Over the years the Christmas TV spot has become a prime opportunity for retailers to get the nation talking. Whether it's pulling on the country’s heartstrings, or making people fall in love with an animal, festive ads have become a staple of the seasonal period. Get your tissues at the ready and take a look back at 10 of the most iconic Christmas adverts of all time.
5. Sainsbury’s, 1914, 2014
Created in partnership with The Royal British Legion, Sainsbury’s marked 100 years since the Christmas truce during the First World War. The advert recreated the famous story of combatants uniting for a game of football on Christmas Day, as well as a touching rendition of Silent Night. Photo: YouTube/Sainsbury's
6. John Lewis, The Long Wait, 2011
John Lewis cemented itself as the king of Christmas adverts with this iconic TV spot. The advert told the story of a young boy frustratingly waiting for the big day, but as it drew nearer, it wasn’t all that it seemed it was going to be. Photo: YouTube/John Lewis
7. Very, Get More out of Giving, 2017
Very managed to get the nation's attention with their 2017 advert which followed a big hearted little girl spreading the festive cheer alongside her Ulfie. Embarking on a rollercoaster adventure, the girl thinks all is gone after losing her wolf and the gift over an icy waterfall, but Christmas Day brings a welcome surprise. Photo: YouTube/Very
8. John Lewis, Somewhere Only We Know, 2013
A truly iconic Christmas tearjerker, the 2013 John Lewis TV spot featured a heart wrenching Lily Allan cover of Keane’s Somewhere Only We Know. The advert featured a bear who misses Christmas every year because of hibernation, only for a hare to bring the bear some Christmas joy. Photo: YouTube/John Lewis