The Best Christmas Ads of 2026
Last year the Gourmet Ads team reviewed 60 of the Best Christmas Ads of 2025, from Coles and Tesco to Coca-Cola and John Lewis. This year we’re going bigger. We’ll be reviewing new Christmas Ads daily right up to Boxing Day, covering Supermarkets, Food and Beverage Brands, Quick Service Restaurants and Retailers across the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
What We Look for in a Great Christmas Ad
- Food at the centre: the turkey, ham, pavlova or mince pies doing real work in the story.
- A hook in the first five seconds: before anyone can skip.
- A story worth sharing: not just a product line-up set to sleigh bells.
- The brand with a job to do: part of the plot, not a logo in the final frame.
- Music that sticks: a classic cover or an original track people hum in the queue.
- Works with the sound off: built for Social, CTV and Online Video placements.
- Local truth: a Christmas that feels like its market, from a summer barbecue in Sydney to a snowy Christmas Eve in the UK.
- Value without the hard sell: a reason for cost-conscious shoppers to choose them this year.
Tesco UK Christmas Advert 2026 | “The Wrong Address”
United Kingdom
Tesco’s three-minute 2026 Christmas Advert from BBH London stars Anna Maxwell Martin as Lizzie, who sends her Christmas Eve food shop, beef and champagne included, to her old house. The Tesco driver turns out to be Polly (Roisin Conaty), her old school friend, and a lift home becomes a road trip through Proclaimers sightings and a Bon Jovi talent show. Real Tesco drivers called it a training video on what not to do. We loved that the delivery drives the story, not a logo tacked on at the end.
Introduction to the Festive Season
The festive season is more than just a time for decorations and gift-giving—it’s a moment when brands across the world set the stage for holiday magic with the launch of their Christmas ads. These commercials have become a cultural touchstone, eagerly anticipated by millions who look forward to the familiar faces, iconic music, and heartwarming stories that define the season. Each year, the launch of new Christmas ads signals the true start of the holidays, with brands using music and star power to create a sense of recognition and excitement.
Social media has amplified the reach and impact of these campaigns, turning every new release into a trending topic and allowing customers to share their favorite moments instantly. Whether it’s a touching message of giving or a humorous take on festive chaos, these ads capture the spirit of the season and bring people together. As the days grow shorter and the decorations go up, the arrival of Christmas ads reminds us that the best Christmas moments are often the ones we simply share—on screen and in real life.
History of Christmas Advertising
Christmas Advertising has a rich history that stretches back over a century, with brands continually finding new ways to capture the spirit of the season. Early pioneers like Coca-Cola helped shape the modern image of Santa Claus, using festive campaigns to reflect the joy and wonder of the holidays. As the decades passed, brands such as Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer set new standards for creativity and emotion, making Christmas ads a highlight of the media calendar.
These ads don’t just sell products, they reflect the values and traditions that make the holiday special, from the excitement of Christmas Day to the warmth of family gatherings. With the rise of social media, the reach of these campaigns has grown exponentially, allowing brands to connect with audiences in new and meaningful ways. Today, Christmas advertising is a global phenomenon, with brands using every available media channel to share their message and bring a little extra magic to the season.
The Importance of Storytelling in Christmas Adverts
At the heart of every memorable Christmas advert is a story that resonates. Storytelling is what transforms a simple commercial into a festive fairy tale—one that tugs at the heart strings, sparks recognition, and leaves a lasting impression. Brands like Lego, John Lewis, and Sainsbury’s have mastered the art of using music, familiar characters, and cinematic visuals to create ads that stand out and become part of holiday culture.
A great Christmas ad doesn’t just showcase products; it delivers a message that feels like a gift, inviting viewers to reflect on what makes the season special. Whether it’s a bold new take on a classic scene or a unique twist that brings a smile, storytelling helps brands connect with customers in a way that’s both emotional and authentic. By focusing on narrative, brands can turn a few minutes of screen time into a moment that customers remember long after the decorations are packed away. In a season defined by giving, the best Christmas adverts are those that give viewers a story worth sharing.
