The holiday season—a time for joy, cheer, and (let’s be honest) some truly dazzling holiday campaigns. Whether you’re in it for the creativity or the results, holiday campaigns are where brands pull out all the stops. Let’s take a fun dive into some of the best holiday campaigns that left us in awe—from their clever concepts to their incredible results.
Coca-Cola: The Santa Chronicles
It wouldn’t be a list of holiday campaigns without Coca-Cola. Every year, they somehow manage to turn a simple story into a warm and fuzzy tradition. Coca-Cola’s Santa campaigns are the stuff of holiday dreams—with twinkling lights, jolly old St. Nick, and plenty of feel-good vibes. It’s like a Hallmark movie condensed into 30 seconds. The result? Instant nostalgia and an emotional connection that makes people want to grab a Coke and share a moment with loved ones.
Their secret sauce? Tapping into the holiday spirit without making it all about the product. The storytelling pulls you in, and before you know it, you’re reaching for a bottle. Lesson learned: sometimes, the best campaigns sell a feeling rather than a thing.
IKEA: "Silence the Critics"
Imagine your home décor getting roasted—by your own knick-knacks. IKEA’s “Silence the Critics” campaign was a hilarious take on holiday stress and getting the house ready for guests. Featuring a rap from a voice-over by British grime artist D Double E, IKEA showed a home being critiqued by sassy ornaments and outdated décor. The humour and relatability of the ad made it a standout.
And it worked. IKEA saw a major boost in sales and engagement, especially among younger audiences who resonated with the cheeky tone. Takeaway? Don’t be afraid to poke a little fun at your audience—if you’re authentic and clever about it, they’ll love you for it.
Apple: "Share Your Gifts"
Apple’s “Share Your Gifts” campaign is an emotional rollercoaster that packs a punch in just a couple of minutes. It tells the story of a young artist who hides her creative work from the world—until her dog decides to change that. The animation, set to a heart-tugging soundtrack, ends with the message that our gifts are meant to be shared.
Not only did this inspire millions to stop hiding their talents, but it also served as a beautiful showcase of Apple’s products as tools for creativity. The campaign brought in a massive amount of engagement, especially across social media, where people shared their own creations. The lesson? Your holiday campaigns can be a celebration of your audience’s talents—making it about them builds a genuine connection.
Spotify: "Wrapped"
Spotify’s year-end “Wrapped” campaign is basically a gift to their users. They package up listeners’ data into colourful, personalized stories that remind people just how much they love music (and how many times they shamefully played their guilty pleasure). Wrapped is like your own musical yearbook, and people can’t wait to share it. The campaign sparks thousands of social media posts, essentially creating a wave of free advertising.
The magic here is personalization and humour—Spotify knows their audience, and they know how to present data in a fun, engaging way. The result? An annual campaign that people look forward to. The key takeaway is that personalization goes a long way—especially if it gives your audience a reason to smile.
KFC: "Fried Chicken Logs"
Because nothing says the holidays like… fried chicken? KFC decided to lean into their unique brand voice by creating Yule logs that smell like their famous fried chicken when burned. Yes, you read that right—the “11 Herbs & Spices Firelog” was a ridiculous yet ingenious product that became an instant holiday hit.
Not only did KFC’s fried chicken logs sell out, but they also generated a ton of buzz on social media, with everyone wanting a piece of the fried-chicken-scented action. The lesson here? Don’t be afraid to get a little weird. The holidays are full of tradition, but there’s always room for something unexpected to grab attention and make people laugh.
Final Thoughts on Holiday Campaigns: Unwrap the Magic of Storytelling
Holiday campaigns are about more than flashy visuals and catchy slogans—they’re about tapping into the spirit of the season, making people feel something, and giving them a reason to connect with your brand, whether it’s nostalgia, humour, or an emotional story that tugs at the heartstrings, the best campaigns find a way to resonate with audiences.
So, as you brainstorm your next holiday campaign, remember authenticity, creativity, and a touch of humour can go a long way. Dazzle your audience with the help of our marketing consultants, they’ll be sure to keep returning for more—just like they do with all the best holiday classics.
