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Exeter | Life > Experiences

My top 10 favourite Christmas adverts of all time!

Emily Thrower Student Contributor, University of Exeter
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Exeter chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

I have always been Christmas-obsessed, and being a Christmas day baby, I believe that I am entitled to discuss this controversial topic and share with you my personal top 10 favourites. I will attach the links below, of course, so you can watch them again if my recommendation encourages you to give them a try. Once again, this is subjective, so you, of course, don’t have to agree with me, but I hope that this puts you in the Christmas spirit either way! So, onwards to number 10, we’ll start at the bottom and work our way up to what I believe is the best Christmas advert of all time…

10) John Lewis (2017) – ‘Moz the Monster.’

Watch the John Lewis Christmas ad 2017

A touching advert of a little boy imagining a friendly monster under his bed because he is afraid of the dark. The monster, Moz, is innocent and sweet, and their playful relationship instantly captures viewers’ hearts. I think that this advert touches so many because of its relatability; we’ve all been or known someone afraid of the dark, so it’s easy for viewers to feel connected to the little boy and sympathise with his fear. The music, ‘Golden Slumbers’ by The Beatles, adds another layer of tenderness to the already touching advert.

9) John Lewis (2020) – ‘Give a Little Love.’

Watch the John Lewis Christmas advert 2020: ‘Give a Little Love’

Now, this advert is especially poignant as it came out when we were isolating in 2020, when kind gestures were all the more important. The advert focuses on giving back to others, making others feel included and loved. The music, ‘A Little Love’ by Celeste, sets the tone immediately for a touching advert centred around kindness, and the different characters are endearing to watch. All in all, this advert reminds me how impactful a small gesture can be, and I think especially around Christmas time, when pressures are heightened for many, that is a valuable lesson to remember.

8) Amazon (2023) – ‘Joy Ride.’

Joy Ride | Amazon Holiday Ad

First airing in 2023, and now again in 2025, this advert conjures a deep nostalgia. Three elderly women are watching children sledging when they each receive a parcel from Amazon, turning out to be three cushioned seating pads. The advert then cuts to them sledging down the same snowy hill, and becoming children again. Encouraging older generations to revert to their own childish sense of playfulness, this advert never fails to tease a smile.

7) M&S (2017) – ‘Paddington & The Christmas Visitor #LoveTheBear.’

M&S Christmas TV Ad 2017 | Paddington & The Christmas Visitor #LoveTheBear

Paddington is widely adored, especially in the UK, and this advert immediately feels warmer simply due to his presence in it. Paddington unknowingly catches a thief stealing presents on Christmas Eve, believing he is Father Christmas, and sets about helping the thief deliver the presents in his sack (all of which he has stolen). The thief learns kindness from the bear and becomes a better person because of him, encouraging viewers to seek the good in people. The innocence that is captured through Paddington’s naivety is charming and makes us fall in love with his character all over again. Truly a heart-warming watch!

6) Sainsburys (2014) – ‘1914’

1914 | Sainsbury’s Ad | Christmas 2014

Positioned in WW1, this advert shows how two opposing armies, at war with each other in a devastating battle, can set their conflicts aside in the name of Christmas. Showing two armies that speak in different languages and are fighting against each other, looking past their differences and finding love amongst one another. This advert truly sums up how, despite our differences, big or small, we are all human, and feel emotions; we go through love, loss, pain, grief all the same.

5) Waitrose (2025) – ‘The Perfect Gift.’

The Perfect Gift | Waitrose | Christmas Ad 2025

This advert has sparked the attention of many of us this Christmas. With Kiera Knightly and Joe Wilkinson playing lead roles, this is more of a mini movie than a supermarket advert. The characters are so lovable and the plot so charming that there is really nothing not to love. Also, although not really in the criteria for a fab advert, I absolutely love everything that Kiera wears, she looks amazing in every shot!! Definitely my favourite Christmas advert of 2025.

4) Sainsburys (2016) – ‘The Greatest Gift.’

The Greatest Gift | Sainsbury’s Ad | Christmas 2016

This animated advert is super fun, once you watch it the song will be in your head for the entire Christmas period! James Cordon voices the protagonist, and the advert is all about how the greatest gift is really is just spending time with your family. Such a thought-provoking advert that celebrates the little moments that stand out as being more special than the gifts we receive at Christmas time.

3) M&S (2016) – ‘Christmas with love from Mrs Claus.’

M&S 2016 Christmas Ad: Christmas with love from Mrs Claus

We don’t give enough recognition to Mrs Claus, the lady behind it all! That’s what I love so much about this advert: it shines light on the important work women do behind the scenes. Showing Mrs Claus delivering a present without Mr Claus’ knowledge, this advert if fun yet classy, presenting Mrs Claus in a sophisticated light. I love the fact M&S have focused on Mrs Claus and not Mr Claus, I think that this is an angle not many other adverts have gone in and it has definitely paid off!

2) John Lewis (2016) – ‘Buster The Boxer Dog.’

John Lewis Christmas Ad 2016 with Buster The Boxer Dog

Such a hilarious and heart-warming advert!! A trampoline is set up on Christmas Eve as a present, but in the night, lots of animals enjoy it together; all the while, Buster the Dog is longing to bounce. The advert ends with Buster running out on Christmas Day and being the first on the trampoline. It made me want to give my dog something extra special this Christmas!

1) John Lewis (2015) – ‘Man on the Moon.’

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2015 #ManOnTheMoon

I feel like you all knew I’d put this one first, but how could I not!! Definitely my favourite Christmas advert of all time. Such a tear-jerker, reminding us not to forget those who are alone this Christmas. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who doesn’t love this advert. Truly unbeatable.

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Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal opinions and research from publicly available sources. It is not intended as professional dietary or medical advice.

Emily Thrower

Exeter '27

Hi! I'm Emily Thrower and I am a second year English and Communications student :)

I am obsessed with fashion, love a long dog walk, and although you never need to convince me to go on a night out, I will be SAT at 8pm every Tuesday to watch the Bake Off with a cup of tea in hand like clockwork.

I really enjoy writing essays- I know, it shocked me too!!, and have always wanted to explore the magazine journalism industry. I am so excited to be the Health and Lifestyle editor for Her Campus this year, and am even more excited to be writing surrounded by such a welcoming group of women!