The most surprising Christmas commercials of 2025

As soon as the first Christmas commercials appear, we know: the holidays are officially around the corner. Because the December spirit is on with these festive videos full of lights, snow, and coziness. And this year, 2025, it's all about authenticity, warmth, and small gestures (LOVE that)!

According to Creative Boom, brands have overwhelmingly opted for relatability over glitz and glamour this year. No over-the-top fairytales or tear-jerking dramas, but ordinary people, genuine moments, and a generous dose of feel-good. Exactly what we need. Oh, and need some gift inspiration? Check out the Happy Holiday gift guide here.

The overall message: comfort and connection

The big themes of this year?

• Comfort characters - recognizable figures that evoke peace and nostalgia (think: the neighbor who always hangs the lights or that old toy that suddenly comes to life).
  
• Small gestures, big impact – a smile, a cup of tea, a spontaneous card; that's the new form of luxury.
  
• Generations coming together – brands capitalize on the connection between young and old, traditions being passed down, and the rediscovery of what's truly important.

The time for excessive, bling-bling festive cheer seems to be over. Instead, we celebrate "practical cheer," a down-to-earth, warm Christmas where doing what feels right is more important than being perfect.

Our top 3 Christmas commercials of 2025

Here are three campaigns that stood out for us, each one full of feel-good, relatable vibes and that little bit of Christmas magic that melts your heart.

1. John Lewis - “A Light at the Window”

John Lewis is known for its tearjerker tradition, but this year feels different—and frankly, more grown-up. The film, directed by Saatchi & Saatchi and set to the sounds of the 90s club anthem "Where Love Lives," follows a father who finds a vinyl record of his teenage son under the Christmas tree.

When the needle hits the record, the living room transforms into a dream of light and memory: flashes of a 90s club night, his child's first steps, and finally a silent embrace that says more than words ever can.

It's a beautiful cinematic story about generations, memories, and everything that remains unsaid. And in some ways, it's also a moment of recognition: for the first time, a John Lewis commercial speaks directly to the generation that grew up with it. A bit wistful, but beautiful.

2. Aldi - Kevin the Carrot returns (again!)

Aldi's favorite carrot hero is turning ten this year, and that's being celebrated Kevin's way: with a big wink. The new Aldi teaser opens with a recognizable scene à la Love Actually: Kevin, ring in hand, stands in front of his beloved Katie's door. Just when you think, "Yes! Finally!"... the screen pauses. Cliffhanger! Because this is just the beginning. The commercial is cleverly structured as a mini-series that will continue to unfold over the coming weeks, with radio announcements, ITV tie-ins, and short sequels.

What makes this approach so powerful? No overdose of Christmas glitter, but clever storytelling that gets the whole country talking. Aldi proves once again that you don't need to spend millions to make an impact, just a good idea (and a carrot with charisma).

3. Marks & Spencer - “Driving Home”

Marks & Spencer knows exactly how to turn a familiar situation into a feel-good film: Dawn French plays a weary commuter stuck in a Christmas traffic jam, accompanied by Chris Rea's classic "Driving Home for Christmas." No holiday season goes by without M&S... I'll be back soon. Stay tuned!

Why this makes us so happy

In a world full of busyness and screen time, these commercials bring you back to basics: attention, connection, and humanity. They remind us that Christmas isn't about what's under the tree, but about who's sitting next to you.

And that's exactly what Happlify stands for: small moments of happiness, conscious enjoyment, and making time for what really matters. Are you already receiving cheerful mail in your inbox on Sunday morning?

In short: pull a blanket over your legs, place a cup of hot chocolate next to you, and dive into the Christmas magic of 2025. Which commercial touched you most this year? Let us know in the comments; we're curious!