Best Christmas adverts 2023: From John Lewis to M&S and Tesco

What's more, John Lewis got an operatic legend for the soundtrack, with none other than Andrea Bocelli providing his outstanding voice for the campaign.

It's truly hard to beat such an outstanding advert by John Lewis, but it's got stiff musical competition from the likes of Asda with Michael Bublé, M&S with Hannah Waddingham, and a singing oven glove from Morrisons. And that's without mentioning the Christmas tree people from Tesco!

We've rounded up the very best Christmas adverts this year so you can decide for yourself which is best: tweet us @RadioTimes with your thoughts!

Tesco: Helping you Become More Christmas

Tesco has pulled out all the stops for their festive advert which sees a family getting into the Christmas spirit - quite literally.

The ad opens with a very happy dad who's propelled into full festivities when he sees a Panettone and at the taste of it is transformed into a fluffy Christmas tree! His teenage son is less than impressed by how uncool his dad looks...

In the next scene, his mum returns from Tesco and is transformed into a "snowmum" when she tastes it, leaving her son once more embarrassed.

As everyone in town "becomes more Christmas", the teenager can't help but start to get interested, finding himself battling the Christmas tree growing on his skin.

It takes a Christmas tree topper the boy made when he was little to remind him of the true joy of Christmas.

No sooner has he touched it than he's transformed into a Christmas tree himself and he's ready to enjoy the run-up to the big day.

Emma Botton, Group Customer Director, said: “We want our seasonal campaigns to reflect how our customers feel as we know there’s been even more anticipation ahead of festivities this year. Our Christmas Report revealed that, as early as September, nearly a quarter of the nation (24%) were already looking forward to celebrating Christmas more than usual. This year, our #BecomeMoreChristmas ad captures the emotions and excitement we feel, as we draw closer to the big day.

"At Tesco, as Christmas approaches, we’re providing customers with all their festive favourites and some exciting twists, with quality and great value at the heart of it all. On behalf of Tesco, we wish you all a Merry Christmas.”

John Lewis: Snapper - The Perfect Tree

John Lewis pulled out all the stops for their remarkable Christmas advert 2023, which tells the tale of Snapper the Venus flytrap.

The retail giant enlisted superstar tenor, Andrea Bocelli with an original song just for the campaign as well.

The advert tells us to embrace new traditions after a young boy named Alfie aims to grow the perfect Christmas tree, only to discover that his seed grows a Venus flytrap.

Nonetheless, he makes firm friends with his carnivorous plant, affectionately named Snapper, and sets about convincing his family to ditch their usual tree to make way for his new pal.

But when Snapper almost snaps up the family dog, he's banished to the garden, only to paw at the window at his friend, Alfie.

The family see and decide to give him another chance, as they all head outside to display their presents underneath him.

It's all going well until Snapper chomps down on the gifts, only to reveal his secret talent - he can chew up packaging, dispose of it, and then give the right presents to the right people.

With an explosion of confetti from the plant, Snapper is truly one Christmas character we'll remember for a long time.

Charlotte Lock, Customer Director for John Lewis, says of the campaign: “We are a nation that loves the traditions of Christmas - from classic traditions like pantos and putting up the tree to evolving new ones like crafting our own presents and Zoom get-togethers. Many of us have our own unique festive traditions and that makes them even more special.

“The film celebrates themes of family and evolving traditions and shows that a ‘perfect’ Christmas is finding joy together with loved ones, whatever your traditions.”

Asda: Make this Christmas Incredi-Bublé

We had a teaser earlier in the week revealing Michael Bublé was the star of Asda's Christmas campaign, and now the supermarket has dropped the whole advert.

Bublé takes up the role of Asda's Chief Quality Officer who is out to find the very best quality products for customers this Christmas - and he's relentless.

The Canadian crooner can be seen measuring rows of chocolate and orange panettones and checking out Asda's brown butter and spiced dark rum mince pies among others.

Bublé even gets to demand a "clean up on aisle five" - something he's "always wanted to do".

Of course, he can't help but break into a little song with a store-front choir for a version of Walking in a Winter Wonderland.

The fun advert was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi.

Bublé said of the advert: “I love my relationship with the UK, and I’m the biggest fan of Christmas, so it was an honour to be asked to star in Asda’s Christmas advert this year.

"Adopting the role of Chief Quality Officer, I took my responsibility very seriously, ensuring all product met the highest possible standards – naturally ensuring I had the joy of personally sampling them all - from Black Tiger Tempura Prawns, Truffle and Parmesan Pigs in Blankets to chocolate and Orange Panettone.

"I believe Christmas is a time like no other, there's a special feeling in the air, a little more magic to be found, and even more excuses to put on a show with great tasting food.”

Sainsbury's: Big Fella's Christmas Dinner

Sainsbury's is asking the important questions this Christmas - what does Santa eat on the big day? After all, he must work up quite the appetite with all the work he does.

The advert opens in store as a girl takes to the tannoy to ask a question about Santa - cue a series of awkward faces as they think they know what she's going to ask...

She simply wonders what he wants for his dinner, leaving everyone in the shop (and Santa himself) relieved.

We then cut around the store between staff and customers who all have an opinion on which dishes from the delicious festive range the Big Fella fancies.

There's a surprise guest appearance from none other than pop icon Rick Astley, who asks if Santa wants some cheese. We always want some cheesy pop, Rick.

As we cut to Santa, we see him with a table full of delicious food and it's safe to say, he'll have one of everything!

Speaking about his surprise role, Astley said: "For me, food plays such an important part during the holidays and we’re always looking to bring something exciting to the Christmas dinner table whether that’s a new starter or a surprise showstopping dessert.

"It was a real honour and so much fun to join the Sainsbury’s store team on the shoot – even if they did pull me up on my cheeseboard before dessert suggestion!"

Boots: Thank You, Santa

If Sainsbury's is feeding Santa, Boots is treating him, with its new campaign celebrating the art of gifting.

The retailer's offering shows a young girl and her mum attempting to make a journey to the North Pole to show Santa just how much they appreciate everything he does.

Armed with a Boots shopping bag filled with gifts, they give out presents to different people they meet along their way, with everything from Benefit Volumizing Mascara to a Dyson Airwrap!

By the time they reach Santa, they've got just one gift left - and it's perfect for his busy night delivering presents. It's Boots Travel Flight Socks!

Pete Markey, Chief Marketing Officer at Boots, said: "At Boots, we want to help customers to celebrate the people who deserve to be appreciated; family, friends, colleagues, or anyone in the local community who has made a difference to their lives this year.

"Christmas is the perfect time to express our gratitude to others and with our extensive range of great value gifts and amazing offers, Boots really does have something to help make everyone in your life feel valued this Christmas."

Morrisons: Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now

Morrisons has gone all out in celebrating the trusty oven glove in its 2023 Christmas advert. Yes, you read that correctly.

In the fun advert, to the tune of Starship's Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now, oven gloves unite for a spot of lip syncing, proving they're always there to help with the festive preparations - just like Morrisons is.

The simple advert is sure to inspire some to make their own versions of it, which Morrisons is actively calling for - take part in the #GloveOke challenge on TikTok and join in on the fun!

Rachel Eyre, Morrisons Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, said: "This Christmas - and every Christmas - great British food should be the star of the show and so our ad showcases Morrisons brilliant Christmas range. But there's always a lot to do when preparing the big Christmas meal and some classic 1980s power ballad encouragement is clearly in order.

"And so we've made the trusty oven glove the tuneful cheerleaders of the nation's Christmas chefs and we hope they enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it. Nothing's gonna stop us making this Christmas the best for our customers."

Watch the Morrisons Christmas advert now.

Lidl: A Magical Christmas

Lidl has released its adorable Christmas advert for 2023 featuring a gorgeous raccoon.

The advert reminds people about the power of small gestures and is tied in with the return of the retailer's Toy Bank which saw 80,000 toys donated to children who may not have received a gift otherwise.

In the clip, a little boy is sad when his favourite monkey decoration is broken so his mum heads to Lidl where she sees a cuddly toy monkey that's sure to cheer up her son.

However, she drops it - but her accident is spotted by the raccoon, who then sets off on a mission to take it to the boy, crossing the city by any means possible.

Thankfully the monkey gets there in time for Christmas Day, and everyone is happy.

Peter de Roos, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, says of the campaign: “At Christmas, there’s nothing more magical than seeing the joy a gift can bring to a child, and we want to help make sure this joy reaches all families.

“Our hope is that by bringing back the toy donation points we are making it easier, for those customers who can, to donate directly to local good causes by giving them a small way to make a real difference and help those that need it the most."

Barbour: Shaun the Sheep x Baa-bour

North East lifestyle brand Barbour have once more teamed up with a beloved animation for their Christmas advert in 2023.

Last year, Paddington was the star of the show, and this time it's Shaun the Sheep!

Barbour worked with Aardman on a stop motion film for the festive season, which is all about bringing new life into a beloved wax jacket.

The farmer's jacket is well and truly worn after countless hours spent in it keeping him warm.

Shaun, along with Bitzer and the Flock decide to repair his coat for Christmas, and while it doesn't go well, it's the thought that counts, right?

Bitzer saves Christmas when he clicks his fingers and the farmer's original jacket is restored back to life by the experts over at the Barbour factory.

Paul Wilkinson, Group Commercial Director of Barbour said: “This Christmas, we wanted to demonstrate the importance of extending the life of our garments and we’ve been able to achieve this through our partnership with Aardman. Working with Shaun the Sheep and his friends, we’ve created a light hearted and engaging film that we hope will make people smile this festive season. With a Barbour wax jacket, age is no limitation and through our Wax for Life initiative, globally every year over 73,000 of our wax jackets are returned to be re-waxed or repaired. A Barbour jacket is like an old friend – it becomes part of your life and part of your shared experiences and memories. By using our re-waxing and repairs service, your jacket can last for a long time continuing to give many years of faithful service and most importantly, reducing its impact on the environment.”

Rachael Peacock, Senior Brand Manager at Aardman added: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with such an iconic British brand, whose company values are so well aligned with our own. Shaun the Sheep’s ‘One Farm’ initiative challenges ewe to look after the planet, and Barbour’s services are a perfect example of how families can extend the life of their belongings.

“Our creative team had so much fun bringing the magic of Christmas back to Mossy Bottom Farm, and with his Barbour jacket the Farmer has become a style icon! We can’t wait to bring a smile to families around the world with this wonderful campaign.”

TK Maxx: Festive Farm

TK Maxx has unveiled its fun Christmas advert for 2023, and it's set on a very fabulous farm.

As Eve and Gwen Stefani's Let Me Blow Ya Mind plays in the background, a stylist alpaca emerges with a crossbody bag and chic green rollneck.

It's swiftly followed by a pair of ducks who have clearly taken inspiration from Harry Styles and are rocking pearls, a silk scarf and a lovely bow tie.

A hedgehog rocks a pom-pom hat which looks oh-so-snugly, and then a familiar face from TK Maxx's 2020 Christmas advert makes a welcome return to screens - lil' goat arrives in a red beret!

The farmer wonders why all the farm animals are rocking designer outfits, wondering if they were still keeping Christmas "small", to which Jean replies, "Oh, I did, love."

We think Jean did very well indeed!

Waitrose: It's Time for the Good Stuff

Waitrose are throwing the ultimate party in their Christmas advert, which features a guest appearance from Graham Norton.

The fun and upbeat advert shows almost everything that can go wrong at a Christmas party, including people turning up too early, guests getting locked in the bathroom, a power cut and unexpected arrivals!

Whatever happens, though, Waitrose's delicious festive offerings will help cover over any mistakes, so people can get back to the fun of Christmas.

Depeche Mode's Just Can't Get Enough serves as the soundtrack in this amusing advert.

Graham Norton said of his guest role: "What a treat it was to be invited to such a fun party and to feature in this joyful Christmas campaign with Waitrose.

"It was quite a night, and after sampling so many delicious products from the festive range, I’ve got my order in already for the big day – because it’s Christmas, and it’s time for the good stuff. Now, is it too early to cut into another Golden Bûche de Noël?"

Watch the Waitrose Christmas advert now.

Disney: A Wish for the Holidays

Disney's launched its super sweet advert which focuses on the power of wishing.

It's the company's first live-action festive advert, and takes inspiration rom the upcoming movie, Wish.

Grammy Award-winning director Meji Alabi has brought the magical piece to life, which tells the stories of six families and friends from across the globe who all have one wish - to be with their loved ones during the Holiday seasons.

It features the iconic Disney song, A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes, and the opening line is performed by Ariana DeBose, before talented young performers from across the world take their turn in singing different lines.

Disney has partnered with Make A Wish for the special advert.

Director Alabi said: "I feel lucky to have collaborated with such a diverse group of people on Disney’s holiday campaign this year. There were so many stand-out moments for me during the filming, but I think the most memorable was watching the South African kids choir sing their lines. It truly gave me goosebumps."

Watch the Disney Christmas advert 2023 now.

Sports Direct: Dream Big

Sports Direct certainly dreamt big for their Christmas offering - and they achieved it.

The star-studded advert is a who's-who of sporting giants, and is directed by Fred Again's creative director.

It follows Little Legend Macy, who has one dream - to become the best sports star in the whole world this Christmas.

As she goes into the child's imagination, we see them stop a goal from Alessia Russo before being congratulated by Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale, among many other sporting moments.

At the end of the advert, as the little child wakes up from their dream, striker Gabriel Jesus knocks on the door with a gift for them.

The video also contains Mason Mount, Lauren Hemp, Eberechi Eze, James Maddison, Eddie Nketiah, Johnny Fisher, Conor Benn and Zharnel Hughes.

Watch the Sports Direct Christmas 2023 advert.

Bailey's: Symphony of Indulgence

If you thought Michael Bublé was the face of Christmas, think again - it's Hannah Waddingham this year.

The Ted Lasso actress is appearing in her second advert of the holiday season, this time for Bailey's (the first was for Marks & Spencer).

Waddingham leads the MOBO Awards performers Gold Vocal Collective, and as their song comes to an end, she regains their attention with a cheeky grin as she asks, "Bailey's?"

The choir sing a short a capella song as the Bailey's Choc-tail is made, which looks quite simply delicious.

Watch the Bailey's Christmas 2023 advert.

Asda: Pop the Bublé!

Michael Bublé and Asda have declared it's Christmas - so we must listen.

The crooner, who is perhaps best known for his Christmas albums, appears as Asda's new colleague in a fun 60-second teaser.

The full advert is still to come, but in this reveal, Asda colleagues are getting their stores ready for Christmas, with a sneak peek at some of their products you can expect to see on the shelves.

But they're distracted by a gargling noise - and head to investigate.

They see a door, containing an embargo date of 1st November 2023... like anyone else, they head to open it.

Behind, they see the Canadian singer in his trademark suit, belting out the opening line from It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas.

Talking to the camera, Bublé asks, "Shall we?" before walking off camera as the intriguing words "to be continued" pop up on screen.
The teaser premiered on ITV at 9:40am on 1st November during Good Morning Britain.

Asda's full Christmas advert will launch just a couple of days later, on 4th November.

David Hills, Asda’s chief customer officer, said: "At Asda, we absolutely love Christmas, and this year we’re once again on a mission to bring that warm, festive feeling to households across the UK.

"Today, we’re putting the speculation to rest and confirming that the legend that is Michael Bublé is partnering with us this Christmas to put on a show-stopping performance.

"With Bublé’s undeniable ability to spread seasonal smiles and our commitment to quality, at great value, we’re a match made in heaven, proving Asda is a one-stop-shop for families seeking magic this Christmas."

Watch the Asda Christmas advert 2023 teaser now.

M&S: Love Thismas, Not Thatmas

M&S has joined Asda and gone early with their Christmas advert - and they've pulled all the stars together for the special video.

Directed by Ally Pankiw (famous for Feel Good and Black Mirror), the sparkly ad celebrates the honest truth of Christmas, where we have to strike the balance between doing things we want to do, and doing things we have to do.

M&S invites people to embrace only those things we love doing at Christmas and making the festive season best for them.

The campaign starts at Hannah Waddingham's fictional home, where she sits down to make a kid's costume for a school production - a feeling many will resonate with!

We then see Tan France decorating his stylish tree, with the gorgeous addition of a homemade tree topper.

Zawe Ashton is then seen having fun in the living room with her loved ones, trying to do some charades.

And finally, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is decorating an elaborate gingerbread house, when her eyes turn to the pile of unwritten Christmas cards...

With fire in her eyes, she sets them alight as a cover of Meatloaf's I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) by Ray BLK plays in the background.

Ashton sets a home-run by batting an Elf on the Shelf across the town, France throws a board game in a fish tank and Waddingham piles crackers into a woodchipper as gold remnants rain down above her.

Speaking about her starring role in the ad, Waddingham said: "I love the build-up to Christmas and all the magic and sparkle that comes with it! If I'm perfectly honest, I'd be happy to start it all in November!

"Getting glammed up and spending time with loved ones and family is something I look forward to the most, so filming this campaign really got me in the festive spirit. M&S is always my go-to destination for picking up Christmas gifts and let's not forget the foooood! So being involved in the campaign has been so special and a great pleasure."

Anna Braithwaite, M&S clothing & home marketing director, added: "I’m sure everyone watching our ad will be able to relate to our fabulous cast of talent who so hilariously bring to life those little moments and dilemmas we all have at Christmas time!

"Before we created Love Thismas (Not Thatmas), we spoke to hundreds of our customers and they all told us that, at Christmas, they feel this pressure of having to worry about and plan so many things. We know it can often feel like the list is never-ending, so this year we decided to celebrate and empower our customers to just do the things they love."

Watch the M&S Christmas advert 2023 now.

Shelter: Good as Gold

Housing and homelessness charity Shelter has launched a powerful Christmas film, titled Good as Gold.

The advert follows Maddy, an eight-year-old who overhears a woman in the Post Office tell another girl that if she's as good as gold, she'll get what she wants for Christmas.

Maddy then starts on a heartwarming mission to help others and try to be as "good as gold" as possible to get her one wish - a home - which unfortunately doesn't come true for her this year.

Polly Neate, the chief executive of Shelter, said: "There are now over 131,000 homeless children stuck in temporary accommodation, the highest number recorded.

"This advert brings to life what it really means for a child to have nowhere to call home. Make no mistake: a cramped hostel room or a run-down bedsit is not a home, but this is where far too many children will be waking up on Christmas morning.

"As we head into winter, Shelter is doing everything we can to help the thousands of families facing homelessness this Christmas. Our expert advisers are working in communities across the country, they are taking calls at our emergency helpline and they are providing free, expert case work.

"But as more people turn to Shelter, we need the public to help those wishing for a home. By giving what you can, we can support thousands of families facing homelessness this winter."

If you want to donate to Shelter, head to its website.

Watch the Shelter Christmas advert 2023 now.

Very: Let's Make It Sparkle

Online retailer Very has launched a fun and sparkly animation for its Christmas campaign in 2023.

The very aptly-named Let's Make It Sparkle does just that, as we follow three flamboyant flamingoes who ooze positivity and joy, called Cherry, Kerry and Terry.

They travel round a dreary cityscape to deliver Christmas joy to everyone, as their pink boxes filled with Very gifts explode with sparkle and cheer.

The advert also boasts a remastered version of Girls Aloud's Merry Xmas Everybody.

Jessica Myers, chief marketing officer at Very, said: "We know Very customers are as imaginative and enthusiastic about everyday moments as they are about Christmas, and we want to celebrate and enable that sense of joy and fun all year round as part of our commitment to our purpose; helping families get more out of life.

"Let’s Make It Sparkle brings that spirit to life brilliantly, and we’re so excited for the opportunities this new creative platform will open up in 2024 and beyond."

Watch the Very Christmas advert 2023 now.

Argos: Dancer

Connie and Trevor have returned to Argos for their latest Christmas advert, which showcases the fun of gifting, and the range of options available at the retailer.

The dancing doll rocks out to Le Freak by Chic as she dances across a packed table full of everything from a coffee machine to a hairdryer to a cocktail shaker, all while Trevor the dinosaur films her.

Connie asks if Trevor got all of that footage, and it's then revealed the silly dinosaur had his camera on selfie mode, thus actually filming none of Connie's routine.

Laura Boothby, head of campaigns at Argos, said: "There was no better way to show off what you can find at Argos this Christmas than bringing back our loveable and family-friendly characters Connie and Trevor.

"In a festive-themed adventure, the dynamic duo spotlight just a few of the incredible products our customers can buy this Christmas, and bring them to life in a witty and playful way – igniting the Christmas joy our customers can find at Argos."

Watch the Argos Christmas advert 2023 now.

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