Some of us love the gifts, others the Christmas movies, decorations, or the food. Here at Grown and Flown, we love the holiday commercials. Our criteria for picking our favorites this year were the same as every year: Did the commercial make us reach for the tissues?
This Year’s Winners
“Memory Lane” (Chevrolet 2025)
In this Chevrolet commercial a family embarks on a heartwarming road trip, revisiting significant locations and moments from their past. Their journey is filled with the simple joys of togetherness.
“The Perfect Gift” (Waitrose 2025)
When Phil, an unassuming guy with a quiet routine, unexpectedly meets his dream movie star at the cheese counter, he can hardly believe his luck or steady his nerves. What starts as a shared love of cheese quickly becomes a genuine and surprising connection. As they enjoy good food, laughter, and a touch of festive magic, Phil finds himself falling for the real woman behind the celebrity image. But when an unexpected gift from someone else casts doubt on their budding romance, Phil must step up with a heartfelt gesture to win the love of a woman who has it all.
“Where Love Lives…if you can’t find the words, find the gift.” (John Lewis 2025)
John Lewis unveiled its eagerly awaited Christmas 2025 advert, set to Alison Limerick’s “Where Love Lives” in a fresh reinterpretation by globally renowned artist and producer Labrinth. This year’s story centers on a teenage boy who turns to music to express the emotions he struggles to voice to his father, culminating in the message: “If you can’t find the words, find the gift.”
“2025 December to Remember: Over the Years (Lexus (2025)
This is a Grown and Flown holiday story with a soundtrack to Fleetwood Mack…enough said.
“Holidays Are Coming (Coca-Cola 2025)
This one is just fun and AI generated, so grab a Coca-Cola and spread the cheer!
“A Critter Carol” (Apple 2025)
This holiday season, a group of lovable woodland creatures finds a lost iPhone 17 Pro and uses it to record a heartfelt song celebrating the gift of friendship before returning it to its owner. Inspired by Flight of the Conchords’ “Friends,” the handcrafted film reminds us that connection is the greatest gift of all.
Favorites from 2024
Disney: ‘The Boy & The Octopus’ (2024)
A young boy forges a relationship with an octopus by teaching him about his life on land.
O2: ‘Snowing Sims’ by VCCP (2024)
A short film about those struggling with poverty.
Shaun the Sheep x Barbour (2024)
Bitzer is trying his best to conduct the choir, as their ‘baas’ begins to freeze. Can Bitzer change the tune with the help of some Baa-bour magic?
Favorites from 2023
“Snapper: The Perfect Tree” (John Lewis & Partners 2023)
“John Lewis has turned to a cheeky carnivorous plant – and an operatic superstar (Andrea Bocelli) – for its Christmas advertising campaign.”
Joy Ride (Amazon 2023)
Love these three friends in this sweet commercial and trip down memory lane, set to the tune of the Beatles’ classic, “In My Life.” Watch to the end and send this to YOUR oldest friends.
Favorites from 2022
The Magical Cookbook (Kroger 2022)
Without giving it away, let’s say that holiday recipes help this sweet grandpa remember those he’s lost but also those who are still here. Oh, and the music is awesome. The byline is, “Today’s holidays are tomorrow’s memories.”
“The Beginner”(John Lewis Christmas Advert 2022)
A man takes up a hobby and struggles mightily to master it. He starts to get the hang of it, and then it becomes clear to the viewer why he has put so much effort into it. So sweet.
“The Gift” (Disney 2022)
The Gift tells the story of a young girl whose mom is pregnant. It’s hard to wrap your head around a new sibling, but sometimes we can’t even imagine how wonderful something will be.
“The Gift” (Heathrow 2022)
This one is for our demographic. It features a couple spending Christmas away from their grown-up children. Grab the tissues.
We love some new kids on the block, but we can’t help hearkening back to Christmas’s past, where we found 12 heartwarming holiday commercials from over the years that will surely melt even the Grinchiest of hearts.
All-Time Classics
“I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing” (Coca-Cola)
This commercial always makes me smile, and the Christmas version is even better. If you aren’t humming this catchy earworm for the rest of the day, I can’t help you.
John Lewis & Partners Christmas Ad (2018)
This gorgeous commercial by a furniture company features Elton John, and I won’t ruin the surprise but suffice it to say: you will need a tissue box handy. This commercial reminds us that there are no small gestures, especially at Christmas.
“Community Ice Skating” (McDonald’s)
Okay, I admit it: Ronald McDonald is a little creepy, but, come on, who wouldn’t want to run into him on a snowy pond with cartoon woodland creatures looking on? I remember this commercial airing when I was a kid, and I wanted nothing more than to skate along with the guy who sold Happy Meals.
“Buster The Boxer” (John Lewis and Partners)
Because let’s face it: our furry friends want gifts from Santa, too.
“Adorable Snowman” (Campbell’s Soup)
Advertisers knew what they were doing when they put this kid in an ad: his sweet face and smile make me want to eat Campbell’s soup for infinity. There’s simply nothing better after playing in the snow all day than a warm bowl of soup. And a big glass of wine, but that’s another commercial.
“Holiday Surprise” (Publix Grocery Store)
Publix has the market cornered (pun intended) on holiday commercials. This one from 2008 made me gasp at the end, and if you thought you ugly cried during their Home for The Holidays commercial earlier this year, wait. Publix is why we are addicted to holiday commercials here at Grown and Flown.
“Peter Is Home” (Folgers)
This one is an oldie but a goodie. Who can forget the day “Peter” comes home to surprise his family for a holiday, only to find his little sister waiting at the bottom of the stairs? This commercial made me cry when I was a kid, but now that I have teens? Damn you, Folgers.
“Dancing Dad” (Bouyges)
We all have that song that we sang to our kids, the song that, when it comes on, reminds us of when our babies were tiny. This commercial by a tech company nails what it’s like to have that song become a part of the tapestry of your relationship with your kids. Also? It makes you want to get up and dance along, too.
“Santa’s Gift Certificate” (McDonald’s)
Yes, again, with McDonald’s, but I can’t help myself. Who can resist a kid in footie pajamas leaving a gift certificate for Christmas? I sure can’t.
“Love Is A Gift” Short Film
Fair warning: this commercial will make you ugly cry the hardest. Sorry, not sorry.
“Brother and Sister Reunion” (Folgers)
Like Publix, Folgers knows how to deliver a cup of coffee with a side of heartwarming heartstring-pulling. Now that my kids are teens, I fervently hope they will both feel the way this brother and sister feel when he arrives home for the holidays. I also hope they’ll make me coffee before I wake up. That would be a Christmas miracle.
“Sprinkle The Joy” (Publix Grocery Store)
Seriously, Publix. You are killing us, but please keep the tear-jerkers coming because we can’t help ourselves.
Holiday commercials are an escape from reality. Taking a moment to breathe in the holiday spirit is just what you need when looking for those ever-elusive scissors.
More Great Reading:
100+ Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teens and College Students (2025)
Christmas Gift Guide for Young Adult Women in College, Careers (2025)
Christmas Gift Guide for College Guys and Young Adult Men (2025)
