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20th Dec 2016

The Definitive List Of The 10 Greatest Christmas Ads Ever

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

Christmas ads have been circulating on the internet and TV for a few weeks now and they’ve got us a bit giddy for the season ahead. 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 on our screens, Lidl and H&M especially, but below we’ve assembled what we think are the greatest Christmas ads of all time.

Have a gander and see what you think…

10. Dunnes Stores

A newish one, 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 before in a piece 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 pretty new but it feels like it’s been around for ages with the reception it got since 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

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. 

While this year’s offering was a bit underwhelming, their ad featuring the Man On The Moon never fails to tug on our heartstrings…

READ NEXT: Wes Anderson’s H&M Christmas Ad Is So Verrry Wes Anderson

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