Every December, Christmas adverts spark nationwide conversation. From nostalgic references to playful humour, these campaigns show how brands capture the festive spirit and connect with viewers in a way few other marketing campaigns can.
Waitrose and the romcom magic
The Perfect Gift | Waitrose | Christmas Ad 2025
The Love Actually style references, the soft glow of festive lighting and the familiar British humour make this advert land exactly where a Christmas campaign should. It does not feel like a brand shouting for attention. It feels like a cosy moment that drops straight into the heart.
Casting Keira Knightley was a masterstroke. She brings instant cinematic charm. Pairing her with Joe Wilkinson creates the most unlikely but perfect balance. His warmth and understated humour, especially after his rise in popularity on Traitors, makes the entire pairing feel effortless. They feel like characters you want to spend time with.
Most importantly, the advert aligns with Waitrose beautifully. Warm, elegant and centred on the idea that food is an expression of love. It celebrates people who cook for the people who matter most. It feels premium without being pretentious and nostalgic without being predictable. It is the kind of Christmas advert that stays with you long after it ends.
Barbour and Wallace and Gromit
Barbour Christmas Film 2025 | Barbour x Wallace & Gromit
If the internet had its own vote, this might win. Barbour taps straight into British comfort culture with Wallace and Gromit front and centre. The animation stays true to the original style. The humour is gentle and familiar. The whole thing plays like a warm cup of tea on a cold day.
Nothing flashy. Nothing over produced. Just two beloved characters carrying a charming festive story. It is no surprise it is everywhere online. It feels safe, wholesome and very British in the best possible way.
Asda is going all in with the Grinch
Asda Christmas Advert 2025 – A Very Merry Grinchmas
If nostalgia is what you wanted, Asda delivered it with full confidence. The Grinch themed advert is loud, colourful and chaotic in the most entertaining way. Packed with references for anyone who grew up quoting the film, it moves quickly and does not take itself too seriously.
Some viewers say it is too much. Others love every second. Either way, it generates conversation, which is half the aim of a Christmas advert. It is fun, silly and memorable.
John Lewis’s rave advert
Where Love Lives | John Lewis & Partners | Christmas Ad 2025
John Lewis took a bold approach this year with a father and son storyline set to a ’90s rave theme. Some viewers felt it was a departure from the usual John Lewis festive style, describing it as “unexpected” or “different from the cosy classics we know.” At the same time, many were inspired to create their own videos and share personal memories online, with several going viral. The campaign sparked wide discussion and engagement, showing that taking creative risks can generate conversation and capture attention during the festive season.
Coca-Cola using AI
Coca-Cola Christmas 2025 | Europe
Coca-Cola introduced AI elements into their classic festive campaign, prompting varied reactions. Some viewers found the approach “innovative” or “surprising,” while others noted it felt different from the traditional warmth of past adverts. Overall, the campaign generated conversation across social media, highlighting how the brand is experimenting with new ways to tell its nostalgic, heartwarming story while still maintaining the festive spirit audiences love.
This year’s festive adverts highlight that whether through warmth, humour, nostalgia, or creative risk, the brands that resonate are the ones that understand their audience and the spirit of the season. They remind us why Christmas campaigns remain such an important and talked-about part of the advertising calendar.
