Christmas kicks off in Adland: CBWA spotlights Chrissy campaigns from around the globe

Christmas brings joy, presents and families together. It also brings festive commercials. As an occasional column CBWA highlights some of the best from Australia and around the globe.

 

Amazon has launched its 2024 holiday campaign, which showcases how small thoughtful acts can spark joy that helps to bring people together. Produced by Amazon’s internal creative team in partnership with production company Hungry Man, and directed by award-winning filmmaker Wayne McClammy, the 90-second holiday spot is set to air in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, and Sweden, and later in November in the U.S. and Canada. Taking centre-stage is ‘Midnight Opus’, a heart warming brand film, which tells the story of a theatre janitor whose hidden vocal talent is discovered and celebrated by his colleagues during his daily shift.

Waitrose and Saatchi & Saatchi London have released the first instalment of its Christmas advert, “Sweet Suspicion, A Waitrose Mystery.”. A festive cliffhanger; the ‘whodunnit’ Christmas ad features an all-star cast including Matthew Macfadyen of “Succession”, comedian Joe Wilkinson from “Afterlife”, Rakhee Thakrar of “Sex Education”, Sian Clifford from “Fleabag”, Dustin Demri-Burns of “Slow Horses” and Eryl Maynard of “Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple” and directed by Lucy Forbes whose recent work includes “Eric” and “This is Going to Hurt.” This two-parter will conclude in the coming weeks.

MUW Saatchi & Saachi has created Deutsche Telekom’s 2024 Christmas film, in collaboration with Armada Films and director Alex Feil. In a time when the world feels more divided than ever, we all benefit from real human connection. By opening ourselves to those on the other side, we realise that we’re not so different after all. Let’s break the barriers we create in our minds.

Shoppers should be thrilled to hear that their favourite carrot Kevin has returned to screens as Aldi releases its 2024 Christmas campaign via McCann London, Riff Raff / Psyop and directed by Todd Mueller and Kylie Matulick.

Etsy has launched its new Christmas campaign via Orchard Creative USA and directed by Smuggler’s Tom Speers, which offers a fresh, emotional take on gift-giving, starring none other than Wally from Where’s Wally/Where’s Waldo? Created with Orchard Creative, the campaign reimagines the iconic character as someone who, though recognised everywhere he goes, often feels overlooked.

The magic of Christmas has begun as Sainsbury’s launches its exciting new advert today created by advertising agency New Commercial Arts, London. Inspired by Roald Dahl’s timeless and cherished story, the new Christmas advert features the beloved BFG alongside Sainsbury’s colleagues as they take viewers on a whimsical culinary adventure.

Boots is putting a fresh spin on holiday storytelling with its latest Christmas campaign, “The Christmas Makeover,” created by VML/The Pharm UK. The campaign, which features Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh as a vibrant, charismatic Mrs. Claus, combines an imaginative festive narrative with a bold, beauty-focused twist. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Dave Meyers, the campaign film transports viewers into Mrs. Claus’s “werkshop,” where beauty and creativity come together to fulfill Christmas wish lists in an entirely new way.

Woolworths has kicked off its Christmas campaign with the centrepiece TVC capturing the magic of classic Aussie Christmas traditions and the spirit of community. This year’s campaign “Make this Christmas a Classic”, produced in partnership with M&C Saatchi part of the Greenhouse Collective, shines a light on the cherished moments we share at Christmas.

Woolworths New Zealand has unveiled its Christmas campaign, directed by FINCH’s Zia Mandviwalla and created via M&C Saatchi Group, capturing the essence of care, generosity, and the joy of giving during the festive season. The TV spot features the story of a young girl’s dedication to growing carrots for Santa’s reindeer. Filming took place on location at Woolworths’ carrot grower – Balle Brothers in Pukekohe, and the upbeat Christmas track is sung by up and coming New Zealand artist MISSY (aka writer-producer Abigail Knudson).

Lidl has launched its new global holiday campaign, created by BBDO Germany, which is set around the theme of wishes coming true, and positions one of the largest retailers in Europe as the partner for a magical Christmas for customers in 30 countries. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Tom Hooper, the brand film follows a Christmas Eve where the young girl’s selfless wish unlocks the true magic of Christmas.

Morrisons is honouring the true stars of the season: the dedicated hosts who turn their homes into festive wonderlands and bring family and friends together around the table. Created by Leo Burnett London and directed by Gareth Sambridge + Michael Gracey, the ad champions these unsung heroes supporting them in orchestrating the ultimate holiday feast, from carefully prepared roasts to indulgent desserts.

With the countdown to the festive season officially on, Asda has unveiled its new brand campaign for Christmas, created by Havas London and directed by Hungry Man’s Bryan Buckley. The spot is a delightful adventure that follows an animated team of gnomes who rise up from the snow to save Christmas – with five iconic new characters stealing the show.

John Lewis has unveiled ‘Give Knowingly’, the second segment in its Christmas campaign trilogy, created by Saatchi & Saatchi London and directed by Chris Hewitt through Knucklehead and production company Prodigious. A standout film in the series features a pink cashmere jumper, with voiceover by actress Samantha Morton and Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” on piano.