Blog
You Might Also Want to Read
The Magic of Christmas Advertising: A Look at Famous Campaigns Through the Years
TL;DR Summary:
This blog explores the most iconic Christmas advertisements that have become a beloved part of holiday traditions. From Coca-Cola's creation of the modern Santa to John Lewis's emotional storytelling and Hershey's Kisses' enduring simplicity, these campaigns have captured the magic of the season. Each ad taps into universal themes of love, nostalgia, and joy, reminding us why holiday marketing holds a special place in our hearts.
Alfred Goldberg December 24, 2021 - 2 min read
As the festive season approaches, it’s impossible not to feel the warm nostalgia of Christmas advertisements past. For decades, brands have harnessed the magic of Christmas to create some of the most memorable and heartwarming ad campaigns, embedding themselves in the very fabric of our holiday traditions. Let’s take a journey through time and revisit some of the most famous Christmas ads that have shaped the way we celebrate the season.
Coca-Cola: The Birth of Santa’s Modern Image (1931)
It’s hard to imagine Santa Claus without thinking of Coca-Cola. In 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to create a jolly, rosy-cheeked Santa for their holiday ads. This depiction of Santa in his red suit and white beard became the modern archetype of the holiday figure, influencing popular culture and cementing Coca-Cola’s place in Christmas lore.
Hallmark: "The Keepsake Ornament Magic" (1985)
Hallmark’s advertisements have consistently focused on the sentimental value of holiday traditions. Their 1985 campaign introduced the idea of ornaments as storytellers, capturing special memories year after year—a theme that resonates with families to this day.
Budweiser: Clydesdales in the Snow (1987)
Few brands evoke as much nostalgia as Budweiser’s Clydesdale horses galloping through snowy landscapes. These commercials, often accompanied by tranquil and festive music, celebrate the beauty of the season and have become a hallmark of Budweiser’s Christmas tradition.
Hershey's Kisses: The Christmas Bells (1989)
Simple yet iconic, Hershey’s Kisses’ "Christmas Bells" ad features the chocolates performing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" as handbells. This ad has been running every holiday season since 1989, proving that simplicity, when done well, can create a lasting tradition.
M&Ms: "They Do Exist!" (1996)
In this humorous and beloved ad, the M&Ms characters stumble upon Santa Claus himself—only to faint in shock. Santa, equally startled, collapses too. The ad’s comedic timing and charm have made it a Christmas classic that still delights viewers decades later.
Apple: "The Misunderstood" (2013)
Apple’s 2013 ad showcased the unexpected ways technology can bring families closer together during the holidays. The story of a seemingly disinterested teenager capturing moments on his iPhone and surprising his family with a heartfelt holiday video struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
Sainsbury’s: The Christmas Truce (2014)
Sainsbury’s recreated the famous 1914 Christmas truce during World War I in this beautifully moving ad. The story of soldiers from opposing sides coming together to celebrate Christmas reminded viewers of the humanity and hope that the season represents.
Amazon: "The Show Must Go On" (2020)
Amazon’s 2020 ad highlighted kindness and resilience during a challenging year. Featuring a young ballerina whose performance is canceled due to the pandemic, the community comes together to make her dream a reality, spreading a message of hope and togetherness.
Amazon: "Give a Little Love" (2020)
Amazon’s 2020 ad highlighted kindness and resilience during a challenging year. Featuring a young ballerina whose performance is canceled due to the pandemic, the community comes together to make her dream a reality, spreading a message of hope and togetherness.
December 24, 2021 - 2 min read
