Get your tissues ready! ‘Tis the season to revel in the magic of the best Christmas TV ads of 2023. In the face of a challenging economic climate, Christmas ads continue to thrive as a significant industry. Brands are investing a staggering £1.5 billion annually in a fierce battle for the top spot. Unsurprisingly, a recent survey revealed that 48% of adults attribute their gift ideas to the inspiration drawn from these impactful ads.
The burning question remains: Will the perennial favourite, John Lewis, dominate the scene this year? From high-profile brand extravaganzas to the heartwarming low-budget viral sensations, join us as we unveil the top 5 Christmas crackers of the holiday season.
1. A Holiday to Remember – Chevrolet
Hailing from across the pond, Chevrolet takes the top spot with this blockbuster hit. Collaborating with the Alzheimer’s Association, the ad tells a poignant tale of a grandmother grappling with dementia. The emotionally charged, over 5-minute film follows a granddaughter taking her elderly relative on a nostalgic ride in the family’s classic 1972 Chevrolet. Culminating in a touching moment, the ad has garnered 1.8 million views on YouTube since its launch on 22nd November.
2. Charlie’s Bar, Enniskillen
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster with the surprise viral hit from the owners of Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. Crafted on a modest budget of £700, this tear-jerker sheds light on Christmas loneliness through the heartwarming story of an elderly man finding companionship in a pub. Originally launched on Instagram, the Christmas ad boasts over 10 million social media views, catapulting Charlie’s Bar to fame and even inspiring a clothing range in collaboration with Age Concern.
3. Joy Ride – Amazon
Amazon secures the third spot in our rundown of the best Christmas ads of 2023 with ‘Joy Ride,’ a nostalgic journey featuring an older cast reliving the joy of a toboggan ride with the help of the Amazon shopping app. Directed by Wayne McClammy, the 60-second film, accompanied by an instrumental version of the Beatles’ “In My Life,” resonates with viewers as part of Amazon’s “Joy is shared” campaign for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
4. Fuzzy Feelings – Apple
Apple’s seasonal offering claims the fourth spot with a creative twist on the classic Christmas Scrooge story. In this 4-minute short, a young woman seeks revenge on her grumpy boss through a stop-motion video created on her iPhone. Set to George Harrison’s “Isn’t It a Pity,” the film takes an unexpected turn, promoting empathy and friendship.
5. Helping you Become More Christmas – Tesco
Tesco rounds out our top five of the best Christmas ads of 2023 with the ‘Helping you Become More Christmas’ campaign. The ad follows a family’s quest to reignite the Christmas spirit in their teenage son. Embracing the weird and wacky, the family transforms into decorated trees, snowmen, and Christmas puddings. The heartwarming finale sees the reluctant teenager becoming a tree himself, symbolising the joy of the season.
Honourable Mention: John Lewis – Snapper: The Perfect Tree
While not making our top five, John Lewis deserves a nod for its unconventional ‘Snapper: The Perfect Tree’ ad. Breaking from their tearjerker tradition, this unusual tale of a boy and his Venus flytrap has sparked mixed reviews on social media – some finding it less Christmassy, while others appreciate the offbeat yuletide cheer.
Thanks for indulging in our festive roundup! We invite you to share your favourite Christmas ads, past and present, in the comments below.
About the author
Grace Gibbons is a BAFTA-winning former BBC Producer and the founder of Bounce Video, a video production company specialising in creative content for the corporate, public and charity sectors.
You can read more reviews and video production tips on our blog.