Countdown to the Best of 2016 Holiday Ads

Being in marketing, I’m hyper-aware of advertisements in my everyday life. I’m constantly noticing what I liked and ways I think the ads could improve. I find it interesting how big companies market, from billboards and commercials, to more subtle product placement in movies and tv. Marketing is everywhere, and I do mean everywhere.  These days, if you see a product on a sitcom, odds are the company paid a pretty penny to have it! Ever notice that all the labels on those shows are always facing out? Thats no mistake.

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This past weekend, I went with my family to NYC to see the Rockettes Holiday Spectacular. Let me just say, it was spectacular. It had fireworks, elaborate sets, and of course, dancing. I was impressed by how well they coordinated those high kicks, especially when I almost tripped twice just walking from the train to Radio City Music Hall! Anyway, the show was sponsored and you can’t help but notice all the subtle and not-so-subtle ways they gave them credit. For one example, see the picture below and how they added the Chase logo to the snowflake design on the wall. So, it got me thinking about the holiday ads and what makes them good. Here are some of my favorites.

Hersey Kisses

​So this ad isn’t exactly from 2016, but they do play every year and 2016 was no exception. The song never changes (We Wish You a Merry Christmas) and it always ends with the silver kiss ringing just a little too long at the end. Why do we love it? From a marketing standpoint, it’s simple and smart. Not only does it get you into the holiday spirit, it makes me think of Hershey Kisses every time I hear that song! Not thats, getting into your consumers heads.

4. Coca-Cola

Here Coke hits the nail on the head with their vintage Santa Billboard. It’s great because even though cola is typically a refreshing drink, the snow in the background alludes that you can drink coke all year round. Plus, the jolly, vintage Santa stirs up good-old holiday feelings. They say people driving past billboards only have catch up to six words as they wiz by, so the simple “open happiness” is the perfect tagline!

3. Amazon

Okay, let’s all admit that Amazon has been KILLING it with their commercial ads lately. Seriously, I don’t know one person who didn’t mention this ad to me. After all babies and dogs appeal to virtually everyone, and the cuties in this commercial were no acceptation. Below is their holiday ad, and while it has cause controversy, I think that might be what they wanted! They got people to talk about their services and got the ad to go viral. Plus, emphasized getting someone in your life something that they would need and implied that you can find it on Amazon and get it instantly.

2. John Lewis

This ad made it on the list because its creative! I honestly cannot name another ad that had such an array of animals on a trampoline. Actually, I can’t  name an ad with any animals on a trampoline. Also, this video made us laugh out loud. This company wasn’t explicit with what exactly they offer, nor arethey a household name. This made me visit their site. So the ad did it’s job, the laugh was just a little bonus. Not to mention, the ad has it's own hashtag which is a great way to get consumers involved.

1. Mercedes- Benz

This commercial is great for many reasons. The first is its relatable because how many times has someone cancelled plans  on you because their car “isn’t good in the snow?” I mean, we’ve all been there. On a personal level, I love that it sums up dating at that age, even though both of the kids made their parents go out into the snow in bad weather to meet up for their date, they greeted each other with a shy “hey” and not even a hug. I like that it essentially is saying that that with this car, you wont miss out on life’s important moments.


    Silly side note: I wonder if the movie theater employee  at 0:48 also has a     Mercedes because how else would they have gotten there?

Leave a comment below of what your favorite holiday ads were, of 2016 or of all time! Merry Christmas and happy holidays!