Top 10 Cutest 2018 Christmas Commercials

For their 2018 holiday ad campaign, British company J. Barbour and Sons coupled their luxury outerwear with the story of a Christmas miracle. Their commercial is a tribute to one of the most charming Christmas books of all time, Raymond Briggs’ “The Snowman”, which in 2018 turned 40. In the ad, a little girl build her own snowman, inspired by the story, and - clad of course in a Barbour jacket - waits for him to come to life. This commercial gives us a heavy dose of nostalgia, and reminds us of the childhood magic of Christmas.

The story of this commercial is simple, but sweet. A little boy is on a quest to discover Santa’s favorite cookie, so he can leave him the perfect treat come Christmas Eve. He tries every avenue he can imagine to get an answer, including asking several Santas themselves. In the end, perusing the range of cookie options to choose from at Cost Plus World Market, he hits on an idea that’s even better. Jessie J.’s modern rendition of “Santa Claus is Comin to Town” playing in the background is the perfect accompaniment.

If you’re not already familiar with the Heathrow Bears, who have in recent years become the defacto mascots for the London airport, you’re totally missing out. Despite being relatively new on the scene these cuddly critters have stolen people’s hearts worldwide. In this 2018 commercial, the bears are soaking up the Florida sun for the holiday season, but start to realize that maybe there really is no place like home. The theme of the ad is a simple one - the best place to spend the holiday season is with the ones you love.

ALDI is known for their Christmas commercials, but this ad from their Australian branch really stood out. When Santa is stranded in the Australian outback, the local community there band together to take him in. Despite the perils of the challenging environment - like snakes in the outhouse! - he soon settles in. Yet even new work and new friends can’t make him forget his Christmas calling. Fortunately, the locals have a surprise prepared. And after a wholesome meal - presumably from Aldi - he’s ready to get back on the road.

Try to keep your eyes dry through this one. In this bittersweet but heartwarming ad from Filipino company Alaska Milk, a young woman remembers all the family “firsts” of Christmases past: introducing her new boyfriend to her parents; a graduation; and her parents meeting their first great-grandchild. Through it all, presiding over the family, was her mother, and her time-honored Christmas cake. Now comes the biggest first of all: their first Christmas without her mother, and the daughter’s attempt to recapture the magic. It might make you shed a tear, but it’s also absolutely adorable.

Most commercials you see around the holiday season are advertising specific brands or products, but this one is an entirely different beast. Iceland Foods has started a campaign to try to eliminate palm oil because of the devastating environmental impact of producing it. Made in partnership with Greenpeace, and narrated by Emma Thompson, the ad follows an orphaned orangutan seeking refuge in a little girl’s room. Sadly, it was banned from airing on British TV, but it’s been viewed millions of time online. It’s not your traditional Christmas commercial, but it definitely strikes a chord.

ALDI is really on a roll this Christmas. We saw their take on Santa down under, now here’s their take on vegetables. Titled, “Kevin the Carrot and the Wicked Parsnip”, this commercial tells the gripping tale of a family of carrots who are being persecuted by a Grinchy parsnip named Pascal who resents carrots because of their popularity. Kevin the Carrot manages to turn the tables on the evil villain, and he and his wholesome orange family manage to escape in style on Santa’s sleigh. We hope to see more of Kevin in years to come!

The New Radicals song, “You Get What You Give” isn’t traditionally a Christmas tune, but it might just become one thanks to this ad. In this commercial by supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, titled “The Big Night”, we’re treated to a children’s Christmas pageant that’s more than a little bit reminiscent of that famous scene from “Love Actually”. The TV spot was actually directed by Michael Gracey who also directed “The Greatest Showman”, and even though we only get to see a short snippet of this holiday performance, we’d happily sit in a school auditorium and watch the whole thing!

The best holiday ads get you completely wrapped up in a story and let you forget the fact that you’re being advertised to at all. This Apple commercial features Apple products, but doesn’t focus on them and you’d hardly notice them if you’re not looking out for it. The “Share Your Gifts” campaign is all about having the courage to share the things you create, even if it means doing something that terrifies you. It’s a heartwarming message that inspires creativity, and perfectly encapsulates the brand behind it.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Zalando

McDonalds

Coca Cola

Since 2007, this has been the company whose Christmas commercials people wait for. It’s become a holiday tradition that often involves major celebs and covers of pop songs. In fact, John Lewis & Partners holiday ads are so iconic that they’re even parodied by other companies! The 2018 commercial will totally get you right in the feels, whether you’re a diehard Elton John fan or not. The story takes viewers backwards through the musician’s career, culminating with him receiving a piano for Christmas from his mother. Don’t watch this one without some waterproof mascara on!