Whiplash Team, December 13th, 2024
The best Holiday campaigns of all time
Every December, brands strive to win the hearts of their audiences with unforgettable Holiday campaigns. From Coca-Cola’s iconic Santa Claus to the heartwarming stories of John Lewis, Christmas leaves us with a legacy of creativity and emotional connection.
The holiday season is the time of year when emotions run high, and brands know it. Over the years, many companies have created memorable campaigns that strengthened their relationships with consumers and left a legacy in marketing and branding. Here are some of the most iconic holiday campaigns:
1. Coca-Cola and the Modern Santa Claus
In the 1930s, Coca-Cola reinvented the image of Santa Claus as a robust, jolly man dressed in red. This Santa, created by illustrator Haddon Sundblom, reflected the brand’s values and cemented the modern image of Santa Claus in popular culture.
2. John Lewis and the Magic of Emotional Connection
John Lewis’s holiday ads are an eagerly awaited yearly event in the UK. Campaigns like The Bear and The Hare (2013) and Monty the Penguin (2014) stood out for their emotional storytelling and impeccable production, leaving viewers teary-eyed and heart-warmed.
3. Coca-Cola’s “Holidays Are Coming”
Another Coca-Cola holiday gem is the iconic commercial featuring illuminated trucks set to the tune of Holidays Are Coming. Since its debut in 1995, it has become an unmistakable symbol that Christmas is near.
4. The Showstopper: John Lewis’s “Give a Little Love” (2020)
During one of the most challenging Christmas seasons due to the pandemic, John Lewis focused on a message of generosity and solidarity. Using animated illustrations and partnerships with charities, the campaign highlighted the importance of giving in times of need.
5. WestJet’s Christmas Miracle
In 2013, Canadian airline WestJet surprised passengers with personalized gifts delivered at their destination airport. The campaign video went viral, showcasing the power of genuine gestures.
6. Apple: “Share Your Gifts” (2018)
Apple gifted us with a stunning animation celebrating creativity and the act of sharing it. With a moving soundtrack and impeccable visuals, the campaign reinforced the brand’s values.
7. Sainsbury’s: “1914” (2014)
UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s recreated the Christmas truce of World War I, where soldiers from both sides shared moments of peace. Based on true events, the campaign conveyed a powerful message of humanity and unity.
8. Amazon: “Give a Smile” (2018)
Amazon brought their signature smiley-faced shipping boxes to life, singing Can’t Fight This Feeling as they spread holiday cheer to customers. This simple yet visually impactful concept became a global success.
9. M&M’s: “Fainting Santa” (1996)
In this classic ad, M&M’s iconic characters meet Santa Claus, and both faint upon realizing each other is “real.” The blend of humor and charm made this commercial a decades-long favorite.
10. IKEA: “Silence, Christmas Is Listening” (2019)
In this Spanish campaign, IKEA took a reflective approach, showing families answering questions about their loved ones and emphasizing the importance of genuine connection beyond material gifts.
Emotions are key
These campaigns show that holiday success doesn’t lie solely in selling products but in connecting a brand’s purpose to people’s emotions, values, and traditions. Brands that capture the essence of Christmas and align it with their identity are the ones that remain in collective memory.
