The Definitive List Of The Greatest Christmas Ads Ever

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There are a few commercials that really let you know that Christmas is coming.

Now we know that Christmas is a month away, but the release of the new John Lewis Christmas ad last week put us very much in the Christmas zone.

Watch it below if you somehow managed to miss it.

This has got us thinking about the greatest Christmas ads that ever were. From airlines to drinks brands, they’re all vying for a place in our heart around this time of year.

Some great new ads have appeared from Peter Kay as a dance instructor in 2010 for M&S to some unapologetically soppy US ads (like the Walmart troops), but below is what I think are the best of the bunch.

10. Dunnes Stores

This was only released last year, but with its snowy setting and warm family setting you know kids today will be looking back on this ad as a Christmas classic.

9. Penneys

We mentioned this ad in a piece last week about unforgettable Irish ads from the 1990s and it’s amazing. An animated commercial with an adorable child waiting for Christmas, it’s just lovely stuff.

8. An Post

A true Christmas classic. An Post’s Christmas ad featuring animation and the song from the festive cartoon The Snowman always succeeds in evoking sweet childhood memories.

7. Coca Cola

It’s an iconic brand and an iconic ad. Unusually for an ad it’s not updated, showing the affection people have for it that it’s repeated every year on our screens. Nothing says Christmas like the Coca Cola trucks on our screens.

6. Budweiser

The timeless Budweiser Clydesdales are majestic, and whether you’re a Bud drinker or a craft beer fan, I think you’ll agree that this one stands the test of time.

5. Kellogg’s

This Kellogg’s Corn Flakes ad is still shown every Christmas for the last almost 20 odd years in Ireland. It doesn’t feature any more in the US, but it still holds a place in our hearts. The cute child in a pink onesie was actually played by twins, one of whom is now married… feel old yet?

4. WestJet

This Westjet ad is only a year old but it feels like it’s been around for years with the reception it got when it was released. Airports around Christmas time feel a little magical as people pass through on their way to be reunited with loved ones and this ad taps into that feeling perfectly.

3. Guinness

What could be more Christmassy than the iconic Guinness ad depicting a white Christmas in Dublin. No other ad says it’s Christmas in Ireland like this one, as we’re taken on a journey across Dublin on Christmas Eve.

2. Sainsbury’s

Although it just debuted last year, Sainsbury’s tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War One tops many lists of the best Christmas ads. It depicts the moment during WWI when British and German soldiers played football against each other rather than fight. Some accuse Sainsbury’s of cynical commercialisation of the war, but there’s no denying it remains a touching ad.

1. John Lewis ads

It wouldn’t be Christmas with John Lewis’ now famous ads, as they’ve now become as traditional as carols, mince pies and Santa himself. A few years back their ad featured a Lily Allen cover of Keane’s ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ in the background . The reunion of the hare and bear in this has led to more than a few tears shed. But does it top this year’s Man On The Moon commercial?