Christmas is a season of joy, celebrations, and heartwarming advertisements that leave us feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. As we approach the end of 2023, it’s time to dive into the enchanting world of Christmas campaigns.
We unwrap 2023’s Christmas ads and bring you a collection of your favourite festive ads all in one place.
From tear-jerkers to laugh-out-loud moments, these ads have set a new standard for creativity and storytelling.
System1 ranks ads by a consumer survey using what it calls a Spike Rating (stars) predicting short term sales impact. Here are some of the top Christmas efforts so far.
Aldi – Kevin and the Christmas Factory
Spike Rating ⭐️ 5.9-Stars
Aldi’s done it again! Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without our mate Kevin the Carrot, and this year, he’s off to a Wonka-themed wonderland. Talk about a festive feast for the eyes!
Aldi has turned Kevin into not just a mascot, but a beloved Christmas tradition. Each year, audiences eagerly await his return, and this Wonka-esque twist? Pure magic. It’s a reminder that when you have a character that resonates, keep building on their story.
The campaign’s heartwarming ethos – “Christmas is sweeter when shared” – couldn’t be more spot on. It beautifully captures the essence of the festive season and the importance of sharing joy and goodwill, especially in tough times.
Campaigns that resonate are those that echo our values and connect on a deeper level.
Barbour – Shaun the Sheep x Baa-bour
Spike Rating ⭐️ 5.9-Stars
Oh, Barbour’s really hit the festive jackpot this year with Shaun the Sheep! The ad is a delightful romp with our woolly friends, all while weaving in a message about sustainability.
Barbour’s ad isn’t just a cute story. It’s a clever nod to the durability and repairability of their products. Shaun and the gang’s hilarious repair attempts, followed by the magical restoration, highlight Barbour’s commitment to garment longevity in the most charming way.
And what better way to do this than with beloved characters from Aardman? It’s a masterstroke in combining a well-loved brand (Barbour) with well-loved characters (Shaun the Sheep) to create a campaign that’s memorable, engaging, and meaningful.
This season, let’s remember the power of storytelling with a purpose. Adding a dash of humour and a sprinkle of nostalgia can make your message resonate even more with your audience.
Lidl – A Magical Christmas
Spike Rating ⭐️ 5.8-Stars
Lidl’s really tugged at our heartstrings with this one! A plucky raccoon hero on a festive mission to make a little boy’s Christmas? It’s storytelling gold.
This ad’s strength lies in its narrative – a simple story of loss, kindness, and a small but determined raccoon. By focusing on the emotional journey rather than the products, Lidl creates a connection that goes beyond the transactional for one of the best Christmas Campaigns of 2023.
And let’s not forget the tie-in with their toy donation points. It’s a beautiful way to extend the spirit of the ad into real-world action, encouraging customers to spread joy and generosity.
When crafting campaigns, remember the power of a good story, especially one that encourages kindness and community spirit.
Disney’s Wish For The Holidays
Spike Rating ⭐️ 5.7-Stars
Disney’s out here sprinkling a bit of its magic dust with “A Wish For The Holidays.” It’s all about the universal longing we all have, especially during the festive season – to be with our loved ones.
Disney masterfully weaves together stories from around the globe, showing that no matter where we are, our hopes and dreams unite us. Directed by the talented Meji Alabi and shot in South Africa, this advert isn’t just visually stunning; it’s culturally rich and diverse.
And the music choice? “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” – it’s like they’ve plucked the chords right from our childhood memories.
Disney shows us the power of a familiar tune, reimagined to connect people across different cultures and languages.
The best campaigns resonate on a deeply human level, tapping into emotions that cross borders and languages.
Coca-Cola – The World Needs More Santas
Spike Rating ⭐️ 5.6-Stars
This year’s Coca-Cola message is all about spreading that Santa-esque kindness and joy, no matter who you are.
This campaign is a heartwarming nudge, reminding us that acts of kindness aren’t just for the jolly man in the red suit. By showcasing everyday people – from firefighters to skateboarders – as Santa figures, Coca-Cola taps into the spirit of inclusivity and generosity.
The campaign is more than just an ad; it’s a whole experience that shows ways to create content for good. With its digital quiz, Christmas truck tours, and interactive packaging, Coca-Cola’s making the holiday spirit something tangible.
The message here is clear: kindness is universal, and it’s something we can all spread.
As marketers, let’s remember to celebrate and encourage these small acts of goodness in our campaigns.
Boots – Give Joy
Spike Rating ⭐️ 5.3-Stars
Boots is sprinkling a different kind of magic this Christmas with their “Thank you, Santa” campaign. It’s a charming tale of gratitude, acknowledging all those who’ve been our Santas throughout the year.
In a year where people are yearning for connection and appreciation, Boots hits the nail on the head. The ad’s journey, with a mother and daughter sharing Boots’ gifts, beautifully illustrates the joy of giving and acknowledging others’ efforts.
Understanding and tapping into what people are feeling is crucial. This year, it’s all about gratitude and recognition.
Think about how your campaigns can not only celebrate products but also the emotions and experiences of your customers.
As we bid farewell to another year, the Christmas campaigns of 2023 have left an indelible mark on our hearts. From heartwarming tales to hilarious antics, these ads have managed to capture the true spirit of Christmas. Through System1’s star ratings, we can see the commercial impact and success of these campaigns, further emphasizing their creativity and ability to resonate with audiences.
Whether they made us laugh, shed a tear, or inspired us to spread kindness, these ads have reminded us all of the magic, joy, and love that the holiday season brings.
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