The festive season is upon us, and nothing says “Christmas is here” quite like the release of the year’s most heartfelt, creative, and sometimes downright hilarious adverts.
For brands, Christmas campaigns offer a golden opportunity to connect with their audiences, tell powerful stories, and remind people why they love their products.
Every year, we see agencies pushing creative boundaries to make their 2024 Christmas adverts something that everyone’s talking about—and 2024 has been no exception.
At Mosaic, we’ve rounded up our top picks.
From magical journeys of family nostalgia to AI-generated innovation, these adverts capture the spirit of the season in unique and memorable ways.
This blog showcases our five favourites from 2024, along with insights into why they’ve stolen the spotlight.
John Lewis: ‘The Gifting Hour’ (Saatchi & Saatchi)
Kicking off the list is John Lewis with their annual highly anticipated Christmas ad, ‘The Gifting Hour’.
Crafted by Saatchi & Saatchi, this year’s campaign tells the enchanting story of Sally, a woman frantically searching for the perfect gift for her sister as the clock ticks down on a bustling evening at John Lewis.
What sets this year apart is the magical twist—Sally stumbles through a rack of dresses and finds herself transported back to her childhood memories.
The advert seamlessly takes us through key moments in the sisters’ relationship, from their playful innocence as children to teenage spats and heartfelt reconciliations.
Sally’s heartfelt moment of finding the perfect gift and reuniting with her sister resonates deeply, capturing the true essence of Christmas—family, love, and nostalgic warmth.
It’s a beautifully crafted narrative with just the right mix of magic and reliability, truly making it one of the standout Christmas adverts of 2024.
Disney: ‘The Boy & The Octopus’ (Adam & Eve/DDB)
Disney never fails to tug at our heartstrings, and this year’s masterpiece, ‘The Boy & The Octopus’, directed by Adam&Eve/DDB, is no exception.
This heartwarming tale follows a young boy who stumbles into an extraordinary friendship after discovering a curious octopus has attached itself to his head during a beach holiday.
The story unfolds as the boy and his new aquatic friend explore life together.
From introducing the octopus to everyday human quirks to moments of triumph and joy, this advert embodies the magic of childhood curiosity and the bonds of friendship.
What’s more, the storytelling is so vibrant and emotive that by the end, you’re left with a warm feeling of hope and inspiration.
It encourages viewers to ‘dream big’—a quintessential Disney message.
We can’t help but think this could have been a commercial win if they launched a plushie range of the octopus to take this campaign beyond the screen.
Boots: ‘The Christmas Makeover’ (VML and The Pharm)
Boots brings fun and empowerment into the festive season with their vibrant spot, ‘The Christmas Makeover’.
This upbeat advert, directed by Dave Meyers, introduces us to Mrs Claus, played by Adjoa Andoh, leading a “werkshop” of elves creating fabulous beauty gifts.
Set to a noughties hit track by Eve, the advert is empowering and inclusive, delivering the message that women are capable, confident, and full of Christmas cheer.
The colourful set design and whimsical costumes create a lively, festive atmosphere, perfectly complementing the advertised line-up of beauty products, from glamorous gift sets to viral skincare favourites.
The genius of this ad lies in its subtle product placement—it’s enough to showcase the range without feeling overt, allowing the story to shine.
Not only does it entertain, but it also effortlessly delivers Boots’ message of bringing beauty and self-care to gifting this Christmas.
Waitrose: ‘Sweet Suspicion – A Waitrose Mystery’ (Saatchi & Saatchi)
This year, Waitrose has embraced something totally fresh—a two-part Christmas campaign with an intriguing ‘whodunnit’ concept.
Titled ‘Sweet Suspicion’, this fast-paced advert feels more like a Netflix murder mystery than typical 2024 Christmas adverts, and we love it!
With an all-star cast, including comedic undertones and a detective trying to solve the mystery of disappearing Christmas treats, the ad is both fun and cleverly engineered to hook viewers straight away.
The suspenseful cliffhanger ending keeps audiences eager to see how the story resolves in the second instalment.
This fast-paced format mimics the playful energy of TikTok and Instagram Reels, cementing Waitrose’s understanding of the short-form video-loving generation.
It’s entertaining, funny, and extremely engaging—just what you need to stand out this festive season.
Coca-Cola: ‘Holidays Are Coming’ (Secret Level, Silverside AI, Wildcard)
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Coca-Cola’s iconic ‘Holidays Are Coming’ campaign, and this year, they’ve given it a futuristic makeover.
Using fully AI-generated visuals for the first time, Coca-Cola has reimagined the nostalgic 1995 advert into a slick, modernised piece that still retains the heartwarming glow of Christmas nostalgia.
The 16-second ad features the same aesthetic as the original, complete with snowy landscapes, glowing red trucks, and the catchy jingle that instantly reminds everyone of the joy of Christmas.
By leaning into AI technology, Coca-Cola proves they’re not just riding on nostalgia—they’re keeping up with modern trends.
While purists might miss the human touch of traditional cinematography, there’s no denying the clever use of technology adds a fresh twist to this festive classic.
Why Strong Christmas Adverts Matter for Businesses
Christmas adverts in 2024 aren’t just about feeling warm and fuzzy—they’re powerful marketing tools that can make or break seasonal performance.
A well-crafted Christmas campaign can drive enormous returns by connecting on an emotional level with audiences.
This is why brands invest millions into creative agencies, production teams, and distribution strategies, all to make a memorable imprint during this critical Christmas shopping season.
Each of the ads on this list managed to balance emotional resonance, storytelling, and subtle yet effective brand promotion.
This year’s efforts remind us why storytelling matters, especially during the festive season when consumers are looking for more than just products—they want experiences and connections.
Create Your Own Christmas Magic
Looking to design your own unforgettable campaign next year?
At Mosaic, we specialise in building creative, effective marketing strategies that tell your brand story in ways that resonate with audiences.
Whether it’s crafting cinematic content or reaching the right people through digital channels, we’ll help make your Christmas campaign a roaring success.
Contact us to learn more about how we can add the magic of the festive season to your brand.
Call 01925 563 960 today!
