There’s something magical about Christmas ads, right? They’ve become as much a part of our holiday tradition as decorating the tree or making wish lists for Santa.

So, with just days to go until the big man’s next sashay down the chimney, we’re taking a cozy walk down memory lane to celebrate seven PR campaigns that didn’t just sell products – they captured our hearts and became part of our Christmas story.

Coca-Cola’s ‘Holidays are Coming’

When those illuminated trucks roll onto our screens and that familiar melody plays, Christmas officially begins. First aired in 1995, this campaign has become so culturally significant that many people consider it the official start of the festive season. Fun fact: The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas truck has travelled over 737,000 miles across the UK since 2011 – that’s the equivalent of circling the Earth 29 times!

John Lewis’s ‘Man on the Moon’

In 2015, John Lewis reminded us that no one should be alone at Christmas with their touching tale of a young girl and an elderly man living on the moon. The campaign partnered with Age UK to raise awareness about elderly loneliness, proving that great advertising can drive social change. Behind the scenes, the filming took three months, and the set was built to make it appear as if the elderly actor was genuinely isolated on the moon’s surface.

Sainsbury’s 1914 Christmas Truce

Sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones that really happened. Sainsbury’s recreation of the famous World War I Christmas truce touched millions with its portrayal of the moment German and British soldiers laid down their weapons to share a game of football. The campaign was created in partnership with the Royal British Legion and even had historical advisers to ensure every detail was authentic – right down to the period-correct buttons on the soldiers’ uniforms.

WestJet Christmas Miracle

WestJet proved that real magic happens when you least expect it. In their heartwarming 2013 campaign, they installed a virtual Santa at airports who asked passengers what they wanted for Christmas – then scrambled to buy and wrap those exact gifts while they were in flight. The result? Pure joy as travellers found their Christmas wishes waiting at baggage claim. The campaign required over 150 WestJet volunteers and took months of secret planning.

Aldi’s ‘Kevin the Carrot’

Who knew a carrot could become a Christmas icon? Since his debut in 2016, Kevin the Carrot has won hearts across the nation. Here’s a remarkable fact: in 2018, searches for Kevin the Carrot exceeded those for Santa Claus by ten times! The plush Kevin toys regularly sell out within hours of release, sometimes appearing on resale sites for hundreds of pounds.

Google’s ‘Home Alone Again’

In 2018, Google brought nostalgia and innovation together by reuniting us with Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, recreating iconic scenes from Home Alone – but this time with Google Assistant’s help. The ad became YouTube’s most-watched Christmas advertisement that year, proving that sometimes the best new stories come from reimagining beloved old ones.

Irn-Bru’s ‘The Snowman’

Trust Scotland’s cheekiest drink brand to create a twist on Raymond Briggs’ classic animation ‘The Snowman.’ Their parody sees a boy refusing to share his Irn-Bru with the Snowman during their magical flight – leading to a hilarious chase across the skies of Scotland. The campaign was so popular it’s been voted Scotland’s favourite Christmas advertisement multiple times, proving that sometimes the best festive spirit comes with a side of humour.

These campaigns remind us that the best Christmas marketing doesn’t just sell products – it creates moments that become part of our shared festive experience. They make us laugh, cry, and believe in a bit of magic, even if just for a moment.

From our team to yours – we would love to wish you all a wonderful Christmas filled with magical moments!

Ready to sprinkle some of that Christmas magic into your own brand story? Let’s chat about making your next campaign one for the history books. Schedule a chat with Jo here.