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It’s that time of year again! Our screens are filled with Christmas ads that not only spark festive cheer but also pull at our heartstrings. This year, artificial intelligence played a role in crafting some of these ads—though audiences seem divided on the impact.

Think about it—why did you suddenly decide to buy aftershave for your dad instead of the usual socks?

Or was it that emotional ad showing a sibling reminiscing about childhood memories while searching for the perfect last-minute gift? You know, the one that almost brought you to tears.

Even the most practical among us can get swept up in the magic of a Christmas ad. That’s what makes them so special. The creativity, the storytelling, and the ability to connect on a deep emotional level set them apart.

As marketers, we live for this kind of brilliance. So, in no particular order, let’s celebrate the season with ten of the best Christmas ad campaigns of 2024!

This Christmas ad kicks off with a heartwarming story that unfolds over four captivating minutes.

A young boy, hesitant about swimming alone at the beach, wades into the water as his mother watches from the shore. There, he encounters an unexpected companion—an octopus that playfully settles on his head. The two form a unique bond, sharing tender moments until the boy ultimately releases his new friend to help Santa deliver presents.

The storytelling is so beautifully executed that the time flies by—no surprise, considering it was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi. A true Disney-style masterpiece, this ad captures the magic of bittersweet goodbyes and the heartwarming spirit of Christmas kindness.

Kevin the Carrot returns for his ninth year in Aldi’s UK and Ireland Christmas campaign, embarking on yet another heroic adventure.

This time, Santa recruits him for a daring mission—to retrieve the stolen Christmas Spirit from the mischievous ‘Humbug’ thieves. Packed with festive nostalgia, playful nods to Mission Impossible, and plenty of cheesy jokes, this ad delivers a true mini-movie experience that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.

This year, Coca-Cola—the king of Christmas advertising—has put a new twist on its iconic 1995 Holidays Are Coming aesthetic. But this time, there’s a major difference.

The ad was created using generative AI, sparking backlash from creatives who criticized the decision to replace traditional artistry with AI technology.

Alex Hirsch, creator of Disney’s Gravity Falls, took to X to voice his frustration:

“FUN FACT: @CocaCola is ‘red’ because it’s made from the blood of out-of-work artists! #HolidayFactz.”

However, Matt Edwards, partner at creative agency BigSmall, offered a different perspective in The Grocer:

“Iconic trucks, polar bears, the color red, and even good old Santa himself—they’re all in this campaign, just as they have been every Christmas for decades. They’re also all human creations, so let’s not get carried away with the ‘entirely AI-generated’ PR spin.”

Last year, Amazon captured hearts with its Joy Ride campaign, reminding us that it’s never too late to embrace our inner child.

This year, the magic continues with a touching story of an elderly janitor softly singing What the World Needs Now Is Love by Jackie DeShannon. Noticing his talent, his coworkers surprise him with a tuxedo from Amazon. When he finally steps onto the stage, he stuns everyone with his powerful, classic singing voice.

Get ready to sing along—this one’s a showstopper!

Starbucks perfectly captures the holiday hustle and the universal need for a moment of respite—grabbing a coffee to recharge before diving back into the festive chaos.

This beautifully animated masterpiece highlights the warm, inviting atmosphere of a Starbucks café, offering a cozy escape when you need a break from the holiday rush.

TK Maxx delivers a hilarious and relatable holiday moment with its latest ad, capturing the all-too-familiar reaction of telling a gift giver to “shut up” about how much they spent.

With flamboyant singing, energetic dancing, and a classic Aussie BBQ, this ad perfectly encapsulates Australian culture and humor. No wonder it’s racked up 2.5 million views on the brand’s YouTube page!

The Norwegian Postal Service (Posten) brings its signature wit to 2024 with a hilarious, Netflix-style documentary ad.

Known for its viral and offbeat holiday campaigns, this year’s ad takes a fly-on-the-wall look at the very human-like reindeer preparing for Christmas. It hilariously tracks Rudolf’s rise to fame—and inevitable fall—while making one thing clear: when it comes to reliability, Posten is the real MVP.

Get ready for some serious laughs!

Connie and her croc friend Trev are back—this time with a festive twist!

Trev, now a wannabe rockstar, wakes from an epic dream to find Connie waiting with the perfect gift. Short, fun, and easy to watch, this ad cleverly showcases UK catalog retailer Argos’ products in a lighthearted and relatable way.

Health and beauty retailer Boots proves that Santa isn’t the only one bringing the magic this Christmas!

In a fresh and creative twist, Mrs. Claus and her team of elfluencers take center stage, showcasing the perfect gifts to treat your loved ones—or yourself—before the big day.