The 10 best holiday ads of all time

A child in a red winter jacket and wool hat gazes at an illuminated shop window display at night, with the blurred city lights in the background showcasing festive cheer and holiday ads.
Mom, Dad and two young kids watching a fun holiday ad on a tablet in front of their Christmas tree.

The holiday season is prime time for advertisers to showcase their creativity and tug at our heartstrings with memorable holiday ads. At SketchDeck, we help countless advertisers bring their visions to life for their end-of-year campaign pushes. The ad creative experts at SketchDeck think these ads are a lesson in excellence. From heartwarming narratives to clever marketing strategies, the best holiday ads have the power to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Join us as we unwrap the 10 best holiday ads of all time, each a masterpiece in its own right.

A masterclass in memorable holiday ads

Coca-Cola – “Holidays are Coming”

No list of holiday ads would be complete without Coca-Cola’s iconic Christmas commercial. This ad features the famous Coca-Cola trucks lighting up the snowy landscapes to the tune of “Holidays are Coming.” This timeless ad is synonymous with the festive season and continues to evoke nostalgia year after year.

John Lewis – “Monty the Penguin”

John Lewis never fails to deliver heartwarming holiday ads. “Monty the Penguin” is no exception. This touching tale of friendship between a boy and his penguin captures the magic of Christmas. Safe to say, “Monty the Penguin” reminds us of the importance of love and togetherness.

Apple – “Frankie’s Holiday”

Apple’s “Frankie’s Holiday” ad is a modern classic that celebrates diversity and acceptance during the holiday season. Featuring a lonely Frankenstein’s monster who finds acceptance and friendship in a small town, this ad is a poignant reminder of the true spirit of the holidays.

M&M’s – “Faint”

M&M’s “Faint” commercial is a hilarious take on holiday traditions, as Red and Yellow M&M’s faint at the sight of Santa Claus. With its clever humor and memorable characters, this ad has become a beloved holiday staple for M&M’s fans everywhere.

Heathrow Airport – “Coming Home for Christmas”

Heathrow Airport’s “Coming Home for Christmas” ad beautifully captures the emotional reunion of two elderly teddy bears as they travel through the airport to be with their family for the holidays. This touching portrayal of love and family resonates with viewers of all ages.

Budweiser – “Puppy Love”

Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” commercial is a heartwarming story of friendship between a puppy and a Clydesdale horse. Set at a picturesque ranch, this ad reminds us of the simple joys of companionship and the magic of the holiday season.

Sainsbury’s – “1914”

Sainsbury’s “1914” ad takes viewers back in time to the Christmas truce of 1914 during World War I. This poignant ad celebrates the power of humanity and the spirit of peace and goodwill. Harkening back to the past to make a point about the present is a recipe for a standout holiday advertisement.

Amazon – “The Show Must Go On”

Amazon’s “The Show Must Go On” ad follows a determined ballerina who finds a creative way to deliver a special holiday performance despite challenges. With its message of perseverance and resilience, this ad strikes a chord with audiences worldwide.

McDonald’s – “Juliette the Doll”

McDonald’s “Juliette the Doll” commercial tells the heartwarming story of a vintage doll who comes to life and embarks on a magical journey to be reunited with her owner for the holidays. This enchanting ad captures the wonder and joy of the season.

IKEA – “Silence the Critics”

IKEA’s “Silence the Critics” ad takes a humorous approach to holiday hosting mishaps, as a family embraces imperfection and celebrates togetherness amidst chaos. With its witty humor and relatable scenarios, this ad resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pressure of holiday entertaining.

Leaving a lasting impact with holiday advertisements

Holiday shoppers walking by and admiring a festive holiday ad in a shop window.

In conclusion, these 10 best holiday ads of all time showcase the power of storytelling, emotion, and creativity in advertising. From timeless classics to modern favorites, each ad leaves a lasting impression and reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday season. So, let these unforgettable holiday commercials bring joy and inspiration to your celebrations and marketing initiatives.

Looking for help creating your own unforgettable holiday ads in 2024? The campaign experts at SketchDeck can handle everything from concepting to creative strategy to design and development. Contact us today to learn more!

Picture of Ivy Croteau

Ivy Croteau

Redefine what's possible with SketchDeck.

Redefine what’s possible
with SketchDeck.

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