It’s that time of year of year again! You know the time has come to get your decorations out of the loft and the festive season has started when the Christmas ads begin to pop up. Our festive favourites like John Lewis, Aldi, and Marks & Spencer are well known for their iconic Christmas ads which set the bar for all other ads to follow. It is safe to say that Christmas ads have become much more elaborate over the years with bigger budgets and large scale production teams behind the show-stopping marvels we see today. 

However, while the Christmas ads do not mention the pandemic directly, it is evident the events of this year have been taken into account and truly reflected on by business’ Christmas ad campaigns. The coronavirus pandemic has steered marketers away from the glitz and glamour of Christmas ads in years gone by towards a less extravagant, pared-down tone after the difficult year people have faced.

As a digital marketing company London, we have kept a keen eye on the Christmas ads rolling out in recent weeks and put together a round-up of what we think are the top 10 best Christmas ads of 2020, so far.

#1 – Sainsbury’s “Gravy Song”

The most talked-about Christmas ad of the year, Sainsbury’s “Gravy Song” is the first part in a trilogy of ads that celebrates culinary memories with loved ones and the nostalgia of past Christmases.

#2– McDonald’s “Inner Child”

Wow! McDonald’s really did it this time. The fast food giant hit us right in the feels with this heartwarming ad. The combination of emotional music and animation tied together presents a feeling we can all relate to… and makes us all want to run down to our nearest restaurant and grab a meal.

#3 – Coca-Cola by Taika Waititi

This tear jerking Christmas ad from Coca-cola is a cinematic masterpiece and this is no surprise having been directed by the Oscar-winning director, Taika Waititi. This Christmas ad tells a heart melting story of a dad going to great lengths to ensure his child’s letter to Santa is delivered, only to find after failing his mission what was actually in the letter. 

#4 – Disney’s “From our family to yours”

Is someone cutting onions nearby? That must be it… If anyone ever doubted Disney’s ability to bring a tear to the audience’s eyes, show them this ad. Disney highlights the importance of spending time with loved ones and celebrating old traditions.

#5 – Lidl’s “Big on a Christmas you can believe in”

Lidl’s Christmas ad takes on from the success of its campaign last year, in which the discount grocer uses humour to make fun of the more traditional festive campaigns that flood in from other retailers.

#6 – Very’s Christmas Advert

Very’s Christmas ad takes a humorous approach to family traditions at Christmas. The light hearted voice over in play with the upbeat music is sure to lift hearts and bring joy to all of those who see it. Just what we need!

#7 – Argos’ “An evening with AbracaDaisy & The Incredible Lucy”

Argos was one of the first of all the big retailers in the UK to drop its Christmas ad. This Christmas ad from Argos features two sisters, Daisy and Lucy who perform as magicians for their family. An ad highlighting making the most of time with loved ones.

As you can see, the bar has truly been raised by Christmas ads this year. They are a testament to great advertising in the midst of a global crisis, from the ones that make us laugh to the ones which bring a tear to our eyes. Christmas ads this year are sure to leave a long-lasting impression on us this season. 

Author

  • Alicia, the digital marketing dynamo herself, is our digital marketing Manager at Monumental. We are yet to find something our Indonesian-Belgian princess can't do. Prior to discovering Monumental, Alicia finished an honours degree in Sociology at the University of Kent and began building her marketing network in the Middle East. Having graced us with her stunning social channel aesthetics and unrivalled powers of Influencer marketing and SEO for several years now, it's no wonder she's giving us that side-eye.