The Christmas adverts are live, this is what we’ve all been waiting for. But as we delve into the final month of 2024, we’re taking a look at what festive ads have really baked up a storm this year…
Aldi – 2.5 out of 5 mince pies
Aldi’s famous carrot is back with another festive adventure! This time, Kevin and Katie take on the ‘humbug’ to save Christmas Day. While the storyline is fantastic for kids and bound to have them dragging mum and dad to Aldi for the latest Kevin the Carrot collection, the ad feels a little long.
It’s also heavily tailored to a family audience, with the Aldi ‘special buys’ only making an appearance toward the end. In terms of storytelling fantastic, in terms of product placement, it needs a little work.
M&S Food 3.5 out of 5 mince pies
This is not just any Christmas ad, this is an M&S Christmas ad. Featuring Dawn French, this year’s M&S Christmas ad adds a festive dose of humour to showcase their luxurious Christmas party food range for 2024. As Dawn unpacks decorations, she finds a little magical assistance, a Christmas fairy to help her tackle the holiday stress and messy house.
The fairy helps unbox M&S treats and whips the house into shape, just in time for guests to arrive and enjoy a proper festive party. This ad is right in the middle as it’s relays a fun and relatable take on the season, who wouldn’t want a little magic like that?
John Lewis 4 out of 5 mince pies
John Lewis’ marketing team has one goal every December, to tug at the heartstrings of the UK. This year, their ad centres on two sisters, with the story focusing on one sister’s quest to find the perfect gift. As the clock ticks and the shops are about to close, she stumbles upon a door hidden behind a rack of dresses. This magical doorway transports her back to childhood memories with her sister.
Personally, I love this one, it really resonates with me as someone with a sibling. It captures the bond between sisters while also showcasing some of the great products John Lewis has to offer this Christmas.
Asda 4 out of 5 mince pies
Did you notice Asda’s personal touch in their Christmas ads? With cleverly placed, location specific variations, each ad is tailored to a local area. A fantastic way for Asda’s marketing team to immediately capture their audience’s attention.
While it might not feature Michael Bublé this year, I found plenty of joy in watching the Gnomes of the UK band together to create the perfect Christmas at Asda. The ad highlights seasonal products and even gives a nod to the bright green Asda vans, delivering the goods and ‘driving home for Christmas.’
With its playful use of gnome puns throughout, this ad brings humour and a touch of festive cheer to our screens.
Sainsbury’s 4.5 out of 5 mince pies
This year, Sainsbury’s tapped into nostalgia by drawing inspiration from the classic Roald Dahl story, The BFG. Combining the tale of the BFG’s magical powers with a spotlight on the fresh produce Sainsbury’s offers this Christmas created a unique and heartwarming campaign. The magical twist showed how scrumptious recipes can come to life with a little creativity.
The ad leans on the friendliness of the BFG, capturing the true spirit of Christmas, giving back to others. The messaging feels soft, sweet, and festive!
Waitrose 4.5 out of 5 mince pies
This year’s Waitrose Christmas advert has been a fan favourite, featuring a host of famous faces and the intriguing mystery of the ‘missing dessert.’ The cliffhanger ad leaves us wanting more to from the as we watch a classic British comedy twist, perfectly capturing the chaos we imagine could happen at home during Christmas.
The only downside? Waiting a few weeks to uncover who actually stole the dessert, and then for it to be revealed on digital signage on the way home. Despite this minor spoiler, Waitrose has done a fantastic job using their socials and advertising to keep the audience hooked on the storyline. I’ll definitely be heading to the shops for a dessert worth stealing!
McDonald’s 4 out of 5 mince pies
Simple, quick and a little treat, pretty much describes everything you expect from McDonalds and they’ve really mirrored this messaging within their Christmas ad. They let the music set the tone as we follow a couple on their journey to satisfy their festive cravings at the iconic Golden Arches. McDonald’s cleverly highlights their KSPs, using Christmas lights to guide the merry way to the drive-thru, while sneaking in a few nostalgic Easter eggs from their classic branding. The result? A fun, festive ad that I’d happily watch again.
Tesco 5 out of 5 mince pies
This year, Tesco leaned into the importance of family, togetherness, and checking in on those who may find this time of year a little more challenging. Alongside this heartfelt message for the love of Grandparent and spotlighted the love for a Christmas classic, gingerbread!
The ad not only reflects what matters most to their customers during the holidays but also cleverly showcases how Tesco’s services can help make the festive period extra special. By transforming everything into CGI gingerbread, they perfectly capture the Christmas spirit in a creative way.
A well-deserved 5 out of 5 mince pies for the Tesco team, bringing a tear to our eye, warming our hearts, and reminding us to use our Clubcard!
While only one of them quite hit the top taste mark for me, here’s my top TV ads that really were top notch and deserve 5 out of 5 mince pies!
- The Bear and the Hare – John Lewis, 2013. This one still tugs on the heart strings over 10 years later. It’s funny how John Lewis’ spotlight product of a new alarm clock reduce the nation to tears through the friendship of a Bear and a Hare. Sometimes it’s the smallest of gifts that turn out most thoughtful.
- Mog’s Calamity – Sainsbury’s, 2015. A shout out to the chaotic cat lovers who know exactly what it’s like to own a ‘Mog’. We see Christmas ruined and saved by our furry friend, and the typical British community pulling together their Christmas trimmings from good old Sainsburys.
