'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread the festive cheer than through heartwarming and creative Christmas ads? In the world of marketing, the holiday season is a time for brands to shine with captivating campaigns that resonate with audiences globally. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most iconic Christmas ads from all around the world.
1. John Lewis - Yearly Tradition (UK):
It's impossible to talk about Christmas ads without mentioning the yearly spectacle from John Lewis, a UK tradition that is eagerly awaited every year. John Lewis creates emotional and visually stunning ads that tug on the heartstrings of viewers. They use heartwarming animated characters and celebrity appearances to tell stories that make a strong emotional connection with viewers. Because of this, the John Lewis Christmas ads have become a staple of the British holiday season.
Check out their 2023 Christmas ad below, featuring a young boy who tries to grow the 'Perfect Christmas Tree'.
2. Australia - Christmas Down Under:
Venturing Down Under, we find Australia's unique take on Christmas ads. Given the country's warm climate during December, Australian brands often feature sun-soaked beaches, barbeques, and outdoor celebrations. These ads capture the essence of an Australian Christmas, where families come together to celebrate in the sunshine.
Brands like Woolworths and Qantas have produced memorable ads that showcase the country's laid-back holiday spirit. Take a look at this ad from Australian retailer Woolworths, for a glimpse into what Christmas is like in the Australian summertime.
3. Japan - Blending Tradition and Modernity:
In Japan, Christmas is celebrated with a fusion of traditional customs and modern influences. In Japan, KFC has become an integral part of Christmas celebrations, which dates back to the 1970s when KFC launched a successful marketing campaign that positioned their chicken as a must-have dish for Christmas. To this day, the tradition of enjoying KFC on Christmas remains a widely followed custom in Japan.
Additionally, Christmas ads in Japan often show a combination of seasonal traditions, such as festive decorations and gift-giving, blended with elements of Japanese pop culture. Brands like Toyota and Sony have crafted ads that seamlessly merge the global celebration of Christmas with Japan's unique cultural touch, creating campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Check out this KFC ad from Japan to see just how ingrained KFC has become in the festive celebrations in Japan.
4. Brazil - Vibrant Celebrations:
Christmas advertisements in Brazil are famous for their lively and colourful celebrations. These ads frequently highlight the significance of family, unity, and happiness, conveying the festive atmosphere that characterizes Christmas in Brazil.
Coca-Cola does an excellent job with their Christmas adverts in Brazil, each year coming up with a new take on Christmas traditions, often pulling on the viewer's heartstrings. Take a look at their emotional “Christmas always finds its way” ad from 2022, highlighting the importance of family.
5. Korea - Whimsical Winter Wonderland:
In Korea, Christmas advertisements typically take viewers on a journey to a whimsical winter wonderland full of enchanting scenes and magical moments. Brands such as Lotte and Samsung have created ads that evoke a sense of wonder, emphasizing the joy of giving and the magic of the season.
Korean Christmas ads often showcase heartwarming stories and visually stunning landscapes that captivate audiences of all ages, just like this one from Korean brand Modern House.
As we’ve travelled around the world of Christmas ads, it’s clear that the holiday season is a time for brands to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Whether it's a tear-jerking and emotional story, or the celebration of unique festive traditions, these ads remind us that the joy of the season is a universal language that brings people together. So, let's celebrate the holiday season and the joy and unity it brings. Cheers to the magic of Christmas ads!