{"id":35826,"date":"2025-12-19T10:22:51","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T09:22:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ie.edu\/uncover-ie\/?p=35826"},"modified":"2026-04-09T18:06:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T16:06:29","slug":"christmas-marketing-campaigns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ie.edu\/uncover-ie\/christmas-marketing-campaigns\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas marketing campaigns: The best festive advertising"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/span> 7<\/span> min read<\/span><\/span>\n

Back in 2022, a wave of manufactured outrage swept across the United Kingdom as national paper The Telegraph<\/a> published an article entitled: \u201cCall your Christmas parties \u2018festive celebrations\u2019, civil servants told.\u201d The original idea was a suggestion for inclusivity – after all, only 46.2% of the UK<\/a> actually identify as Christian. But the notion of having to rename the festival sparked uproar. It’s a tricky topic, especially since people of all faiths enjoy general festivities at this time of year. We have to ask, though – is using the word \u201cChristmas\u201d in Christmas marketing campaigns really such sensitive business? And should we avoid its use altogether?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best Christmas marketing campaigns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Christmas is one of the most heavily marketed events in the calendar. In recent years, social media has popularized the elf on the shelf<\/a> trend. This involves families setting up (patented and branded) elf toys to cause mischief overnight and beguile younger children. Some families leave extra presents from said elf. It\u2019s harmless fun, but nevertheless another avenue of monetization for a religious holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hardly new. We’re all familiar with Coca Cola famously turning Santa Claus from green to red. Back in 1931, artist Haddon Sundblom painted St. Nick in Coca-Cola colours and continued the portraits until 1964. This cemented the rosy-featured figure in public consciousness. Coca Cola continued their cultural impact with the iconic \u201cHolidays are Coming<\/a>\u201d campaign. Airing back in November of 1995, this phenomenon is still recycled regularly by the soft-drink company. This year alone will see an AI version of the classic ad hit small screens across the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact is Christmas marketing campaigns have done wonders for brand awareness for decades. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Hallmark \u201cCountdown to Christmas\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One might be forgiven for thinking that greetings cards sales are at their zenith during religious holidays. But Hallmark have devised a way to stand out from the pack through all-out entertainment. The Hallmark Christmas Movie schedule<\/a> began back in 2009, screening original productions filled with yuletide fun. It’s now something <\/em>(emphasis on italics) of an institution, with millions of loyal viewers tuning in every season. The \u201cCountdown to Christmas\u201d can now draw over 3 million views per airing. Unsurprisingly, this coincides with record ad revenue for Hallmark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Starbucks Red Cup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Starbucks’ “Red Cup<\/a>” tradition kicked off in 1997, which is almost 20 years ago, if you can believe it. It’s now a holiday staple for coffee lovers around the world. While it’s certainly not religious nor especially sustainable, it does whip up excitement. In 2021 alone Starbucks enjoyed a 17% increase in revenue during the festivities holiday sales. All because of a coloured cup. Scoff at the simplicity, but it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. John Lewis Ads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

John Lewis & Partners<\/a> revived their department store’s waning brand back in 2007 with the launch of their ongoing Christmas ad campaign<\/a>. It’s now become a bit of a tradition in the UK, with many anticipating the release of what become viral videos. This is also paired with their featuring of popular song covers. Said versions and their originals enjoy regular success on the charts: Ellie Goulding, Lily Allen and Tom Odell are just a few of the beneficiaries. You’ve got Adam&EveDDB<\/a> to thank for the original conception of the idea, though Saatchi and Saatchi<\/a> are now at the reigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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