly humbugs attempt to steal the Christmas Spirit, but they prove no match for the unbe-leaf-able duo, Kevin and Katie. With their clever tricks, including booby traps and false bottoms, the pair save the day, bringing plenty of laughs and festive cheer. The brand-new Christmas ad has viewers chuckling their Christmas stockings off!
M&S has unveiled its highly anticipated Christmas Food ad, and this year, Fairy has found a new companion. The one-and-only Dawn French stars in the festive campaign, coming face-to-face with the magical Fairy in a hilarious twist that leaves her quite startled. Not only does she discover that magic truly exists, but Fairy has also invited all the neighbors for an impromptu party, creating chaos for anyone without a magic wand—and some even more magical M&S Food. The ad invites everyone to step into Christmas and meet the quintessential hostess of the season, reminding viewers that this is not just Christmas… it’s an M&S Christmas.
The ad showcases the uniqueness of the brand’s creative approach and the incredible craftsmanship involved. Featuring techniques such as stop-frame animation, 2D animation, and a rotating curved practical set build, the ad is a testament to innovative storytelling. The blend of different techniques creates a visually stunning experience while perfectly capturing the chaotic yet familiar feeling of preparing for Christmas—a sentiment that resonates with everyone.
Boots’ ad stars Adjoa Andoh as the no-nonsense and heroic Mrs. Claus, exuding confidence as she proudly oversees her ‘werkshop’ alongside a team of gender-neutral ‘elf-fluencers.’ The ad feels fresh, inclusive, and fun, connecting the Boots brand to modern values and promoting beauty confidence. By spotlighting the real powerhouses of Christmas—women, key workers, and families—the campaign emphasizes often-overlooked contributions during the festive season.
Waitrose presents Sweet Suspicion: A Waitrose Mystery, inviting viewers to uncover the culprit in this delectable whodunnit. In part one, audiences analyzed the clues, dismissed red herrings, and speculated on the mastermind behind the delicious crime. Now, in part two, Detective David takes center stage, piecing together the evidence to solve the case. With twists, turns, and plenty of intrigue, Sweet Suspicion keeps everyone guessing until the very end.
Tesco’s Feed Your Christmas Spirit ad delivers emotion, a clear narrative, and impressive production quality. The aesthetic captures the essence of real people’s lives, creating a relatable and heartfelt campaign that resonates with audiences.
Holiday Road by Coca-Cola tells a simple yet relatable story. Love isn’t just an emotion; it takes effort, planning, and coordination, particularly during Christmas when everyone puts in extra effort to be together. The message, ‘Love is worth it,’ beautifully sums up this holiday truth.
Source: The Drum, Digital Marketing Institute, YouTube
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