Yes, Christmas ads are back. It’s that time of the year when retailers are fighting for the top spot with the best Christmas TV ad. Aldi have once again used Kevin the Carrot to be the start of the show, but this year he is on a mission to save Christmas. The humorous Aldi UK ad features Kevin the Carrot and his wife Katie navigating disguises and avoiding dangerous traps to save the day. Marketing director Jemma Townsend shared excitement about Kevin’s return for the ninth year, helping get the nation into the Christmas spirit. Kyrsten Halley, also a marketing director, noted that while the ad offers light-hearted fun, its core message emphasizes quality and unbeatable prices, ensuring everyone can enjoy the best Christmas possible.

Cadbury’s decision to bring back its ‘Secret Santa’ campaign for the festive season is proving successful, as the brand claims the top spot on Kantar’s 2024 Christmas campaign rankings for consumer response. The ad stands out for its brand differentiation and meaningful impact, supported by nationwide posters featuring a QR code that allows consumers to send a free bar of Cadbury chocolate to someone special. This marks the continuation of the ‘Secret Santa’ campaign, which Cadbury has run every holiday season since 2018.

Boots unleashes the magic of beauty with actor and Bridgerton star, Adjoa Andoh as Mrs. Claus in a wonderland of Boots beauty. Boots puts Mrs. Claus in the spotlight, with Adjoa showcasing a ‘werkshop’ like no other. Featuring a stunning outfit change and a swipe of No7 lipstick, she steals the show as the powerhouse behind all the festive gifting preparations, captivating viewers with her charm and style. The advertiser is ramping up its marketing strategy by increasing its influencer content and investing heavily in platforms like Reddit, Pinterest, and Snapchat, while also aiming to dominate YouTube with its festive campaigns. The retailer has gone a step further by partnering with Activision to create Christmas-themed games for popular apps like Candy Crush and Bubble Witch Saga. This broadening of tactics by Boots, along with similar moves by other brands, is expected to benefit agencies that specialize in services for these emerging platforms and channels.