Best Christmas TV Adverts of All Time
The best Christmas TV adverts is an annual debate that we all – whether we admit it or not – look forward to. Over the years various brands and companies have become renowned for their prowess in crafting the best Christmas ad, with John Lewis adverts arguably becoming known as the undisputed heavyweight of festive cheer.
We’ve rounded up some of the top Christmas ads (taking some of the spotlight from John Lewis, for once!) from over the years to spread some festive cheer to your day.
This is not just Christmas food – M&S, 2006
The M&S Christmas TV advert that introduced a new household saying, the M&S “this is not just Christmas food, it is M&S Christmas food” campaign has become the stuff of legend. The slogan has gone well beyond Christmas advertising in the years since, but its impact and part played in the growth of M&S as a revived high street icon cannot be overstated.
The advert showcases some of the M&S Christmas range’s highlights – from roast turkey wrapped in maple-cured bacon to a luxurious Christmas pudding soaked in cognac – with a sultry voiceover slowly explaining each and every decadent item. The combination of the slow-motion food shots, the voiceover description, the background music and the slogan make this one of the most iconic and trend-setting Christmas TV ads.
1914 – Sainsburys, 2014
While John Lewis Christmas adverts might be the most anticipated every year, back in 2014 Sainsbury’s was giving the department store a run for its money in the tearjerker ad department. The 2014 ‘1914’ advert is inspired by real historic events (well-known ones at that).
The story goes that back in 1914 on the Western Front, soldiers from both sides put down their weapons to enjoy a good-spirited festive game of footie. The Christmas ad was put together by the supermarket in conjunction with the Royal British Legion, and sales from the accompanying chocolate bar were donated towards support for soldiers and their families. So, a festive tearjerker that truly embodied the spirit of the season!
Mistletoe – Yellow Pages, 1992
Short and sweet – and that’s just the characters! This classic nostalgic ad from the 90s is truly one of the best Christmas advert memories out there. From the cosy fire crackling away to the familiar carol in the background, everything about this advert is giving huge festive vibes.
The short ad itself concerns a young boy who’s too short to reach the lips of his beloved, who’s waiting very patiently under a bunch of mistletoe. The boy comes up with an ingenious solution – he grabs a nearby copy of the ‘good old Yellow Pages’ and uses it as a step stool. Granted, this same ad couldn’t be made now since not many of us have a copy of the Yellow Pages handy, but it’s still a nice Christmassy tale of love and tradition.
Holidays are Coming – Coca-Cola, 1995
There are few brand images more iconic than the Coca-Cola Christmas trucks – so much so that you would be forgiven for thinking they date back much further than 1995. However, the ‘95 Christmas TV ad, created by WB Doner, was the first time the iconic festive caravan of lorries was seen on-screen.
This concept has gone on to outgrow the confines of the Christmas ad – you can now buy ‘Holidays are Coming’ merch, and can even visit the trucks all around the UK on regular festive tours.
Merry Christmas from the Oxo Family – OXO, 1984
The Oxo Family was a true stalwart of 1980s TV ads, with Lynda Bellingham OBE starring as the relatable matriarch until 1999. The family represented typical British life, showcasing how an Oxo cube is part of an everyday routine.
This classic Christmas advert, starring the characters that would go on to become true favourite TV advertising stars, is one for the mums. We follow along as Bellingham’s character slaves away over the stove cooking Christmas dinner, getting justifiably frustrated as her kids flit around the kitchen showing off their gifts (that you just know she picked out and wrapped for no credit). Then in the end, the voiceover tells us that all Mum did was “make the gravy” – admittedly a vital part of any Christmas tradition.
Did your favourite Christmas TV ad make our list? Let us know below! For even more fun, check out our classic Christmas TV advert quiz for this Boxing Day.