Yes, we know it’s still November. But you wouldn’t think it from watching TV. We’ve got sleigh bells ringing, Michael Buble singing, and a giant Venus fly trap which bears more than a passing resemblance to Audrey Two from Little Shop of Horrors.
But we can’t deny it, watching (read: judging) all the Christmas ads is one of our favourite parts of the lead up to the big day – we’re in marketing after all! But with so many to choose from, who’s done the best job?
To help you decide, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest players, asked our specially selected panel to rank the ads out of 5 and tallied up the scores to determine the ultimate Christmas ad winner. Let the judging commence!
M&S – Clothing & Home
First up, it’s M&S. Some describe it as ‘anti-Christmas’ but it does have Hannah Waddingham. Let’s hear what our panel think!
Emma: 4.5/5
I love the guest stars and it’s very relatable. Get that elf in the shredder!
Taylor: 2/5
I quite like the ad, and I get the message, but it’s not my favourite.
Libby: 4/5
I love Hannah Waddingham so already a goodie for me. Love the music, the setting… but not the idea of putting Elfie in the shredder!
Emily: 3/5
I quite like this. Makes me want to buy sequins.
Verdict: 13.5/20
M&S – Food
We can’t judge one without judging the other! Starring Wrexham heroes from just over the border, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and festive fairy, Dawn French, this one is sure to be a hit with our panel, right?
Emma: 5/5
I live in Wrexham, so I have to give this one 5/5!
Taylor: 2.5/5
It doesn’t really make sense, but the voice actors saved it.
Libby: 5/5
It’s the first time I’ve watched this one! I love it! Warm, heartening, funny, great voiceover cast, just lovely!
Emily: 4/5
This is cute. Got to love Dawn French!
Verdict: 16.5/20
Amazon
Playfully named ‘Joy Ride’, Amazon’s offering tells the story of three elderly friends who recapture their childhood through sledging. Will it pull on our panel’s heartstrings?
Emma: 5/5
A special song for me and reminds me of my grandparents, made me cry!
Taylor: 4/5
A good balance between marketing and storytelling.
Libby: 4/5
A heart-warming ad from Amazon. Nothing other than charming.
Emily: 4/5
I like that Amazon acknowledge the fact that people use it to buy completely random things. It’s sweet and humorous but ballad versions of pop songs amidst lots of snow is getting a bit boring now.
Verdict: 17/20
Asda
You can’t beat the Buble for a bit of Christmas spirit. Or can you? Let’s let the panel decide.
Emma: 4.5/5
A bit ‘meh’ compared to last year’s ‘Elf’ but 4.5 purely because of Buble.
Taylor: 2.5/5
Cringe.
Libby: 4/5
Who doesn’t love a bit of Buble? Without him, not sure it would have the same impact. Definitely makes me want to go and try the Parmesan and Truffle sausages though!
Emily: 4/5
Too long and predictable but it’s Buble so I don’t care.
Verdict: 15/20
Sainsbury’s
From one legend to, er, Rick Astley. Are our panel going to say, “never going to give you up, never going to let you down” and give 5 out of 5 to Sainsbury’s?
Emma: 3/5
Uninspiring. Too many supermarket shots, not enough story, and no standout new products. Boo.
Taylor: 1/5
You’ve got to love Rick Astley, but he had no place in that advert.
Libby: 4/5
It made me chuckle throughout, so it’s got to be good right?
Emily: 3/5
This is boring. Rick Astley is the only saving grace.
Verdict: 11/20
John Lewis
Of course, we couldn’t have a Christmas ad roundup without featuring the big guns. The annual John Lewis Christmas ad has become as synonymous with the start of the festive season as the Coca-Cola truck, but with new agency Saatchi & Saatchi taking the helm this year, are they still living up to the hype? Let’s hear from our panel.
Emma: 4/5
Nice concept but a bit hectic and not sure what the message was.
Taylor: 3.5/5
I don’t hate it, but I always think the John Lewis adverts are overrated anyway.
Libby: 5/5
I’m partial to a bit of opera, so the soundtrack gets the goosebumps going! Top marks for me, but mainly due to the music!
Emily: 5/5
I love this one! Which is annoying as I thought I was done with John Lewis ads. However, it’s so random and bonkers, it makes a refreshing change.
Verdict: 17.5/20
Aldi
Kevin the carrot is back, this time in a unique retelling of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. But will our panel find it ‘sweet’?
Emma: 5/5
Great for kids and love the story!
Taylor: 4/5
Good advert. Had some humour in it as well.
Libby: 5/5
Aww, this one is so cute! Love the magical Christmassy setting, storyline, and poetic narrative!
Emily: 4/5
Although I’m a bit over Kevin the Carrot, I like the mash-up of Charles Dickens and Roald Dahl. Plus my kids like this one!
Verdict: 18/20 – WINNER
So there we have it. Our panel have crowned Aldi the best Christmas ad of 2023. Do you agree? Or is there another you think should be our winner? Let us know on social – LinkedIn, Instagram or X (Twitter).