As every year, brands compete for people’s attention with their Christmas and New Year video ads. They either tug at the heartstrings or make the audience laugh. There is one thing in common – we are looking for an emotion to remember.

An interesting fact is that the global advertisement of Coca-Cola, which is broadcast in over 80 countries around the world, was filmed in Sofia (at the “Boyana” cinema center and on the “Lion’s Bridge”). Its title is “The world needs more Santas”. The message is that people should be kinder to each other and do more good.

Among the participants in this year’s holiday commercials is singer Michael Bublé, in a video for Asda.

 One of the most interesting advertisements is that one of “Apple”. Her idea is that creativity has the power to change the way we see each other. Sometimes looking at things through a new lens can change everything. It is no coincidence that the ad ends with the sentence “You make the holidays”.

John Lewis’ hotly anticipated first Christmas ad from Saatchi & Saatchi impresses with an interesting storyline. At its center is the Venus flytrap plant trying to fit in as the family’s Christmas tree (with lots of hyperbole).

Key to the video is the performance of Andrea Bocelli, who sings the new song La vita è una Festa, written and produced by Italian duo Le Feste Antonacci especially for John Lewis.

Amazon’s 2023 Christmas ad is a story of lifelong friendships, showing how joyous moments become even more special when shared with those you love. Amazon is using a heartwarming cover version of The Beatles’ In My Life for its holiday campaign.

The holiday advertisement at Heathrow Airport is interesting too. Its message is that the most special holiday memories happen with our loved ones – upon departure or arrival at the airport.

Tesco’s Christmas commercial is fun and interesting. The message is “Become more Christmas”. The idea behind the clip is that when people feel more Christmassy, they become literal Christmas characters. But at the center is a heartwarming tale of a parent trying to bond with a teenager who’s too cool and big for childish things like decorating the tree.

This year, Royal Mail took a more poetic approach with its “In good hands” campaign. Director Tom Green made the bold decision not to show the character’s face. Instead, in the clip, we see hands exchanging parcels and opening doors – the usual everyday things that get involved in Christmas fever. It is based on a poem by TS Eliot Prize winner Roger Robinson that reflects on the highs and lows of everyday life.

This year, Ikea Canada is sending a message to people to take a break to recharge so they can experience the holidays more fully.

Among the interesting advertisements is that of Boots Ireland. The story is about a young girl and her mother who take a trip to the North Pole to show Santa how much they appreciate him by giving him a present. Armed with a Boots shopping bag full of gifts, the two embark on an epic journey together, from the local high street to the snowy landscapes of the North Pole.

Cafe Nero’s festive commercial under the title “One more sleep. It is time” is fresh too.

To the famous brands we will also add an advertisement for an Irish pub, made for 700 pounds, but it is proof that even with a little money sometimes creative content can be produced. The clip shows the sad day of an elderly gentleman before enjoying a pint of Guinness with friends and strangers. The pub posted the video on TikTok, with the ad being viewed more than a quarter of a million times on the platform.

 There are many more brands, well-known and not so well-known, that deserve attention. But we’ll leave that up to the readers so we don’t reveal all the Christmas magic of video ads. To follow more of the world’s hottest advertising creatives, visit: https://www.adsoftheworld.com.