If the holiday season is known for anything, it’s delivering ads that fill our hearts (and screens) with warmth—and this December rose to the occasion. From touching family moments to epic superhero teasers, agencies delivered a few campaigns that kept us from wrapping presents or heading to the kitchen for eggnog or discarding that ‘nog in the bathroom!
Chevrolet brought the waterworks in a heartwarming spot where a dad bonds with his son over a classic truck. By the end, we’re reminded that holiday magic sometimes comes in the form of shared memories under the hood—definitely a “pass the tissues” moment.
Meanwhile, Apple celebrated the season by shining a spotlight on a deaf father connecting with his family. From sign language to seamless tech, this ad proves togetherness doesn’t need words—just a little ingenuity and a whole lot of heart.
Bridging gaps and cultures, IW Group’s campaign for Lexus showcased how different generations of Asian families embrace tradition (and a sweet new ride). Mixing style and sentiment, these ads brought authentic representation front and center, reminding us all that the holidays are about celebrating every layer of who we are.
Saving the biggest “wow” factor for last, DC swooped in with a fresh trailer for their upcoming Superman film—just in time to wrap our year in superhero hype. It’s capes, Krypton, and colossal excitement all rolled into one, setting the stage for 2025’s most anticipated blockbuster.
Take a look below in no particular order:
Apple – “Heart Strings”
In December, Apple shone a light on a father living with mild to moderate hearing loss, weaving a tale that tugs at the heart and celebrates the joy of shared moments.
Heartstrings follows a father who struggles with hearing loss, often missing the subtle, meaningful sounds that define life’s most precious moments. The ad begins with a quiet Christmas morning, as he watches his daughter open a brand-new guitar. Through carefully designed soundscapes by three-time Academy Award-winning sound designer Paul N.J. Ottosson, viewers experience the world as he does — muted, incomplete, and distant. Memories of his daughter’s milestones, from her first guitar to her first day of school, wash over him with bittersweet nostalgia.
The turning point comes when the father activates the groundbreaking Hearing Aid feature on Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. The soundscape shifts dramatically, immersing him — and the audience — in crisp, vibrant sound as he hears his daughter play Our House by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young for the first time.
Albert Heijn – “Whamster”
In a nostalgic and self-aware holiday commercial from TBWA\Neboko, Ridgeley reimagines his role in one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time, while paying tribute to his late musical partner, George Michael.
The ad, a split-screen homage to the original 1984 Last Christmas music video, juxtaposes the timeless footage with new scenes starring Ridgeley and Harry. The poignant visuals suggest a reunion across decades, resonating with fans of the MTV generation and tugging at the heartstrings of viewers who grew up with the unforgettable holiday classic.
Target – “A Bigger Sleigh”
Target unveiled its holiday campaign for 2024, introducing “Kris from Target,” a charismatic team member who brings festive cheer to the season. Instead of our usual jolly head elf, this Kris is depicted as a muscular, stylish Target employee who brings a fresh and charismatic energy to the traditional figure.
The campaign, developed in collaboration with Mythology and directed by Wayne McClammy of Hungry Man, features Kris assisting customers and spreading holiday joy, all while exuding a “weirdly hot” charm that has garnered significant attention.
Famous Footwear holiday spot – Unwrap Famous
School recitals are a very authentic reality, especially around the holiday season, where the kids (and their shoes) look great up on stage…but maybe don’t sound so remarkable. However, fun fashion and cute kids always make up for slightly off-key holiday classics, especially in the new Famous Footwear holiday spot.
In partnership with Nashville-based creative agency THE MAYOR, the brand has unveiled its latest campaign, Unwrap Famous, spotlighting the joy, nostalgia, and humor of holiday traditions—complete with ultra-giftable shoes as the centerpiece.
Chevrolet – “Holiday Card 2024”
Chevrolet’s holiday videos are more than marketing; they’re emotional tributes to the ties that bind us. Each story highlights how vehicles transcend transportation, becoming symbols of shared journeys and lifelong memories.
2024’s offering, “Holiday Card 2024,” continues that heartfelt tradition. The video follows a multigenerational family as they celebrate the legacy of their recently departed grandfather, with his cherished Chevrolet truck serving as a central figure in their story.
The film begins in a warm, bustling home with family members remembering their beloved patriarch.
As family members pounce on the grandson with questions about the future, his grandmother suggests to his dad that he rescue him. Revered as “his favorite song,” the truck symbolizes his love, wisdom, and craftsmanship.
November’s campaigns perfectly balanced heartwarming holiday tales, clever humor, and blockbuster excitement, giving audiences plenty to enjoy as the year winds down. Each entry showcased the power of creative storytelling and strong brand partnerships to leave a lasting impression.
Superman – “Teaser”
The first teaser trailer for James Gunn’s Superman finally arrived, giving fans a tantalizing glimpse of the Man of Steel’s highly anticipated return to the big screen. As the first feature film in DC Studios’ reimagined universe, this trailer perfectly balances heart-pounding action with the emotional core that has always defined Superman’s story.
At the center of this sneak peek is Clark Kent’s heart and humanity. The teaser showcases his relationships with those closest to him—Lois Lane, his father Jonathan Kent, and even his loyal companion, Krypto. Each interaction highlights the compassion and inherent belief in humanity that drives Superman, making it clear that this is a hero defined as much by his heart as his strength.
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Lexus – “Across the Line”
Connections between generations are deeply cherished in Asian communities, where traditions, values, and skills are passed down as a way of preserving culture and strengthening family bonds. Lexus celebrated these meaningful connections in its latest campaign released in December, showcasing the elegance and versatility of its vehicles while honoring the rich traditions that bring families together.
Created by the LA multicultural agency IW Group, they were directed by Federico Mazzarisi of Quriosity Productions and mark the second collaboration between the director and the agency for Lexus this year.Lexus celebrates these meaningful connections in its latest campaign, showcasing the elegance and versatility of its vehicles while honoring the rich traditions that bring families together.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on X at @colinthewriter1
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