The best Christmas ads of 2024

Christmas is all about creating lasting memories, and this year’s Christmas ads truly capture the season’s magic. From heartwarming moments to side-splitting humor, the ads resonate with the spirit of giving and togetherness. Let’s dive into some of the best Christmas ads of 2024 that are sure to get you in the festive spirit.

Waitrose: Sweet Suspicion – A Waitrose Mystery

This year’s Waitrose Christmas ad is far from boring; the brand created a whodunnit scenario that kept the nation guessing.

The ad begins with a bustling family gathering, eager to enjoy their Christmas dinner, when suddenly, the star of the feast—the No. 1 Red Velvet Bauble Dessert—disappears. Enter Detective David, played by the talented Matthew Macfadyen, tasked with unraveling the mystery.

The suspense builds in part one as the family’s innocence is called into question (even Fig the cat is suspect). Fans were left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the resolution. 

In part two, the mystery unfolds in a satisfyingly comedic fashion: it was Steve, the seemingly innocent cook, who cleverly stashed the dessert away in the gingerbread house. But there’s no escaping a detective like David, and Steve gets caught red-handed (or should we say red-velvet-handed?) enjoying his ill-gotten gains in the shed.

In the end, the family gathers around the table, the mystery solved, and dessert devoured. It’s a lighthearted, funny ad that reminds us that Christmas is all about family, fun, and of course, delicious food (even if you have to sleuth it out first).

Barbour: Shaun the Sheep x Baa-bour

Deck the halls with boughs of holly… and scarves? Barbour’s 2024 Christmas ad, “Shaun the Sheep x Baa-bour,” is a heartwarming and humorous collaboration that captures the spirit of the season.

The ad features our favorite flock, led by Shaun the Sheep, attempting some Christmas carols. But as the winter chill sets in, their enthusiastic baaing turns into chattering teeth.

Bitzer, the local sheepdog, comes to the rescue with a brilliant solution to give the sheep Barbour hats and scarves to warm up. He returns a little while later with several Barbour bags, surprising the sheep with their new accessories.

The ad perfectly captures the cozy charm of Barbour’s winter wear, while also showcasing Shaun’s signature brand of humor and mischief.

The stop-motion animation brings the characters to life with incredible detail and warmth. The ad is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern humor, making it a great choice for families to enjoy together.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Shaun the Sheep or simply looking for a heartwarming Christmas ad is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Shelter: World Of Our Own

This Christmas, Shelter’s ad, “World of Our Own,” is a stark reminder of the harsh reality faced by thousands of children in England. Over 150,000 children are currently homeless and living in temporary accommodation, a shocking figure that’s only getting worse.

The ad follows a dad trying to create a magical world for his daughter, a heartbreaking portrayal of the struggles faced by families in need of a permanent home.

While it’s a sad reality, it’s great that charities use Christmas ads to raise awareness for important causes. Shelter’s ad is a powerful example of how a well-made ad can make a real difference.

John Lewis: The Gifting Hour

John Lewis’s Christmas ad, “The Gifting Hour,” totally tugged at my heartstrings. As someone with two sisters, I could totally relate to the struggle of finding the perfect gift. 

The magical time-traveling element added a whimsical touch, transporting us back to childhood memories. It was a clever way to highlight the significance of a thoughtful gift.

It’s those little details, like the nostalgic childhood moments and the sisterly bond, that make the ad so special. It’s the kind of ad that sticks with you, reminding you of the true meaning of Christmas.

Tesco: Helping Feed Your Christmas Spirit

Tesco’s 2024 Christmas ad, “Helping Feed Your Christmas Spirit,” is a real tear-jerker. It follows a guy who’s missing his nan during the holidays. It’s a bittersweet story that really hits home, especially if you’ve lost someone close.

The ad shows how hard it can be to feel festive when you’re grieving. But it also highlights the power of family and tradition. The way they come together to bake a gingerbread house is so heartwarming. It’s a reminder that even in tough times, Christmas can still bring comfort and joy.

Overall, Tesco’s ad is a beautiful tribute to loved ones who are no longer with us. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to feel sad, but it’s also important to find ways to celebrate and cherish the memories we have.

Boots: Make Magic

Boots Christmas ad, “Make Magic,” takes a bold approach by focusing entirely on the women who keep the holidays together. While some may view it as exclusionary, particularly since 80% of their customers are female, this ad celebrates their core audience.

The ad features a humorous glimpse into Mrs. Claus’s secret workshop, portrayed by the incredible Adjoa Andoh from Bridgerton. She leads a team of “elf-fluencers” as they prepare last-minute gifts. It turns out that Santa isn’t the only one responsible for the holiday magic; his wife is the real powerhouse behind it.

By tapping into Bridgerton’s popularity with a female demographic, Boots sends a clear message: they understand their customers and want to empower them to create their own kind of Christmas magic.

Whether you love it or hate it, Boots’ ad showcases strategic genius. The brand confidently caters to its target audience, knowing exactly who they are trying to reach.

Sainsbury: Big Christmas

Sainsbury’s brings the magic this Christmas with its heartwarming ad, “Big Christmas.” This year, they’ve teamed up with everyone’s favorite friendly giant, the BFG, from Roald Dahl’s classic tale.

The ad follows the BFG on a whirlwind adventure. Landing in a Sainsbury’s car park, he meets Sophie, a kind-hearted employee who goes above and beyond to help him. Together, they embark on a whistle-stop tour of the UK, sourcing the most delectable ingredients for a truly unforgettable Christmas feast.

With a sprinkle of BFG magic, the ingredients transform into a mouthwatering Christmas spread. But the BFG and Sophie don’t keep the joy to themselves. They share their spectacular feast with another family, spreading Christmas cheer and reminding us all of the true spirit of the season: giving and sharing.

Sainsbury’s ad is a delightful treat for the whole family. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, filled with a familiar character and a healthy dose of his whimsical charm. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and magic, making it a must-watch for families this Christmas.

Etsy: Waldo Anthem

Where’s Wally, or who is Wally? Etsy’s Christmas ad, “Waldo Anthem,” is a heartwarming and wholesome celebration of personalized gifts. The ad follows the iconic character, Waldo, as he unwraps a thoughtful gift – a compass engraved with the words “I’m glad I found you, Wenda.”

This simple yet powerful message perfectly captures Etsy’s brand identity: unique, personalized gifts that truly speak from the heart. The ad emphasizes the joy of giving and receiving gifts that show you care.

With its nostalgic charm and heartwarming message, Etsy’s advert is a delightful addition to the holiday landscape, inspiring people to find unique ways to express their love and appreciation for one another.

Bonus Christmas ads

Feeling nostalgic? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most iconic Christmas ads of all time.

• John Lewis: The Bear and the Hare (2013)
• Coca-Cola: Holidays Are Coming (1995)
• IRN-BRU: The Snowman (2011)
• Asda: Make this Christmas Incredibublé (2023)
• Sainsbury’s: The Big Night (2018)

And that’s a wrap

While the full holiday season is just beginning, we’ve already seen some fantastic Christmas ads from our favorite brands. As we progress into the season, we can look forward to even more heartwarming, humorous, and imaginative campaigns. Happy holidays and happy viewing.