2021’s best holiday ads from the US, featuring Coke, Chase, Macy’s, Etsy and Apple
With the big day firmly in sight, brands from around the world have been ramping up the festive cheer with their Christmas campaigns. Here, The Drum rounds up our favorite holiday ads from the US.
The Drum reveals its top five US Christmas ads of this year
First up, Coca-Cola. Is it even the holiday season before the big red truck comes to town? The soft-drink giant’s emotional spot drives home the concept of togetherness, a revival of the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan – which was canceled last year due to the pandemic – and new virtual Santa sightings. Created in partnership with DentsuMB UK, the video tells the heartwarming tale of a young boy who mobilizes a group of friendly neighbors in and around his apartment complex to fashion a makeshift ‘chimney’ out of cardboard boxes to welcome Santa. The final box at the tippy-top of the chimney is, of course, a red Coca-Cola box.
Next up, we have an ode to a classic Christmas movie from Chase Bank. Of course, we’re talking about the seasonal favorite Home Alone. The modern take features actor Catherine O’Hara, who starred in the original 90s movie as Kevin McCallister’s mom, as realizes she’s lost Kevin. But the plot twist is it’s not the Kevin you think it is – it’s actor and comedian Kevin Hart. The spot was produced by Droga5 and directed by Jake Symansky, who has worked on shows such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Funny or Die Presents.
Department store Macy’s kicked off the magic of the holiday season with a special little blue reindeer named Tiptoe. In an adorable spot, viewers see the festive mascot on the verge of realizing her ultimate dream – to join Santa’s Sleigh Team and help deliver presents to children around the world on Christmas Eve. Created by the team at BBDO New York, the video sprinkles a little bit of festive magic and showcases the importance of self-belief.
Meanwhile, online marketplace Etsy released its holiday season campaign ‘Give More Than a Gift,’ which was created by 72andSunny New York. The ad highlights the importance of meaningful relationships, the positive impact that our loved ones make on our lives and the powerful way a gift can say something truly meaningful.
Lastly, Apple has enlisted father-and-son duo Ivan and Jason Reitman to direct its heartwarming holiday commercial. ‘Saving Simon’ tells the story of a young girl who heroically attempts to keep her much-loved snowman, affectionately named Simon, preserved throughout the entire year. TBWA/Media Arts Lab also worked with the tech giant on the spot, which is the latest installment of the ‘Shot on iPhone’ series.
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