The holidays have officially arrived, and with them comes the most anticipated commercial of the year: the John Lewis Christmas campaign This year’s campaign, titled “Where Love Lives,” captures the beauty of connection through the tagline, “If you can’t find the words, find the gift.”
Soundtracked by Alison Limerick’s iconic 90s anthem Where Love Lives, reimagined by Grammy-nominated artist Labrinth, the film explores how the right gift can express what words sometimes can’t.
Created by Saatchi & Saatchi, the spot tells the story of a teenage son who struggles to express his love for his father. On Christmas morning, his dad finds an unopened present beneath the tree — a vinyl record of Where Love Lives. As the record spins, the familiar melody transports him back to the vibrant dance floors of the 1990s.
Immersed in memory, he’s surrounded by friends and flashing lights, before catching sight of his son — first as a teen across the crowd, then as a toddler taking his first steps, and finally as a newborn in his arms. The song becomes a bridge between past and present, reminding him that love, like music, transcends time and words.
The moment returns to the present as Labrinth’s tender new version of the track plays. The father, caught mid-dance, shares a wordless embrace with his son — a quiet “thank you,” an unspoken I love you. Take a look below:
“This year’s John Lewis Christmas campaign is a celebration of connection, memory, and the emotions that define the season,” said Rosie Hanley, Director of Brand for John Lewis. “A thoughtful gift can say what’s in your heart when words fall short, and we hope this story inspires customers to find that perfect expression of love.”
The Where Love Lives vinyl, featuring Alison Limerick’s original track on Side A and Labrinth’s reimagined version on Side B, is available exclusively through Rough Trade at John Lewis for £14.99, with all profits supporting the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme — an initiative helping young adults who’ve grown up in care build brighter futures.
“Music is always the heartbeat of a John Lewis Christmas,” said Franki Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi. “This year, it’s also the gift itself — a beautiful reminder of how music can communicate what we often can’t say out loud.”
For Alison Limerick, the inclusion of her hit carries special meaning. “I squealed when I heard,” she admitted. “Music brings people together, and this version captures such tenderness. Labrinth’s take is simply beautiful — it fills the heart with love.”
Labrinth added, “To reimagine a British classic for the John Lewis Christmas campaign — something I grew up watching — feels surreal. This advert is part of the country’s festive DNA. I’m honored to help bring it to life.”
The spot is now streaming online and airing across the UK, inspiring everyone to say what matters most — even when words aren’t enough. The John Lewis campaigns are absolutely a gift to us every year.
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