Buzz
The festive season, much like the Super Bowl, is one of those rare occasions when audiences eagerly anticipate the commercials that interrupt their favorite programs. Brands not only introduce new content annually but also embrace holiday nostalgia by replaying heartwarming ads. Some, like Hershey’s Kisses’ “Christmas Bells,” are still aired today, while others, such as the 1993 Coca-Cola polar bears debut, have left an indelible mark on holiday advertising. Here are seven cherished commercials that have become timeless Christmas staples.
1. Folgers Coffee’s “Peter Returns Home for Christmas” // 1986
Peter’s heartwarming return home for Christmas debuted in 1986 in this iconic Folgers ad. Greg Wrangler, the actor portraying Peter, revealed that the original commercial ran for almost two decades. In 2009, Folgers released a modernized version featuring a new Peter and an overly enthusiastic sister, which gained viral attention due to the perceived unusual closeness between the siblings.
2. Budweiser’s “Season’s Greetings” // 1987
The Budweiser Clydesdales have been featured in countless ads since the 1980s. In this touching commercial, the majestic horses race through snowy landscapes to deliver a massive Christmas tree. This iconic Budweiser ad remains a nostalgic favorite for many who fondly remember its charm.
3. Hershey's Kisses’s “Christmas Bells” // 1989
No holiday Christmas movie binge is complete without hearing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” performed by this chocolate bell choir. As Hershey’s most enduring commercial, it has garnered a loyal following. In 2020, Hershey’s faced criticism after releasing “Bells to Blossoms,” a modern take on the beloved ad. The company clarified that the new version was not a replacement, promising to air both during the festive season.
4. Corona Extra’s “O’ Tannenpalm” // 1990
Corona’s 32-year-old beer ad brings a tropical vibe to Christmas. A palm tree adorned with twinkling lights glows in the night as someone off-screen whistles “O’ Tannenbaum” (or “O’ Christmas Tree”). Though serene, filming was far from relaxing due to the alligators nearby. Mike Rogers, the ad’s creator, once shared that alligator wranglers were needed to clear the area, and the terrified cameraman was allowed to set up the shot and then quickly leave.
5. Campbell’s Soup’s “Melting Snowman” // 1993
This nostalgic ad was a hallmark of the ‘90s and early 2000s. A shivering snowman warms himself over a bowl of steaming hot soup, gradually melting to reveal a young boy eager to enjoy his meal. As The Drum reported, the ad aimed to capture the comforting emotions parents and children experience on snowy days.
6. Coca-Cola’s “Northern Lights” // 1993
Polar bears have been part of Coca-Cola ads since the 1920s, but their TV debut came in 1993. This commercial, more winter-themed than holiday-specific, shows the bears marveling at the Northern Lights while enjoying frosty bottles of soda. Ken Stewart, the ad’s creator, drew inspiration from his Labrador retriever, whose puppy fluff resembled a polar bear. Over the years, the bears returned in other Coca-Cola ads, with increasingly refined animation.
7. M&M’s “Faint” // 1996
Santa is no stranger to magic—flying reindeer, elves, and globe-trotting at lightning speed—but the sight of talking candy proved too much for him in this 1996 M&M’s ad. In 2017, the brand released a follow-up, featuring Yellow stepping in to save Christmas after Red and Santa were left stunned by their unforgettable meeting.
