Seasonal Branding & Marketing

Watch these big brand Christmas adverts for festive marketing inspiration

Natasha Ithildin

Want some festive inspiration?

Look no further than this year’s big brand Christmas adverts!

It’s that time of year again when our TVs don their Christmas hats and sing jingle bells on repeat - and we’re not mad about it.

Let’s take a look at the favourite Christmas ads of 2026 to see why they’re so popular, as well as what you can learn from them to inspire your campaigns moving forward.

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9 Christmas ads to inspire your festive marketing campaigns

1. Waitrose: The Perfect Gift 2

Waitrose’s well-loved advert from last year is back with Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson reprising their roles in the festive romantic comedy.

Merch campaign takeaway: Don't underestimate the power of a good story. Instead of just putting a logo on a gift, why not create merchandise collections that follow a theme, character, or narrative?

2. Morrisons: Christmas Made Just Right

Morrisons gives Goldilocks and the Three Bears a festive makeover, following Mummy and Daddy Bear as they prepare to welcome their son's new girlfriend home for Christmas.

Merch campaign takeaway: Rather than striving for picture-perfect merchandise, embrace thoughtful personalisation, handmade details and individual touches.

3. Aldi: Will It Be a Paw-fect Christmas?

Kevin the Carrot returns for another festive adventure, this time joining his daughter Chantenay on a search for their missing family pet, Cauli Dog.

Merch campaign takeaway: Create adorable characters and endearing brand assets that people want to collect! If done well, a recognisable mascot can become an entire merchandise range, from plush toys and accessories to limited-edition seasonal gifts.

4. Sainsbury's: Big Delivery

Sainsbury's brings Roald Dahl's BFG back, with beautiful animation, familiar characters and plenty of humour to create a nostalgic Christmas story.

Merch campaign takeaway: Nostalgia can be a powerful way to create merchandise with emotional value. Why not revisit familiar designs or characters to add a modern twist on something your audience previously loved?

5. Walmart: A Who Knew Carol

Walmart gives The Muppet Christmas Carol (arguably the best Christmas film of all time) a modern makeover, bringing together the much-loved Muppets and actor Walton Goggins as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Merch campaign takeaway: By partnering with recognisable characters, brands can develop exclusive merchandise that feels more like a collectable than a conventional promotional product.

6. Starbucks: Perfect Harmony

Starbucks transforms its iconic Christmas cups into a miniature musical world, celebrating the little moments of connection that make Christmas so special.

Merch campaign takeaway: Turn your everyday products into creative brand experiences. With distinctive illustrations, playful packaging and thoughtful design, you can transform your merch into a campaign sensation.

7. Argos: There's More to Argos

Take a trip down memory lane with Richard Ayoade, as he revisits his fond childhood memories of circling presents in the iconic Argos catalogue.

Merch campaign takeaway: Give familiar brand assets a new lease of life. Revisiting heritage designs, packaging or old-school merchandise can create a sense of nostalgia while introducing products to a new audience.

8. Disney: The Invisible Horse

Disney wows with impeccable storytelling: this festive short follows Jack, a boy who believes he’s sadly outgrown the magic of Christmas, as he has a chance meeting with an invisible friend.

Merch campaign takeaway: Focus on merchandise that creates that sense of wonder, from personalised keepsakes and nostalgic stationery to collectable toys and gifts that encourage people to embrace their inner child.

9. Prada: Drawing Prada: Animated by Hand

In a world of AI, Prada embraced traditional creativity with a festive campaign created with veteran animator John Pomeroy, with the whimsical illustrations offering a refreshing alternative.

Merch campaign takeaway: Craftsmanship can help merchandise stand out. Consider bespoke illustrations, hand-finished details, and artisan collaborations.

Merry inspiration!

For more gifting ideas, why not check out our list of our favourite sustainable gifts? Or, how about adding a little touch of luxury to your next campaign? We’re here to help you spread your brand cheer all through the year, so don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Watch these big brand Christmas adverts for festive marketing inspiration

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