When I think about the holiday season, one of the things that always stands out to me are the Christmas marketing campaigns that flood our screens. Some are funny, some tug at your heartstrings, and others just make you want to dive into the festive spirit. Over the years, there are a few that have really stuck with me—not because they were trying to sell me something, but because they captured the magic of the holidays in such a memorable way. These campaigns aren’t just about products, they’re about the feeling of Christmas. That’s why I wanted to share some of the best ones I’ve seen, the ones that really hit home for me, and why they worked so well. Let’s dive into the festive world of Christmas marketing!

01. Coca-Cola – The World Needs More Santas

Coca-Cola’s “The World Needs More Santas” campaign was a heartwarming celebration of the generosity and kindness embodied by Santa Claus. Launched globally, but particularly resonant in markets like the US and Europe, the campaign featured regular people stepping up as “Santas” to spread joy and goodwill in their communities. It highlighted everyday acts of kindness, showing how everyone can embody the spirit of Santa by sharing happiness. I loved it because it took the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas tradition of Santa and made it feel more personal and inclusive, reminding us that anyone can spread the magic of Christmas. It was popular because it connected with people’s desire for togetherness and goodwill, which are at the heart of the holiday season.

02. Apple – Fuzzy Feelings

Apple’s “Fuzzy Feelings” campaign was a beautifully crafted holiday ad that showcased the emotional connection between family, creativity, and technology. The campaign was featured in key markets like the US, UK, and Europe, and focused on a heartwarming story of a family using Apple devices to create a special holiday gift for their grandmother. The blend of modern technology with traditional holiday sentiment made it relatable and touching. I loved it because it captured the essence of how technology can bring people closer together during the holidays, evoking both nostalgia and excitement. It was popular because it was both visually stunning and emotionally engaging, striking a perfect balance between the warmth of family connections and the innovative spirit of Apple.

03. Asda – The Gift of Christmas

Asda’s “The Gift of Christmas” campaign featuring Michael Bublé launched during the festive season, showcasing the magic of Christmas with a blend of heartwarming visuals and Bublé’s iconic voice. The campaign ran primarily in the UK, where Asda aimed to emphasize the joy of togetherness and generosity during the holidays. The ad captured cozy family moments, table spreads filled with festive treats, and, of course, the smooth charm of Michael Bublé serenading audiences. I loved it because it brought the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas to life, making me feel like the holiday spirit was just around the corner. The mix of Bublé’s crooning and Asda’s focus on family made it popular for those who crave the classic, cozy Christmas experience.

04. Vodafone – Feel the connection

Vodafone’s “Feel the Connection” campaign was a heartwarming advertisement focused on how their technology helps people stay connected, especially during the holidays. Targeted primarily in the UK and Europe, the campaign showed touching moments of families and loved ones using Vodafone’s services to bridge physical distance, whether through video calls or sharing messages of love and joy. I loved it because it perfectly captured that bittersweet holiday feeling when you can’t be with someone in person, but technology makes you feel just as close. It was popular because it highlighted the importance of staying connected with loved ones, which is particularly meaningful during the festive season, and it reinforced Vodafone’s brand as an enabler of those precious moments.

05. IKEA – Take a Holiday from the Holidays

IKEA’s “Take a Holiday from the Holidays” campaign cleverly embraced the chaos and stress that often come with the holiday season. Launched in several markets including the UK, Europe, and the US, the campaign focused on creating a more relaxed and stress-free holiday experience at home. It humorously portrayed the idea of taking a break from the pressure to host, decorate, and impress, instead encouraging people to enjoy a more comfortable and low-key celebration.

I loved it because it was refreshingly honest about the holiday pressure so many of us feel. It reminded me that sometimes, it’s okay to keep things simple and focus on enjoying the moment rather than stressing over perfection.

06. Amazon – Joy Ride

Amazon’s “Joy Ride” campaign was a festive, uplifting ad that followed the journey of a delivery driver spreading holiday cheer through Amazon’s fast and reliable service. Set in various global markets, including the US, UK, and Europe, the campaign highlighted the convenience of Amazon’s delivery network during the busy holiday season, with packages bringing joy to families and friends.

The campaign’s visuals and storytelling focused on the emotional impact of receiving and giving gifts, emphasizing Amazon’s role in making that possible. It captured the essence of how modern shopping can enhance the holiday experience through seamless service and timely deliveries.

07. Marks & Spencer – Love thismas (not thatmas)

Marks & Spencer’s “Love Thismas (Not Thatmas)” campaign playfully contrasted the perfect, joyful moments of the holiday season with the often stressful or frustrating aspects. Running in the UK, the campaign highlighted the products that make “thismas”—the good side of Christmas—more enjoyable, such as delicious food and stylish clothing, all while poking fun at the more chaotic or unpleasant parts of the holiday rush.

With its lighthearted tone and focus on embracing the best parts of the season, the campaign encouraged shoppers to focus on what truly matters, offering Marks & Spencer’s products as the perfect solution for making Christmas feel special and stress-free.

08. Frito Lay – Share More Joy

Frito-Lay’s “Share More Joy” campaign was a festive celebration of the simple pleasures that come with sharing snacks during the holiday season. Running across the US and North America, the campaign featured families and friends coming together, enjoying a variety of Frito-Lay products, with a focus on spreading joy through these small, delicious moments.

The ad emphasized the role of snacks in bringing people together, whether during family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights in, making Frito-Lay a fun and familiar part of the festive celebrations.

09. The Beginner – John Lewis & Partners

John Lewis & Partners’ Christmas campaign, “The Beginner,” tells a heartwarming story about the challenges and joys of learning something new. The ad follows a man who is awkwardly and determinedly learning to skateboard in the run-up to Christmas. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his efforts are for a special reason—welcoming a foster child into his home who happens to love skateboarding. Set in the UK, this campaign is beautifully simple, focusing on themes of kindness, patience, and the importance of family. It highlights the spirit of giving in a way that feels genuinely touching, using subtle storytelling and a gentle pace that leaves a lasting impression.

How to make a memorable Christmas Marketing Campaigns for your brand

Creating a memorable Christmas marketing campaign video requires a combination of compelling storytelling, high-quality visuals, and a strong emotional connection with the audience. Begin by crafting a clear and relatable narrative that resonates with the target audience’s values, needs, or desires. The story should evoke strong emotions, whether through humor, sentimentality, or inspiration, to ensure it sticks in viewers’ minds. Use high-quality visuals and sound to enhance the storytelling, with attention to color, lighting, and music that matches the video’s mood. Engaging the audience within the first few seconds is crucial, so start with a captivating hook or visual to draw them in. Keep the video concise and focused, ensuring the brand message is clear without being overly promotional. Ensure the video aligns with the overall brand identity and ends with a strong call to action, leaving viewers inspired, entertained, or motivated to engage with the brand further.