Top 5 Christmas Video Campaigns of 2024

The festive season is upon us, and along with the twinkling lights and mulled wine comes a parade of heartwarming and creative Christmas adverts. In 2024, brands have pulled out all the stops to craft campaigns that not only spread holiday cheer but also leave a lasting impact. These ads remind us of the magic of Christmas while cleverly showcasing their brand ethos. Here are the top five Christmas video campaigns of 2024 that captured hearts across the nation.

1. Tesco: Helping #FeedYourChristmasSpirit

Tesco’s 2024 campaign, Helping #FeedYourChristmasSpirit, delivers a festive feast for the senses while championing a heartwarming message of community.

The ad follows a bustling Christmas Day at a local community centre, where volunteers work together to prepare a feast for those in need. As the camera pans across heartwarming scenes of shared laughter, dancing, and steaming plates of food, Tesco’s message of helping others during the festive season shines through. The soundtrack - a soulful rendition of Lean on Me - amplifies the emotional impact.

Tesco successfully intertwines its “food first” branding with a message of generosity, showcasing its commitment to donating meals to food banks and local charities. The campaign’s hashtag, #FeedYourChristmasSpirit, encourages viewers to share their own acts of kindness, creating a ripple effect of goodwill.

2. Marks & Spencer Food: The Christmas Fairy

Marks & Spencer Food’s 2024 advert, The Christmas Fairy, brings a sprinkle of magic to the table with its whimsical narrative and mouth-watering visuals.

The ad features a cheeky, pint-sized Christmas Fairy who comes to life in an M&S food hall. Determined to make Christmas extra special, she flits around sprinkling “magic” over delectable dishes. From glittering Christmas puddings to a golden roast turkey, her touch transforms every item into a festive masterpiece. The fairy also encourages shoppers to embrace the little joys of the season, reminding us that Christmas is all about indulgence and celebration.

The ad perfectly encapsulates M&S Food’s reputation for luxury and quality. The fairy’s mischievous charm, paired with stunning close-ups of festive treats, is a feast for both the eyes and the heart.

3. Aldi: Kevin the Carrot’s Christmas Mission

Aldi’s iconic mascot, Kevin the Carrot, returns this year in Kevin the Carrot’s Christmas Mission, a thrilling and comedic adventure with a festive twist.

Kevin finds himself on a daring mission to save Christmas when Santa’s sleigh breaks down. Enlisting the help of his vegetable friends, Kevin constructs an ingenious carrot-powered sleigh to deliver presents in time. Packed with action and humour, the ad combines edge-of-your-seat moments with touching scenes of Kevin’s determination to spread Christmas joy.

Kevin has become a beloved character in Christmas advertising, and this year’s campaign doesn’t disappoint. The mix of humour, action, and a clear message about teamwork and resourcefulness strikes the perfect festive chord. Aldi also cleverly ties in its product range by featuring a selection of their Christmas specials throughout the ad.

4. John Lewis: The Gifting Hour

No Christmas advertising roundup would be complete without John Lewis, and their 2024 campaign, The Gifting Hour, continues its tradition of heartfelt storytelling.

The ad centres on a young girl, Sophie, and her grandfather, who have a shared tradition of exchanging handmade gifts. However, this year, Sophie is determined to give her grandfather something truly special. The narrative builds to a touching climax where she presents him with a beautifully wrapped surprise, a moment that coincides with “The Gifting Hour,” a magical moment where everyone gives gifts at the same time.

John Lewis expertly balances emotion and relatability, with a focus on the joy of giving rather than receiving. The campaign’s cinematic production values and poignant message have once again cemented its place as a festive favourite.

5. Sainsbury’s: Big Christmas (BFG)

Sainsbury’s takes a playful approach in its 2024 campaign, Big Christmas (BFG), inspired by the classic story The BFG by Roald Dahl.

The ad features a friendly giant who unexpectedly joins a family’s Christmas dinner after being invited by a young girl. Despite his towering size, the giant fits right in, sharing laughter, food, and festive cheer with the family. The clever tagline, “Big Feasts, Big Smiles, Big Christmas,” ties the narrative to Sainsbury’s extensive range of festive foods designed for gatherings of all sizes.

The use of a beloved literary character adds a nostalgic charm, while the theme of inclusion and togetherness resonates deeply with audiences. The ad also showcases Sainsbury’s ability to cater to large celebrations, making it a memorable and effective campaign.

Key Lessons

1. The Power of Storytelling

From Tesco’s community spirit to John Lewis’s touching family tale, storytelling remains at the heart of effective Christmas advertising.

2. Nostalgia and Magic

Campaigns like The Christmas Fairy and Big Christmas (BFG) highlight how tapping into childhood nostalgia and whimsical themes can create a lasting impression.

3. Balancing Emotion and Humour

Ads like Aldi’s Kevin the Carrot’s Christmas Mission prove that a mix of laughter and heartfelt moments resonate well with diverse audiences.

4. Inclusive Themes

Many campaigns focused on themes of generosity, togetherness, and inclusion, reflecting the values of the season.

The 2024 Christmas campaigns showcase a masterclass in creativity, with brands using humour, emotion, and innovation to connect with audiences. These adverts not only spread festive cheer but also reinforce the importance of kindness, togetherness, and celebration.