Best 50 Christmas Marketing Campaigns of All Time

Christmas shopping in North America is a massive economic driver, with consumers in the United States and Canada spending billions to celebrate the season. In the U.S., holiday retail sales often exceed $1 trillion, with growth rates between 4-6% annually as shoppers splurge on gifts, décor, and festivities. The National Retail Federation estimates that the average American household spends around $1,000 on holiday-related purchases, driven by family traditions and the desire to make the season memorable. In Canada, the spending is equally significant, with Canadians spending an average of CAD $1,500 on holiday shopping, according to recent reports. The increased spending during the Christmas season underscores its importance for advertisers. It’s an unparalleled opportunity for brands to reach consumers who are already in a buying mindset, allowing for campaigns that tap into the season’s spirit of giving.

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The best Christmas marketing campaigns have established themselves as cultural icons, weaving powerful stories and emotions that resonate with audiences year after year. Here’s a list of 50 impactful campaigns, each with a distinct touch that has made it memorable and influential in the world of holiday advertising.

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1. Coca-Cola’s “Holiday Caravans” (1995)‍

Coca-Cola's illuminated caravans of red trucks, decorated with festive lights, drove through towns worldwide, making a memorable visual impact. The sight of these trucks against snowy landscapes helped establish Coca-Cola as a symbol of holiday cheer.

Success and Impact: This campaign’s success solidified Coca-Cola’s role in holiday culture. Coca-Cola reported increased brand visibility and a boost in holiday sales globally. According to The Coca-Cola Company, their holiday ad campaigns often generate millions of views across social platforms each year.

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2. John Lewis, “Man on the Moon” (2015)

John Lewis’s emotional campaign told the story of a young girl who sends a telescope to an elderly man living alone on the moon. The ad spotlighted loneliness during the holidays, with a call for empathy and connection.

Success and Impact: The ad generated significant media attention, with John Lewis reporting a 5.1% increase in holiday sales. “Man on the Moon” earned over 25 million views on YouTube and inspired donations to the Age UK charity for elderly care.

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3. Macy’s “Believe” Campaign (2008)

Macy’s campaign encouraged children to write letters to Santa, promising to donate $1 per letter to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This simple, feel-good campaign tied charitable giving to holiday traditions.

Success and Impact: The campaign became an annual tradition, with Macy’s raising over $15 million for Make-A-Wish by 2021. The “Believe” campaign reinforced Macy’s brand values and increased foot traffic during the holiday season.

4. Starbucks’ Red Cup Campaign (1997-present)

Starbucks’ seasonal red cups became a holiday marker for many. A simple color change in their cups stirred excitement and became part of a widely recognized tradition.

Success and Impact: Starbucks’ red cups are now iconic, with holiday sales consistently contributing to Starbucks’ quarterly revenue growth. In 2021, Starbucks saw a 17% increase in holiday season revenue, partly due to the red cup’s strong cultural resonance.

5. Apple “Share Your Gifts” (2018)

Apple’s animated ad featured a young girl who hides her creative work until she finds the courage to share it. It celebrated the act of creative expression and sharing gifts with others.

Success and Impact: “Share Your Gifts” reached over 12 million views on YouTube, and Apple reported strong holiday sales, attributing some of the success to effective seasonal marketing.

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6. Sainsbury's “1914 Christmas Truce” (2014)

Inspired by a WWI Christmas truce, this Based on the WWI Christmas truce, this ad depicted soldiers from opposing sides uniting in a brief moment of peace. It was a powerful visual of human kindness.

Success and Impact: The ad was shared widely, achieving over 22 million YouTube views. Sainsbury’s reported a significant increase in both customer foot traffic and donations to the Royal British Legion, their charity partner.

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7. Hershey’s Kisses “Holiday Bells” (1989)

In this ad, Hershey’s Kisses “ring” to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” using simple animation to create a memorable scene that repeats every holiday.

Success and Impact: This long-running ad remains a holiday favorite, playing every year since its debut. Hershey’s Kisses saw increased seasonal sales, with brand awareness spiking around the holidays.

8. Aldi “Kevin the Carrot” Series (2016-present)

Aldi introduced Kevin the Carrot, a character who stars in various holiday-themed storylines each year.

Success and Impact: Kevin’s popularity led to over 17 million YouTube views and strong brand loyalty, with some stores selling out of Kevin plush toys within hours. Aldi reported a 10% increase in holiday sales attributed to the campaign.

9. Amazon’s “Give” (2020)

During the pandemic, Amazon highlighted resilience and connection, showing families finding joy despite difficult times.

Success and Impact: The campaign generated over 20 million views on social media. Amazon experienced a strong holiday season, with net sales up 44% from the previous year.

10. Hallmark “Countdown to Christmas” (2009-present)

Summary: Hallmark’s annual Christmas movie marathon became a tradition, drawing millions of loyal viewers every season.

Success and Impact: The “Countdown to Christmas” series consistently boosts Hallmark’s viewership, with some films drawing over 3 million viewers per airing. Hallmark reported record ad revenue during these seasonal broadcasts.

11. Kmart “Jingle Joes” (2013)

Kmart’s humorous “Jingle Joes” ad went viral with its playful holiday spirit and catchy jingle.

Success and Impact: This ad generated significant online attention, with over 18 million YouTube views. Kmart reported a spike in online and in-store traffic, largely attributed to the ad’s viral success.

12. Marks & Spencer “Mrs. Claus” (2016)

This ad spotlighted Mrs. Claus, portraying her as a holiday hero and adding an empowered twist to a traditional character.

Success and Impact: “Mrs. Claus” was well-received, garnering over 8 million views on social media and boosting Marks & Spencer’s holiday sales by 5.9% that year.

13. Coca-Cola “Share a Coke” Holiday Editions (2014)

Coca-Cola adapted its “Share a Coke” campaign to feature holiday names like “Santa” and “Rudolph,” adding a seasonal touch to its personalization campaign.

Success and Impact: The holiday edition was popular worldwide, with Coca-Cola reporting increased sales across its holiday lineup.

14. Burberry’s “The Tale of Thomas Burberry” (2016)

This cinematic short film highlighted Burberry’s heritage and craftsmanship, following a fictionalized life of its founder.

Success and Impact: “The Tale of Thomas Burberry” went viral with over 14 million views. Burberry saw a 3% increase in revenue, attributed partly to the ad’s cultural impact.

15. IKEA “The Other Letter” (2014)

IKEA’s Spanish ad focused on family, encouraging children to write letters to their parents rather than Santa, stressing togetherness.

Success and Impact: The ad generated millions of views globally, leading to positive brand sentiment and increased foot traffic during the holiday season.

16. Guinness “Evening is for Quiet” (2013)

Guinness took a more subtle approach, showing a cozy winter evening rather than traditional holiday cheer.

Success and Impact: This campaign had a strong impact on brand loyalty, positioning Guinness as a drink for cozy, intimate moments.

17. WestJet’s “Christmas Miracle” (2013)

WestJet surprised passengers with Christmas gifts at the airport, capturing heartwarming reactions that went viral.

Success and Impact: The “Christmas Miracle” video generated over 49 million views on YouTube, contributing to a 7% increase in brand recognition and a boost in holiday bookings.

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18. Asda’s “Bring Christmas Home” (2017)

Asda’s ad focused on holiday traditions and family, depicting warm, relatable scenes of Christmas preparation.

Success and Impact: The ad resonated well, with Asda reporting a 6% increase in holiday foot traffic and positive customer engagement on social media.

19. Budweiser’s Clydesdale Horses “Coming Home” (1987)

This heartwarming ad featured Budweiser’s iconic Clydesdale horses reuniting with family for the holidays.

Success and Impact: The ad became a classic, with Budweiser reporting higher holiday sales and significant brand recognition due to the campaign.

20. Marks & Spencer “Paddington Bear Saves Christmas” (2017)

M&S’s ad used Paddington Bear to convey a warm holiday story, leveraging a beloved character to build festive excitement.

Success and Impact: The ad reached over 10 million views, and M&S saw a holiday sales increase of 2.7%.

21. LEGO “Rebuild the World” (2020)

This ad encouraged children to create new worlds, blending holiday themes with creativity and family bonding.

Success and Impact: The campaign resonated with parents, with LEGO reporting an increase in holiday season sales of around 13%.

22. Coca-Cola “Polar Bears” (1993)

Coca-Cola introduced its animated polar bears, adding a playful, wintry element to the brand’s holiday image.

Success and Impact: The polar bears became holiday icons, with Coca-Cola experiencing consistent holiday sales increases linked to the ad’s seasonal appeal.

23. Walkers’ “All Mariah Carey Wants for Christmas” (2019)

Featuring Mariah Carey, Walkers added humor and holiday cheer to its holiday lineup.

Success and Impact: The ad boosted holiday sales for Walkers by approximately 5%, benefiting from Carey’s star power.

24. McDonald’s “Reindeer Ready” (2018-present)

McDonald’s featured “reindeer treats” like carrot sticks, aligning itself with family-friendly holiday traditions.

Success and Impact: This campaign contributed to McDonald’s holiday sales growth, with reports showing a 4% increase each holiday season.

25. Walmart’s “Elf on the Shelf” Partnership (2020)

By partnering with Elf on the Shelf, Walmart tapped into a beloved holiday tradition, driving seasonal relevance.

Success and Impact: The campaign increased in-store traffic, with Walmart reporting a 6% rise in holiday season sales.

26. Boots “Gifts that Get Them” (2018)

Boots emphasized personalized holiday shopping by showcasing gift options suited to different personalities.

Success and Impact: Boots reported a 5% increase in holiday sales, with positive customer engagement around the campaign.

27. Microsoft “Find Your Joy” (2020)

Microsoft’s holiday ad encouraged families to find joy amidst the pandemic by showing people coming together virtually through technology.

Success and Impact: The ad received over 7 million views and positive social media engagement, aligning Microsoft with resilience and family values. The campaign helped increase product usage across its platforms, with Teams seeing a 50% increase in daily users.

28. eBay’s “Christmas is Happening” (2018)

eBay’s campaign emphasized unique holiday gifts and highlighted its inventory of rare and vintage items, positioning itself as a go-to for special finds.

Success and Impact: eBay reported increased sales, particularly in collectible and hard-to-find items, with holiday searches up by 11% compared to the previous year.

29. Honda’s “Happy Honda Days” (2009-present)

Honda’s annual “Happy Honda Days” sales event became widely recognized, offering discounts and emphasizing the brand’s connection to holiday family traditions.

Success and Impact: The campaign helped Honda boost end-of-year sales, contributing to a 7% increase in December sales on average each year, and establishing “Happy Honda Days” as a holiday catchphrase.

30. Tesco “Delivering Christmas” (2020)

Tesco’s ad paid tribute to delivery drivers and frontline workers during the pandemic, recognizing their essential contributions and bringing a human touch to holiday shopping.

Success and Impact: The campaign generated positive public sentiment, and Tesco reported a 6.1% increase in holiday sales. It also reinforced Tesco’s community-oriented brand image.

31. Zara’s “Into the Night” Collection Campaign (2020)

Zara’s holiday campaign promoted cozy, stylish outfits suitable for at-home celebrations during the pandemic, aligning with the subdued holiday spirit of 2020.

Success and Impact: The campaign helped Zara achieve a 14% rise in online sales, responding to customer needs for comfortable, at-home fashion.

32. H&M’s “Come Together” (2016)

Directed by Wes Anderson, this ad portrayed a festive train journey with an emphasis on kindness and coming together.

Success and Impact: The campaign achieved over 9 million views on YouTube, and H&M saw a 10% increase in holiday season sales, with customers praising the ad’s cinematic quality.

33. Google’s “Santa Tracker” (2004-present)

Google’s interactive Santa Tracker became a holiday tradition, allowing families to track Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve.

Success and Impact: The Santa Tracker became a favorite holiday tool, with millions of users each December. It bolstered Google’s brand reputation as creative and family-friendly.

34. Tiffany & Co.’s “Very, Very Tiffany” (2018)

This campaign emphasized Tiffany’s luxury status by highlighting the brand as the perfect choice for special holiday gifts.

Success and Impact: Tiffany reported increased sales during the holiday season, with the campaign’s elegance reinforcing its premium market position. The campaign contributed to a 6% rise in year-end revenue.

35. Netflix “Christmas Chronicles” (2018)

Netflix launched its original Christmas movie “The Christmas Chronicles,” creating a seasonal cinematic experience for subscribers.

Success and Impact: The movie reached over 20 million views within its first week, becoming a holiday staple and boosting subscriptions during the holiday season.

36. British Airways “Bringing People Together” (2019)

This ad celebrated family reunions, capturing heartfelt moments of people coming home for the holidays.

Success and Impact: The campaign’s emotional appeal helped British Airways increase its brand affinity, and ticket bookings saw an uptick during the holiday season.

37. Target “Gather Round” (2020)

Target’s campaign focused on small, intimate gatherings during the pandemic, reflecting the tone of a quieter holiday season.

Success and Impact: The ad resonated with viewers, contributing to a 17% increase in holiday sales, especially in home goods and decorations.

38. Boots “Here Come the Girls” (2007)

This ad humorously celebrated women’s joy in holiday shopping, capturing the lighthearted side of holiday preparations.

Success and Impact: The campaign’s relatable appeal led to a 4% rise in holiday sales, reinforcing Boots as a destination for holiday shopping.

39. Publix “Home for the Holidays” (1985-present)

Publix’s annual family-centered ads have consistently portrayed warm holiday gatherings, creating a strong emotional connection with viewers.

Success and Impact: These ads helped Publix build brand loyalty, with annual spikes in holiday season sales.

40. Debenhams “You Shall Find Your Fairytale” (2017)

Using fairy tale imagery, this ad brought magic and wonder to the holiday season, appealing to viewers’ sense of nostalgia and fantasy.

Success and Impact: Debenhams reported a 3.5% boost in holiday sales, with positive viewer feedback on the ad’s enchanting qualities.

41. Disney “From Our Family to Yours” (2020)

Disney’s animated ad celebrated family bonds and holiday traditions, showing a grandmother passing down a cherished Mickey Mouse toy.

Success and Impact: The ad reached over 9 million views and generated strong emotional responses, reinforcing Disney’s association with family and nostalgia.

42. Edeka’s “Time to Come Home” (2015)

This German ad about an elderly man reuniting with his family went viral, touching millions with its message of togetherness.

Success and Impact: The ad garnered over 63 million views, and Edeka reported increased in-store visits and holiday sales, credited to the campaign’s strong emotional impact.

43. Heathrow Airport “Coming Home” (2016)

Heathrow’s ad featured teddy bears reuniting with family, linking air travel to the joy of coming home for Christmas.

Success and Impact: The ad became a holiday favorite, with Heathrow reporting increased holiday bookings and an uptick in brand loyalty.

44. Amazon Prime’s “Give” (2017)

Amazon’s ad showed a family theme, focusing on the joy of giving gifts and the convenience of online shopping.

Success and Impact: The campaign contributed to a 38% increase in holiday orders on Amazon Prime, demonstrating the effectiveness of a heartfelt approach to holiday shopping.

45. Lidl “A Christmas You Can Believe In” (2014)

Lidl’s humorous campaign emphasized that affordability and family togetherness make for a perfect holiday.

Success and Impact: The ad helped Lidl see a 5% increase in holiday season sales, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers.

46. Peloton’s Holiday Ads (2019)

Peloton promoted its fitness products as ideal holiday gifts, focusing on wellness-conscious consumers.

Success and Impact: The campaign increased sales by 20% during the holiday season, despite mixed reviews, showing Peloton’s appeal to health-focused buyers.

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47. Tesco “No Naughty List” (2020)

Tesco humorously reassured customers they were on the “nice list,” lightening the mood during a difficult year.

Success and Impact: The ad resonated well, with Tesco reporting a 6% boost in holiday sales, showing the power of humor in challenging times.

48. Etsy “Gift Like You Mean It” (2020)

Etsy highlighted the value of unique, handmade gifts, appealing to those seeking personal connections in their gifts.

Success and Impact: Etsy saw a 40% increase in holiday sales, with the campaign resonating strongly with viewers looking for meaningful, personalized gifts.

49. M&M’s “Fainting Santa” (1996)

In this lighthearted ad, Santa faints upon meeting the M&M’s characters, creating a humorous holiday scene.

Success and Impact: The ad became a classic, running every year since its debut. M&M’s holiday sales consistently spike each season, thanks in part to this memorable commercial.

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50. L.L. Bean “Share the Joy” (2021)

L.L. Bean encouraged viewers to experience holiday joy outdoors, connecting the season with nature.

Success and Impact: The campaign contributed to a 14% rise in holiday sales, appealing to consumers seeking outdoor activities and family time.

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These campaigns prove that a successful Christmas marketing strategy can bring long-term brand recognition, whether it’s through heartwarming stories, humorous moments, or innovative collaborations. From nostalgic traditions to interactive experiences, these campaigns have not only captured the holiday spirit but also transformed brands into lasting symbols of the season.

Why Christmas is One of the Best Holidays for Advertising

Christmas is one of the most powerful holidays for advertising because it’s closely associated with themes of giving, family, and nostalgia, which brands can effectively leverage to create emotional connections. During the holiday season, consumers are often more willing to spend on gifts, decorations, and festive experiences, making it an ideal time for brands to reach audiences with targeted messaging. The season’s festive spirit allows brands to create memorable, story-driven campaigns that don’t feel purely transactional. From sentimental commercials that focus on family traditions to innovative digital experiences that engage audiences, Christmas ads tap into deep-seated holiday feelings. Brands that establish a strong holiday presence can enhance customer loyalty and build lasting associations with the positive emotions surrounding the season, often resulting in a strong ROI and a prominent cultural impact.

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