All the Holiday Ads that Gave us All the Feels

The holiday season evokes memories of gatherings around the table, exchanging heartfelt gifts, basking in bright lights, and yes, of course, watching our favorite ads. In the United States especially, ‘tis the season to spend, and many brands claim adspace to capitalize on bonus-flushed budgets to capture their share of consumers. Other brands release ads that last far beyond the Black Friday to Christmas crunch, with messages that resonate more than buy one get one half off.

We asked our Planiteers about their favorite iconic holiday ads and why these commercials continue to mean so much to us. Here’s what they said

Hershey’s 1989 ad predates the existence of Taylor Swift, more than half of Planit employees, and the agency itself, and yet it continues to resonate decades later. The musical ad signals the holiday season without lyrics or even voiceover to support its message.

Click to Watch Bells

“Hershey Kisses with the bells because it’s simple and iconic and still brings cheer every time I see it.”

Iris M.

“Like Don Draper said, keep it simple, but significant.”

Maddie D.

Another simple, but significant use of a song is exemplified in Corona’s Feliz Navidad. In a season many of us associate with ice and snow, the palm tree decked out in traditional lights connotes a feeling of unity across all regions.

Click to Watch Feliz Navidad

“You hear “Oh Christmas Tree” being whistled and the palm tree outside this little beach bungalow lights up.”

Amy H.

While some prefer peace on the beach during the holiday season, others seek out spirited gatherings. Dunkin’ reminds viewers of an easy way to bring people together at any holiday party, and that’s with a dozen sweet treats.

Click to Watch Holidays Everybody Loves a Donut

“Everybody loves a jingle … and a donut!”

Matt D.

UK-based department store, John Lewis, is known for its sentimental holiday ads. In these two selections we see the season from a child’s perspective, in one the anticipation building up to the big day, in the other the nostalgia of reflecting back.

Click to Watch The Long Wait

“The John Lewis holiday ads are iconic. They really know how to tug at the heartstrings. I’m attaching a link with a list of them but The Long Wait might be my favorite.”

Matt R.

Click to Watch The Boy and the Piano

“This spot matches its incredible star power with incredible production, incredible editing, and an incredibly simple story. A brilliant reminder that the best ads do more than sell products—they create feelings that don’t let go.”

Jack S.

Canadian-based retailer, Canadian Tire, is also known for its holiday message, delivered in one recurring commercial. When it works it works, and this spot worked so well it ran for decades.

Click to Watch Give Like Santa, Save Like Scrooge

“This Canadian Tire ad ran for at least 20 years – my entire childhood. ‘Give like Santa, save like Scrooge,’ is forever imprinted in my brain and reminds me of Christmas at home.”

Like many holiday ads, Bouygues tells the story of the passage of time, emphasized by mile markers like the holiday season. A father and son, and eventually grandson, share moments to the soundtrack of Dad’s favorite song.

Click to Watch Father and Son Unbreakable Bond

“This is one of my favorites! It starts with a young dad with his infant son and shows them both growing older, playing the dad’s favorite song, “Come and Get Your Love” throughout. At the end, the grown-up son facetimes the dad holding his grandson and dancing to the same song. I love this ad because it shows different generations together, but more than anything it is funny and heartwarming at the same time, with a great song to boot. It is an ultimate feel-good ad!”

Chris B.

Sometimes the best holiday gifts aren’t under the tree, but rather in the driveway. Lexus enlarged the classic holiday ribbons and bows to adorn its vehicles and it’s certainly a visual we remember each December.

Click to Watch Auntie

“When I think of holiday commercials, all I think about are those oversized ribbons on great-looking Lexus vehicles. They truly seem to own this time of year from an ad perspective.“

Harry H.

One commercial consistently came up among Planiteers and it included talking candy, a portrayal of Santa, and the humorous suspension of belief, all in under a minute.

Click to Watch THEY DO EXIST!

“This commercial came out in the 90s when I was a child, and it’s the only commercial I can think of that still runs EVERY single year around the holidays. It’s simple, impactful, nostalgic and iconic – all at once. It will never get old to me.”

Kelly N.

“I loved it back in the day and love that they bring it back from time to time.”

Emily H.

“I was recently reminded about the iconic M&M’s holiday commercial, ‘Faint’. Even though it premiered before I was born, the same version is still played today! It really brings back that feeling of childhood nostalgia and holiday magic.”

Hannah H.

From all of us at Planit to everyone on the Planet, Happy Holidays.