From hilarious to heartfelt, these campaigns have become a holiday tradition.
This is the time of year when we gather with family and loved ones to celebrate the holiday season. We decorate the tree, pop some popcorn, and watch all our favorite Christmas movies. And those cherished Christmas commercials! These six timeless Christmas campaigns have found a way to stand out from the crowd and keep us all feeling merry and bright.
1. Budweiser Clydesdales
The Budweiser Clydesdales are famous throughout the country, and are used in more than just Christmas advertising. But this classic 1987 Christmas campaign added heart to one of St. Louis’ most well-known treasures.
2. Coca-Cola Polar Bears
Coke’s Christmas campaign with the polar bears is one of the most endearing commercials of the season. It’s no surprise that they have been able to leverage these adorable arctic beasts into a year-round marketing strategy. (Check out their Super Bowl ads as proof.)
3. M&M’s “They DO exist!”
M&M’s turned the Santa myth on its head when the jolly old elf turned around to see two M&M’s walk into the room.
4. Hershey’s Kisses “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
The Hershey’s Kisses Christmas bell commercial first aired in 1989 and is Hershey’s longest running holiday advertisement ever. And by using a classic holiday tune paired with a staple of chocolate candy, it’s a case study in timelessness.
5. Macy’s “Believe”
Macy’s collected a “million reasons to believe” when they first engaged kids in writing letters to Santa. Adding a charitable component by partnering with the Make a Wish Foundation, the store highlighted the season of giving. This year Macy’s and Make a Wish will celebrate their tenth annual iconic campaign.
6. REI—Bucking Tradition
While REI’s holiday advertising hasn’t become “timeless” yet, the fact that they’ve had a viral response to last year’s award-winning #optoutside campaign – and are continuing it for a second year – shows promise that it might become a new holiday tradition. They did the unprecedented and closed all their stores on Black Friday, urging their employees and customers alike to go outside and enjoy the outdoors on the infamous holiday instead of shopping.