The holiday season is here and it is prime time for brands to captivate audiences with creative, memorable advertisements. The numbers suggest it’s a worthy goal! According to the U.S. Census Bureau, core retail sales during the 2023 holiday season grew 3.8% over 2022, topping $964.4 billion. And, experts predict another big year for 2024.
As marketers, we are excited to see brands pull out all the stops during this competitive season. Whether it’s through nostalgia, innovation, or heartwarming storytelling, holiday ads can make a lasting impact.
Here’s a roundup of our favorite holiday ads of 2024, each with a unique way of spreading cheer and connecting with audiences.
Coca-Cola’s AI-Generated Secret Santa
This year, Coca-Cola is pushing boundaries with an AI-generated ad that pays homage to the company’s 1995 classic ad, “Holidays Are Coming.” The new ad features the famous red delivery trucks decked out in Christmas lights, Santa Claus imagery, and even a few shots of smiling customers holding bottles of Coke.
We’ll admit, this one’s a bit controversial. The AI-generated visuals are almost too perfect, giving the ad a slightly eerie, uncanny vibe. Everything is so polished that it doesn’t quite feel real, which is ironic given the company’s slogan of authenticity, “real magic,” is displayed at the end of the ad.
That said, we’re into it. Coca-Cola is trying something new, and that’s worth applauding. In a world where AI is a hot topic, they’re leaning into the conversation and getting people talking. It’s futuristic while still trying to capture the nostalgia of the 90s. It’s not perfect, but it’s bold, and that’s what good marketing is all about.
Etsy’s “Get You” Gifts, Featuring Waldo
Next up, we have Etsy, which took a heartwarming approach this year by featuring the iconic character Waldo from the beloved “Where’s Waldo?” series. Their campaign, titled “Give ‘I get you’ gifts,” highlights Etsy as the go-to place for finding unique, personalized presents.
The 60-second commercial shows Waldo traveling the world, surrounded by crowds yet feeling disconnected. The real magic happens when he returns home to find a thoughtful gift from a friend. It is a vintage compass inscribed with “I’m glad I found you.” Suddenly, Waldo feels seen, understood, and genuinely appreciated.
This ad is like a mini film that goes straight to the heart. It’s creative, it’s touching, and it gets to the bottom of what the holidays are all about: making the people you love feel special. It’s a clever twist, focusing not on where Waldo is, but on who he is and what makes him happy. And let’s be real, it makes us want to shop thoughtfully on Etsy to find those “I get you” gifts for our own loved ones.
Olipop’s “A New Kind of Holiday Cheer”
Last but definitely not least, we have Olipop’s animated ad, “A New Kind of Holiday Cheer.” This one is a delightful mix of nostalgia and warmth, featuring two lovable yet misunderstood yetis, Oli and Pop. Their large, intimidating appearances make it tough for them to spread holiday cheer, as humans keep their distance.
But the story takes a heartwarming turn when a can of Olipop helps bridge the gap, bringing everyone together. The ad feels like a mashup of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The Grinch,” with a message about embracing differences and coming together over the holidays.
The animation is top-notch and visually captivating. It leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and honestly, it makes you want to grab a can of Olipop and invite your neighbors over for a holiday gathering. According to Olipop’s CMO, Matt Bruhn, “The yetis, who appear intimidating at first glance, are shown as clumsy, sensitive, and well-meaning, which makes them lovable and relatable. Their journey of discovering their true charm lies in simply being themselves is a metaphor for the holiday spirit—embracing imperfection and celebrating authenticity.”
The best holiday ads don’t just push products, they create moments that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact. This year, brands like Coca-Cola, Etsy, and Olipop have delivered campaigns that range from nostalgic to innovative, each one sparking conversations and warming hearts.
At Wheels Up Collective, we love seeing brands embrace creativity, take risks, and connect with people in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through AI, classic storytelling, or feel-good animations, these ads remind us of the power of great marketing during the holiday season.
We’d love to hear from you to see how we can make your brand shine creatively this holiday season and beyond.
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