10 best Christmas adverts from around the world
Nov 15, 2017
Nothing quite brings on those #holidayfeels like a good Christmas advert. Looking to tug at our heartstrings, brands from all around the world compete to make us laugh or cry in the lead up to Christmas. For them it means big business (and branding), for us, well some feel-good entertainment to get us excited for all the festivities—and some very impactful reminders to appreciate life a little more.
As 2017’s contenders start rolling out, here are #legend’s favourite Christmas adverts from around the world to get you in the mood—make sure you have your tissues handy.
#heimkommen (come home) – EDEKA Weihnachtsclip
It’s not just the British who can make good tearjerkers come Christmas. Germany’s biggest supermarket, EDEKA Weihnachtsclip, reminds all of us to spend more time with our parents before it’s too late.
Views: Over 56 million
Aldi – Kevin the Carrot 2017
Of all the ones we’ve seen so far this year, we love British grocery store Aldi’s take on their Christmas advert. Re-introducing Kevin the carrot, we join him as he ventures across the dinner table in search for his one true love.
Views: Over 1.9 million
#ManOnTheMoon – John Lewis
Whether you’re in the UK or not, luxury British department store John Lewis have made quite the name for themselves when it comes to Christmas adverts. Now considered a part of everyone’s Christmas countdown, their emotional adverts have become successful viral marketing campaigns in their own right. One of our favourites? 2015’s #ManOnTheMoon backed by a beautiful cover of Oasis’ classic “Half the World Away”
Views: Over 29 million
Anuncio Loteria Navidad 2015
This adorable animated commercial for Spain’s annual Christmas lottery back in 2015 reminds us a lot of Pixar’s UP. Watch factory nightwatch guard, Justino, as he plays pranks to cheer up his colleagues.
Views: Over 1.5 million
The Tale of Thomas Burberry – Burberry
More like a thrilling romantic film trailer than an ad, last year’s festive film made by Burberry was inspired by the life of their founder Thomas Burberry to celebrate their 160th anniversary. The ‘short film’ touches on some of his greatest life achievements, such as the invention of gabardine (a waterproof fabric made of wool and cotton) worn by soldiers in the Boer War and World War I. It was directed by Academy Award-winner Asif Kapadia and stars Domhnall Gleeson, Sienna Miller, Dominic West and Lily James.
Views: Over 15 million
1914 – Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s Christmas ad in 2014 was made in partnership with The Royal British Legion and pays homage to the real-life Christmas Truce of 1914 during WWI. On Christmas eve, the British Expeditionary Force heard the German troops in the opposite trenches singing hymns, leading to an impromptu truce the following day. Both sides met to play football, exchange gifts and were allowed to bury their dead.
Views: Over 19.2 million
Christmas with love from Mrs Claus – M&S
M&S set the bar high in 2016 with their modern twist on Mrs Claus. In a world where women are finally being given well-developed and strong female characters, it comes as no surprise why this advert was so popular.
Views: Over 8.3 million
Heathrow – Coming Home for Christmas
Much like Love Actually’s opening and closing scenes which show loved ones reuniting at Heathrow, Heathrow Airport’s 2016 Christmas ad shows two grandparent bears returning home, making their way to arrivals. The ending is particular sweet—honestly, don’t miss it.
Views: Over 5.2 million
Snowman – Irn-Bru
Sometimes, the most random advertisements work the best. Watch as the Snowman flies around the city as he tries to steal a boy’s Irn-Bru (read: a Scottish carbonated soft drink).
Views: Over 769 thousand
John Lewis – The Bear and the Hare
It wouldn’t be a Christmas ad round-up, if we didn’t include more than one from John Lewis. Using old-school hand drawing to create this beautiful animation back in 2013, The Bear and the Hare tells the story of a bear who always misses out on Christmas because of hibernation—that is, until his friend, the hare, comes up with a special plan.
Views: Over 16.6 million
