As the world’s biggest brands and retailers unveil their 2025 festive campaigns, several creative themes have emerged across regions. While UK retailers continue navigating HFSS rules, global brands and retailers have greater freedom in how they showcase their seasonal food, drink and gifting ranges.

From AI-powered polar bears to Dr. Seuss–style towns and basset hounds in reindeer antlers, this year’s global line up blends Christmas charm with cosy familiarity. Whether it is an Aussie summer, a Canadian winter or a Spanish puppet show, the emotional core is consistent: food on the table, people around it, and the idea that there’s always room for one more chair.

Coca-Cola: AI reboots an icon

Coca-Cola leans on old festive codes, building its Christmas ad around the “Holidays Are Coming” song. This time it is using AI-assisted animation to refresh the familiar red trucks and winter landscapes.

San Pellegrino: A sparkling tradition

In Italy, Christmas is not measured in minutes or timetables, but in presence — truly being there, with the people who matter. Bring a lot of San Pellegrino, because the Italians will need it.

Dunkin Donuts: A sweet little Munchkin treat

Joy can come from the smallest things! Whether it’s a donut-hole treat, a moment of kindness, or a story shared together, all while supporting the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and the incredible work it does for children and families.

Walmart: A retail wonderland

Set in a whimsical, Dr. Seuss–inspired town, the film shows residents discovering just how wide Walmart’s offer really is, from everyday groceries to branded gifts and tech.

Real Canadian Superstore (Canada): Everyone’s invited

Loblaw’s Real Canadian Superstore banner goes for a gently surreal, emotionally grounded story. The film centres on a holiday gathering that keeps expanding, welcoming neighbours, friends and a moose.

Aldi Spain: Christmas with mascots

Puppet mascots front the festive push

In Spain, Aldi has built out its Christmas storytelling around its puppet mascots Al and Di, who guide viewers through how to “buy well and cheaply” while still enjoying a full festive spread.

Lidl (France / Europe): Why do we love Christmas so much?

Lidl’s 2025 pan-European campaign, adapted for markets including France, is told through the eyes of a young girl who asks, “Why do we love Christmas so much?”. She notices small acts of kindness and togetherness around her, gradually realising that the real magic of the season lies in sharing and helping others.

Coles: For every kind of Christmas

Coles’ 2025 campaign positions the supermarket as the home of “every kind of Christmas”. The hero of the ad is a basset hound in festive reindeer antlers who wanders through a series of distinctly Australian celebrations. It gently reinforces Coles’ role as the destination supermarket regardless of budget, household size or celebration style.