My humble review of 2025's Christmas TV ads
The unveiling of the Christmas TV adverts every year marks the start of the festive season (in my opinion), and 2025 has been no exception. Big brands have once again pulled out all the stops, offering a comforting mix of nostalgia, humour, and heart to attract consumers. As a huge fan of all things Christmas and someone who works at an advertising and design agency, I think I’m more than qualified to rate this year’s offering. So, without further ado, here is my (humble) review of some of 2025's Christmas TV ads:
M&S Food 7/10
M&S Food continues its tradition of indulgence, displaying its Christmas range with a sprinkle of personality (thanks to national treasure Dawn French) and plenty of yummy close-ups. This year’s “Driving Home for Christmas” inspired ad is funny, mouth-watering and has togetherness at the forefront.
Coca-Cola 4/10
Coca-Cola has once again opted for an AI generated ad. While the ad is as festive as “The Santa Clause” movies, I’m personally not a fan of using AI in this way – especially when there are so many talented actors and artists out there. That being said, AI is here to stay and there are endless ways it can benefit brands… maybe I just need to stop being so frosty about it (I will not apologise).
Tesco 10/10
I really think that Tesco has hit the nail on the head this year. It sums up every family Christmas around the world. From squabbling siblings to offensive OAPs, there’s no such thing as the perfect Christmas but, as the ad points out: “that’s what makes it Christmas.”
John Lewis 9/10
This year’s John Lewis advert is my favourite since their 2019 advert which introduced us to Edgar the Dragon. It packs an emotional punch with a beautifully understated message about connection and that, if you don’t have the words, a gift can help you express what a loved one means to you. The song choice, Alison Limerick's "Where Love Lives" is the perfect backing track, which not only fits with the message, but serves people (of a certain age) a dollop of nostalgia.
Sainsbury’s 8/10
Sainsbury’s brings the Roald Dahl classic “The BFG” to life in this year’s ad. Packed with nostalgia and a heartfelt message of coming together at Christmas, the advert had me ‘aww-ing’ throughout. It’s as quintessentially British as it is festive, and I’m here for it.
Pandora 7/10
I had a lump in my throat after seeing Pandora’s adorable advert – who doesn’t want to gift their mam the moon? Focused on meaningful gifting, it’s stylish without being overly polished, and speaks to anyone wanting to make someone’s Christmas feel a bit more personal.
Waitrose 9/10
For fans of a Christmas rom-com, Waitrose delivered on every level and showcases the premium Christmas it can provide its customers. Casting Keira Knightly and Joe Wilkinson was a genius move, with the ad leaning into the warm and cheery clichés of the Christmas rom-com. The full version is four-minutes long (and, yes, I have watched it more than once).
Christmas ads can do many things for a person. Some find them charming and nostalgic. Others find them heartfelt and inspiring. Then there are those you like to avoid like they’re overcooked sprouts. No matter what you think about Christmas and the inevitable adverts, year on year brands will continue to try to outdo one another so we may as well embrace them and have a very Merry Christmas.