As the holiday shopping season wraps up and families settle down at home, it’s time to relax with loved ones and prepare for the New Year. And what better time to look at some of history’s greatest holiday ad campaigns?
Running a successful holiday as campaign is a science in its own right. These campaigns rely on a thorough knowledge of consumer behavior and cultural cues. For marketers and ad-planners, knowing just when to target your audience can be the difference between success and failure. The huge influx of competing campaigns also challenges marketers more than ever to rise above the noise.
But Christmas is an especially great time for radio marketers, where a strong assortment of sonic branding help boost your brand into the Christmas spirit. “Ho Ho Ho’s” and sleigh bells ringing are just a few of the aural component that can bring back childhood memories of frosted Christmas cookies and carolers.
And whether you’re on TV or radio, these aural cues don’t become any less powerful.
So what are some of our favorite holiday ads?
Coca Cola Polar Bears
Coca Cola has been using their polar bears as early as 1922 in print, but it wasn’t until 1993 that the bears made their TV debut. 20 years later, Coke’s polar bear Christmas ads are still a beloved hallmark of the holiday season.
Apple – Misunderstood
http://youtu.be/ImlmVqH_5HM
This ad is new to the scene, but an instant classic. A disinterested teen is buried in his phone for his family’s Christmas vacation. Only once the family is gathered together, it’s revealed he filmed and edited a short film about their journey. The jazzy rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in the background makes a perfect accompaniment.
Hershey Kisses
Simple, but brilliant. Hershey Kisses in Christmas colors play their own rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Coca Cola – Christmas Hilltop
A remix of the 1971 “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” this commercial adds a Christmas twist. This time, the camera pans out to reveal a giant human Christms tree.
M&Ms Meet Santa.
The iconic M&Ms meet Santa, and he’s as surprised to them as they are to see him.