Fast-food giant McDonald’s is set to light up the holiday season with a heartwarming Christmas advertisement that extends its beloved ‘Raise Your Arches’ campaign. Developed in collaboration with Leo Burnett UK, the ad encourages individuals to share the joy of McDonald’s during the festive season through a simple yet inviting question: ‘Fancy a McDonald’s?’
The 90-second film captures the enchanting moments sparked by a spontaneous invitation to McDonald’s during the Christmas season. Directed by the talented Shannon Murphy, known for her work on Killing Eve, and accompanied by the iconic 80s anthem Jump by Van Halen, the ad beautifully encapsulates the irresistible allure of a McDonald’s invite.
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The storyline unfolds at a lackluster office Christmas party, where a woman in a snowman costume reluctantly engages in a karaoke sing-along.
A text message featuring a burger and fries emoji followed by a question mark becomes the catalyst for an invite, with the friend raising his eyebrows, subtly posing the unspoken question, ‘Fancy a McDonald’s?’
The duo, joined by others from the party, embarks on a whimsical journey across town as the snowball effect takes hold.
Even Santa Claus abandons his grotto to join the McDonald’s-bound crowd, creating a festive spectacle. The film reaches a heartwarming climax when a family in matching Christmas jumpers, disheartened by a canceled train, gleefully joins the growing group.
The diverse crowd, including disinterested parents from a school nativity play, converges on their local McDonald’s, creating a jubilant and celebratory atmosphere. Watch below:
REELated:
Michelle Graham-Clare, Senior Vice President and chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “Celebrating the iconicity of a knowing look, an unspoken communication to signify the all-consuming craving for a Big Mac is something we’ve proudly celebrated all year. I cannot wait to see the reaction to our Fancy a McDonald’s Christmas campaign. Underpinned by generous offers and competitions in our app to kick-start Christmas early, we hope to raise many smiles – and eyebrows – once again.”
James Millers and Andrew Long, Creative Partners at Leo Burnett UK, added, “The beginning of 2023 saw us turn a simple raise of the of eyebrows into an invitation to Maccies. So, what better way to finish the year than bringing this iconic action back for Christmas? This feel-good campaign hopes to spread some joy, by celebrating all of those important moments of release during the festive period.”
Campaign Support and Promotion:
Premiering during The Voice on ITV and Terminator: Dark Fate on Channel 4, the ad marks the kickoff of McDonald’s festive campaign.
A comprehensive social media initiative accompanies the ad, featuring an innovative Snapchat filter that allows users to virtually try on outfits from the film by playfully raising their arches.
McDonald’s will launch a 30-day app promotion called Festive Wins, providing customers with opportunities to win delectable food and exclusive merchandise, including a collaboration with Crocs featuring McDonald’s iconic imagery.
As part of the festive lineup, McDonald’s aims to bring joy to families through a partnership with the Festive Paddington Happy Meal.
CREDITS:
BRAND: McDonald’s UK
AGENCY: Leo Burnett, UK
PRODUCTION COMPANY: SMUGGLER, UK
POST PRODUCTION: Framestore, Company3, London
MEDIA: OMD UK, Oliver
PR: Red
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