5 Emotional Holiday Commercials (Try Not to Tear Up, We Dare You)

The holidays are here, and with them come commercials that somehow always know how to pull at our heartstrings. 

From touching family moments to nostalgic reminders of togetherness, these holiday ads have a way of capturing the magic of the season using marketing’s #1 tool today: video storytelling. Experience all the emotions with us as we reflect on 5 unforgettable holiday commercials that are sure to have you in your feels by the end…

1. “A Holiday to Remember” by Chevrolet

Produced in 2023 by Commonwealth//McCann, an agency under the McCann brand dedicated to Chevrolet, this heartwarming ad feels more like a holiday short. Just over five minutes, the commercial follows a woman on a heartfelt mission to gift her grandmother cherished memories of the past, all told from the front seat of a classic Chevy Suburban.

Why It Works: By focusing on nostalgia and family connection, Chevrolet reinforces the emotional value of their brand while seamlessly tying it to their product. The ad appeals to viewers’ sentimentality, creating a powerful association between the car and cherished memories of family, which resonates deeply with multigenerational audiences.

2. “The World Needs More Santas” by Coca-Cola

Produced by the New York ad agency Wieden+Kennedy in 2020, this under-two-minute Coca-Cola ad transforms a busy city into a sea of Santas. Each Santa embodies kindness, generosity, and holiday spirit, culminating in the message that we all have an “inner Santa” capable of spreading goodwill.

Why It Works: This ad taps into Coca-Cola’s iconic holiday branding (imaginative visuals with heartwarming narratives) by delivering a message of community and generosity. By showcasing relatable characters and simple acts of kindness, the well-known ad agency was able to create an uplifting story that reflects Coca-Cola’s core values as a brand and encourages viewers to see themselves as agents of positive change.

3. “Heartstrings” by Apple

Released in 2022 by TBWA\Media Arts Lab, this ad shares the story of how sound and connection shape our lives, spotlighting Apple’s innovative hearing health technology. Providing a world-class, innovative product experience, the ad encourages viewers to embrace tools like Apple AirPods Pro 2 as a way to help bridge gaps in hearing and human connection.

Why It Works: Apple combines emotional storytelling with product innovation, showcasing how their technology can impact everyday life. This ad shows an inclusive, real-life application of the product and features, appealing to both practical and emotional consumer needs. It does a great job of reinforcing Apple’s position as a leader in creating connections through technology.

Bonus: If “Heartstrings” tugged at yours, Apple’s “The Song” is another great example of a holiday commercial that’ll get the tears flowing, showing the company’s commitment to emotional advertising over the years. Watch the 2014 commercial “The Song” here.

4. “The Beginner” by John Lewis & Partners

Part of an annual holiday advert, the 2022 commercial by John Lewis and adam&eveDDB follows an adult man determined to learn how to skateboard. There’s humorous setbacks and heartfelt persistence; and at the end, his reason for relentlessly trying to learn is revealed…

Why It Works: This minute and a half long commercial has it all: humor, determination, and a meaningful twist. The narrative feels both relatable and inspiring, connecting the brand to values like family and selflessness. Year after year, holiday adverts like this one resonate with viewers so deeply that it leaves a lasting impression.

Curious about this year’s John Lewis commercial? Check out the recently-launched 2024 advert entitled “The Gifting Hour” on their YouTube channel.

5. “E.T. Came Home For Christmas” by Sky

Released in 2019 by Sky Creative Agency, this ad reunites E.T. with his now-adult friend Elliott after 37 years. It tells the story of their bond and the magic of shared moments during the holidays. This four-minute long extended cut highlights Sky’s streaming services, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling.

Why It Works: Sky taps into the nostalgic, deep emotional attachment audiences already have to E.T. That’s not just our opinion — it’s a common theme in the feedback the video received. By subtly integrating their own product into an iconic, beloved story, the ad connects with viewers on an emotional level while promoting their services as a way to bring families together.

Emotional storytelling has the power to connect us all, especially during the holidays. Which of these holiday commercials resonated with you the most? Let us know on social media or reach out when you’re ready to create your own unforgettable brand moments.