Christmas ads have become a festive tradition in their own right, with some ads becoming as eagerly anticipated as the season itself.
Over the years, brands have learned to tap into the power of emotion, nostalgia, and storytelling to create memorable moments that resonate with viewers long after Christmas has ended.
As the first Christmas ads of the 2024 season are being released, we’ve taken a look back at our all time favourites from over the years.
1. An Post (2005)
Arguably one of the most iconic Christmas ads of all time, An Post’s Snowman ad captured hearts worldwide with its beautiful animation and emotional depth.
The ad tells the story of a little boy who sets out to find his lost friend, a snowman, who he later mails a letter to, reminding us all of the magic of the Christmas season.
The touching narrative, paired with “Walking in the Air” as the soundtrack, still evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, and the subtle but powerful message about connection and generosity.
2. SuperValu (2020)
SuperValu’s 2020 Christmas ad tugged on our heartstrings in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ad followed a young boy who is preparing for Christmas amid lockdown restrictions, and is seen asking his mother “Is he still coming this year?” to which she replies “of course he is”.
The scenes that follow show the boy appearing to write a letter to Santa and even placing a sign which reads “please stop here” outside his home.
But at the end of the video, it’s revealed the boy was actually waiting for his grandfather to make it home for Christmas.
After hearing movement downstairs one night, Conor hurries down the stairs to be greeted by his beloved grandad, which was followed by the tagline “SuperValu: We Believe”.
3. Aldi (2016)
Aldi’s 2016 Christmas ad featuring their beloved character, Kevin the Carrot, became an instant hit and remains one of the brand’s most memorable festive campaigns.
In this ad, Kevin embarks on an epic journey across a festive feast in the hopes of meeting Santa.
The “Kevin the Carrot” series has since become a festive favourite, with Aldi continuing to bring the character back year after year, creating a fun, family-oriented tradition.
4. SuperValu (2022)
SuperValu released another memorable Christmas ad in 2022.
The ad featured a young girl caring for an injured reindeer after discovering it in her family’s back garden.
After nursing the adorable reindeer back to full health, the girl encourages the reindeer to fly back to Santa in a heart wrenching moment.
The ad, which was a huge hit on social media at the time, ended with SuperValu’s tagline Share The Magic.
5. John Lewis (2013)
John Lewis has been known for its annual Christmas adverts, and “The Bear and the Hare” from 2013 remains one of its most iconic.
The beautifully animated advert featured a bear and a hare, and told a touching story about friendship and the joy of Christmas.
Lily Allen’s rendition of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” added a nostalgic touch that resonated with viewers.
The advert conveyed themes of togetherness, generosity, and the simple pleasures of companionship, making it a timeless favourite.
6. Kellogg’s Cornflakes (1990)
The Kellogg’s Cornflakes ad from 1990 holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up watching it.
The ad shows three young children leaving out a bowl of Cornflakes for Santa on Christmas Eve.
The youngest girl wakes up in the middle of the night to meet Santa in their living room, and adorably utters the words “ho ho ho” before Santa offers her a cornflake.
An oldie but a goodie, this is still one of our absolute favourites.
7. Coca-Cola (1995)
It wouldn’t be a list of top Christmas ads without the iconic Coca-Cola truck.
First aired in 1995, the “Holidays Are Coming” ad introduced the world to the now-famous red-and-white Coca-Cola truck, adorned with sparkling lights as it makes its way through snow-covered towns.
The jingle “Holidays are Coming” is now synonymous with the start of the festive season, and this ad’s cheery depiction of Christmas warmth has become one of the most enduring festive campaigns in history.
It’s a classic that signals the true arrival of Christmas for many.
8. Guinness – (2004)
The Guinness Christmas ad from 2004 is a timeless classic, and is still used on TV to this day.
The ad features stunning scenes from across Ireland covered in snow, and featured the tagline: “Happy Christmas from everyone at Guinness. Even at the Home of the Black Stuff, We’re dreaming of a White One.”
The music for the ad was produced specially for the commercial by composer Kevin Sargent, and has become synonymous with the festive season in Ireland.
9. Woodie’s (2020)
Another Christmas ad that tugged on the heartstrings of the nation in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic was the Woodie’s advert in 2020.
The video shows Mrs Higgins, who lives on Ebenezer Terrace in Dublin, leaving her house each day through a creaky front gate with a loose hinge.
Neighbours often rush past and warmly shout hello as the community prepares for Christmas, but Mrs Higgins seems to live alone aside from her dog Kevin, and has no one to help her with her gate.
This all changes one snowy day when she returns home to find that an unexpected helper – a teenage neighbour who lives across the street – has noticed her trouble and decided to lend a helping hand.
10. John Lewis (2015)
We had to finish this list with another John Lewis Christmas classic from 2015.
This advert was a bit different, carrying a more solemn message that shone a light on the issue of loneliness.
The story followed a young girl who, through her telescope, spotted an elderly man living alone on the moon.
Throughout the holiday season, she tries to reach him, and on Christmas morning, she succeeds, sending him a gift and making him feel loved and remembered.
Norwegian singer Aurora’s cover of Oasis’ “Half the World Away” enhanced the emotional depth of the advert, and its poignant message about human connection and kindness really struck a chord with viewers.
