Baileys: ‘Nutcracker’
This extravagant two-minute ad – which debuts on TV 16 November - tells the story of a girls’ night out at Christmas time using ballerinas from the Royal Ballet. After arriving at a glamorous party, ‘Clara’ catches the eye of the ‘Nutcracker Prince’ and the sinister ‘Mouse King’ who also has eyes for Clara and a thrilling dance sequence ensues as the men ‘fight’ over the woman. Rather than sit back and watch, Clara joins in and rescues her preferred suitor before returning to party with her girlfriends. The film ends with the line: ‘Spend time with the girls this Christmas’.
Sainsbury’s: ‘Christmas in a day’
Sainsbury’s are the last of the supermarket chains to release their Christmas ad campaign, but they did not disappoint. Not a dry eye was left in the Closer office when this one was shown. The three-and-a-half minute advert – which shows snapshots of real people celebrating Christmas – has a touching ending not to be missed.
John Lewis: ‘The bear and the hare’
Over the years John Lewis has reigned supreme in it’s Christmassy offerings – we’re still recovering from 2011’s tear-jerker of 2011 which showed a boy counting down the days until Christmas so he could give his gift to his mum and dad. This year, the This year’s £7 million campaign tells the story of a hare and a bear who would be separated at Christmas when the bear hibernates if it wasn’t for their trusty alarm clock – using animations hand drawn by Disney.
Boots UK: ‘Let's make the people who make us feel good, feel good’
Do you like your Christmas ads to give you that warm, fuzzy feeling? Then this one is for you. Boots’ offering starts with a young ‘hoodie’ slamming the door of his parents’ house and going out into the snow – but instead of starting riots or robbing corner shops – the boy goes round dropping presents off at the houses of those who have helped him in some way. The nurse who looked after his nan and the woman who gave him his first job are among those on the receiving end of his act of kindness.
Marks & Spencers: ‘Christmas fairytale’
One of the first to drop their Christmas ad, M&S treated us to a fairytale-themed extravaganza featuring the gorgeous Rosie-Huntingdon Whitely as a whimsical Alice in Wonderland character who goes on an adventure in an fantastical world conveniently populated with M&S products and a jaw-droppingly handsome David Gandy. It is said to be the most expensive of the Christmas ads but does it have enough ‘Magic and Sparkle’ to win your vote?
Waitrose: 'The Story of Giving Something Back'
While others have focused on the glitz and glamour of Christmas, Waitrose have chosen to highlight their charitable green token scheme. The no-frills film, follows a young boy in a fantastic bobble hat out shopping with his mother as he decides which charity to give his Waitrose green token to. Simple, but effective.
Tesco: ‘There's nothing better than Christmas’
Set to Rod Stewart’s ‘Forever Young,’ this ad dramatising a family’s Christmasses over the years in a home-video style is another tear-jerker. It tracks the family from 1983 to the present day capturing all the classic festive moments from the family snowball fight to the mother-daughter arguments over Christmas dinner.
Morrisons: ‘Go on... it's Christmas’
In Morrisons Christmas ad, the nation’s favourite comedy duo Ant and Dec scoff their chops with various festive treats while a dancing gingerbread man sings along to the Disney classic ‘Be Our Guest’ from Beauty and the Beast. More product promotion than story-telling, it’s less likely to pull in the YouTube hits but it’s catchy tune will have you singing along by Christmas day.
Aldi: ‘There's a lot to like this Christmas’
The budget supermarket showcases it’s ability to cut costs at Christmas time with their 30-second ad and warms hearts with it’s touching narrative. Little boys and girls, Grandmas and even parrots share their favourite Christmassy treats with Santa Claus himself making a guest appearance at the end. It made us smile, but will it make the top slot?
Lidl: ‘Christmas magic’
Like Aldi, Lidl have left out the big narrative but win hearts with their simple, festive vibe. The ad features a family unwrapping brown parcels to find Christmas goodies inside to the sickly sweet tune of a One Direction ‘All these little things’ cover. Did Lidl unwrap your perfect Christmas?
Debenhams: ‘Wishes made fabulous’
The soundtrack to this ad, a special orchestra recording of new artist Foxes song ‘Youth,’ gives Debenhams’ ad that luxurious Christmassy feeling. Featuring glam young things in designer coats the narrative is typical ‘boy meets girl’ romance as a voiceover tells you – ‘Whatever you wish for this Christmas - make it fabulous with Debenhams.’
Iceland
It might not have the trappings of M&S and Debenhams luxury blockbuster ads but it still has magic and sparkle. Budget frozen food store Iceland has focused. Set to Michael Bublé's cover of 'Jingle Bells' the ad continues from the retailer's last campaign, the love story of Ben, and Iceland delivery man, and Gemma, who are hosting a Christmas party together. It might just be me, but I think it's traditional party atmosphere really gets you in the Christmas spirit.