The 8 Most Creative Holiday Marketing Campaigns for 2024

Every year, as Halloween ends, the holiday marketing campaigns begin in full swing. Businesses flood consumers with holiday emails, social media ads, and TV commercials, all vying for attention during the spending season.

But among the noise, some brands stand out with holiday marketing campaigns that genuinely resonate. These campaigns go beyond selling — they delight customers, evoke emotions, encourage sharing, and even foster connections with loved ones. Some even partner with charitable organizations, making a meaningful impact while driving engagement.

What To Expect This Holiday Season

As the 2024 holiday season approaches, consumer behaviors continue to evolve, blending e-commerce and in-person shopping. Online shopping remains a significant driver, but physical stores still play a key role. To cater to this omnichannel dynamic, brands must create seamless offline and online touchpoints.

Social media engagement is expected to surge, making it vital for brands to streamline customer communication with FAQs, efficient messaging systems, and engaging content. Tools like 99minds can enhance gifting and rewards programs, helping brands nurture relationships and boost loyalty during this festive period.

Stay ahead with adaptable strategies and thoughtful campaigns to make the most of this holiday season.

8 Killer Holiday Marketing Campaigns to Get Inspired From

1. Nordstrom's "Make Merry" holiday campaign


Nordstrom’s “Make Merry” holiday campaign emphasizes sustainability and customer engagement through innovative, eco-friendly shopping bags. These bags are designed for creative reuse, featuring guides to transform them into origami hearts, handbags, or festive ornaments. Customers are encouraged to share their creations on Instagram using the hashtag #MakeMerry, fostering a sense of community and holiday spirit. Beyond the reusable bags, Nordstrom’s campaign includes:

• Holiday Gift Shops: Available in all Nordstrom stores and online, offering a curated selection of gifts under $100, featuring exclusive and new-to-Nordstrom brands across various categories, including home, tech, beauty, and toys.
• Sustainable Gift Wrapping: All holiday gift wrap and gift boxes are 100% recyclable, aligning with Nordstrom's commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Exclusive Collaborations: The campaign features exclusive holiday collaborations, launches, and partnerships, providing customers with unique and diverse gift options.
This approach not only reduces waste but also enhances the customer experience by adding a personalized, creative touch to holiday preparations. By integrating sustainability with interactive elements, Nordstrom successfully combines environmental responsibility with festive engagement, setting a precedent for holiday marketing campaigns.
2. Tesco’s #TescoNoNaughtyList
Tesco’s #TescoNoNaughtyList campaign took the UK by storm with its relatable and humorous holiday messaging, creating a heartfelt connection during challenging times. The supermarket giant acknowledged the struggles people faced throughout the year, presenting a reassuring narrative: no matter the slip-ups—whether it was panic-buying toilet paper, giving your sister a questionable haircut, or indulging in too many treats—there’s “no naughty list” this Christmas.

Key Highlights of the Campaign:

• Heartwarming Advertisement: Tesco's holiday ad featured Santa himself approving everyone’s Christmas indulgences, reinforcing the message that no one should feel guilty for treating themselves or their loved ones during the holidays. The ad humorously recapped the year's challenges, striking a chord with viewers and providing a moment of lightheartedness.
• Relatable Messaging: By addressing shared experiences of stress and imperfection, Tesco created a sense of camaraderie among its customers, making them feel seen and understood.
• Social Media Engagement: The #TescoNoNaughtyList hashtag encouraged people to share their own humorous or lighthearted confessions, fostering engagement and spreading the campaign's feel-good message across social platforms.
• Inclusivity and Community Focus: The campaign emphasized forgiveness and togetherness, aligning with the holiday spirit of kindness and connection. It also encouraged families to embrace the imperfections of the year and focus on celebrating the small joys.
Tesco’s #TescoNoNaughtyList campaign not only boosted customer sentiment but also demonstrated how empathetic, well-timed messaging can resonate deeply with audiences, making it one of the most memorable holiday marketing campaigns. It showcased Tesco’s ability to balance humor and compassion, ensuring their brand remained top of mind during the festive season.
3. Macy’s Christmas Campaigns
Macy’s has long been synonymous with the holiday season, and its Christmas campaigns are no exception. Known for their grandeur and heartwarming messaging, Macy’s holiday marketing campaigns bring together in-store experiences, social media initiatives, and iconic advertisements that capture the festive spirit. One of their standout efforts is the “Believe” campaign, which has become an integral holiday tradition for many families across the United States.

The “Believe” Campaign: A Festive Tradition Macy’s “Believe” campaign is built around the idea of spreading joy and embracing the magic of the season. The campaign encourages people to write letters to Santa, and for each letter collected in-store or online, Macy’s donates to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This initiative not only amplifies the holiday spirit but also aligns with the values of generosity and kindness.

• Heartfelt Advertisements: Macy’s commercials often star big-name celebrities and showcase touching holiday stories, reminding viewers to hold on to the wonder of believing, whether in Santa Claus or in the magic of the season.
• In-Store Integration: The campaign seamlessly extends to Macy’s iconic in-store experiences, where customers can drop off their letters to Santa and immerse themselves in the brand’s beautifully decorated holiday displays.
• Social Media and Digital Engagement: Using hashtags like #MacysBelieve, the campaign sparks user-generated content and encourages families to share their holiday traditions, creating a community around the campaign’s message.
• Macy’s Holiday Window Displays: A Visual Feast: No holiday season would be complete without Macy’s iconic holiday window displays. Each year, these intricate and whimsical installations draw crowds of visitors who marvel at the artistry and storytelling that bring the season to life. From animated scenes to sparkling lights, the windows offer a magical experience that appeals to all ages.

  Why Macy’s Holiday Marketing Campaigns Stand Out Macy’s campaigns work because they go beyond traditional advertising. They focus on creating memories and delivering heartfelt messages that resonate with audiences. By combining charitable giving, emotional storytelling, and immersive in-store experiences, Macy’s reinforces its position as a holiday destination, driving both foot traffic and brand loyalty.

  Whether it’s the “Believe” campaign or the breathtaking holiday window displays, Macy’s holiday marketing campaigns embody the festive spirit, reminding everyone of the joy and magic the season brings.

4. M&M’s "Stumble Upon Santa" Campaign: A Holiday Classic
M&M’s has a knack for creating humorous and memorable holiday marketing campaigns, and their “Stumble Upon Santa” commercial is no exception. This iconic ad, which first aired in the late 1990s, remains a festive favorite thanks to its clever storytelling and lighthearted humor.

The Premise The campaign features M&M’s beloved characters, Red and Yellow, accidentally encountering Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. In a moment of mutual disbelief—Santa is shocked to see talking candy, and the M&M’s are stunned to meet the legendary figure—both parties hilariously faint from the surprise. The tagline? “He does exist!” captures the magic of Christmas with a humorous twist.

Why It Works

• Relatable Humor: The ad’s humor resonates across all age groups, making it a family-friendly favorite that keeps viewers entertained year after year.
• Timeless Appeal: Despite being decades old, the campaign continues to air during the holiday season, proving its enduring charm and effectiveness.
• Brand Integration: The campaign cleverly integrates M&M’s characters into the festive narrative, reinforcing the brand’s playful personality while tapping into the universal joy of the holidays.
• Expanding the Campaign: In recent years, M&M’s has built upon the success of the “Stumble Upon Santa” ad with additional holiday-themed campaigns and limited-edition products. Seasonal packaging featuring Red and Yellow in festive attire, as well as holiday-themed flavors like peppermint and hot cocoa, further enhance their holiday marketing efforts.

Why M&M’s Holiday Campaigns Stand Out M&M’s understands the importance of blending humor with nostalgia in its holiday marketing campaigns. By combining relatable characters, a touch of holiday magic, and a strong emotional connection, the brand has created a campaign that people look forward to seeing every Christmas season.

The “Stumble Upon Santa” campaign showcases how humor and holiday spirit can make a lasting impression, ensuring M&M’s remains a beloved part of the festive season.

5. L.L.Bean #12DaysofPuppies


L.L.Bean’s #12DaysofPuppies campaign is a delightful blend of holiday cheer, adorable dogs, and creative marketing, making it one of the most heartwarming holiday marketing campaigns in recent years. This campaign captures the essence of the season with a simple yet effective concept: puppies and festive joy.

The Campaign Concept The #12DaysofPuppies campaign launched during the holiday season, featuring twelve days of adorable puppy content shared across L.L.Bean’s social media platforms. Each day, the campaign highlighted heartwarming videos and images of puppies engaging with L.L.Bean products in cozy and wintry settings. From snuggling in bean boots to frolicking in snowy landscapes, these furry companions brought L.L.Bean’s outdoor and lifestyle brand to life.

Why It Works

• Emotional Connection: Puppies evoke joy, warmth, and love—qualities that perfectly align with the holiday spirit. This emotional appeal creates a strong bond between the audience and the brand.
• Social Media-Friendly: The campaign was tailor-made for social media, encouraging high engagement through likes, shares, and comments. Who can resist puppies, especially during the holidays?
• Brand Synergy: By showcasing their products alongside adorable puppies, L.L.Bean reinforced their brand’s association with comfort, warmth, and outdoor adventure. Interactivity: The campaign invited fans to participate by sharing their own puppy pictures using the hashtag #12DaysofPuppies, fostering community engagement and user-generated content.

The Impact

The campaign received widespread attention and went viral on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Fans eagerly awaited each day’s post, turning the campaign into a social media event. The hashtag #12DaysofPuppies not only boosted L.L.Bean’s visibility but also solidified its reputation as a brand that knows how to spread holiday cheer.

Why It Stands Out The #12DaysofPuppies campaign highlights how creativity and emotional resonance can elevate a holiday marketing campaign. By combining adorable puppies with the festive season, L.L.Bean successfully captured the hearts of its audience while subtly promoting its products. It’s a shining example of how brands can blend wholesome content with effective marketing to create a memorable holiday experience.

6. Taco Bell: Giving Just Got Even Better


Taco Bell’s Giving Just Got Even Better holiday marketing campaign brought a flavorful twist to the season of giving, cleverly blending generosity with their brand identity. The fast-food giant tapped into the holiday spirit by offering customers exciting opportunities to give and receive, reinforcing their connection with fans during one of the most festive times of the year. The Campaign Concept Taco Bell’s Giving Just Got Even Better campaign centered around the idea of making holiday gifting simpler, tastier, and more fun. The campaign included limited-time offers, gift card promotions, and special deals designed to encourage both gift-giving and self-indulgence. Taco Bell also encouraged customers to use their gift cards to share meals with friends and loved ones, adding a community-driven aspect to the holiday cheer. One notable feature of the campaign was their playful messaging and unique approach to holiday gifts, positioning Taco Bell as a fun and unconventional option for spreading joy. Key Features of the Campaign

• Gift Card Incentives: Customers who purchased Taco Bell gift cards during the campaign were rewarded with bonus perks, such as free menu items or additional value added to the card.
• Holiday-Themed Promotions: Special seasonal menu items and combo deals were introduced, appealing to loyal customers and holiday shoppers alike.
• Social Media Engagement: Taco Bell leveraged platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to promote their campaign using festive visuals, creative captions, and interactive content.
• Customization Options: Customers could personalize their gift cards with holiday-themed designs, making them an ideal gift choice.

Why it works

• Relatable and Simple: The campaign tapped into the universal act of holiday gift-giving, offering an easy, affordable, and delicious option for consumers.
• Brand Consistency: By staying true to its fun, youthful image, Taco Bell ensured the campaign resonated with its core audience while attracting new fans.
• Encouraging Sharing: The emphasis on using gift cards to share meals fostered a sense of connection and community, perfectly aligning with the holiday spirit.

The Impact The Giving Just Got Even Better campaign effectively positioned Taco Bell as more than just a fast-food option; it became part of customers’ holiday celebrations. The gift card incentives drove sales during the season, while the creative marketing efforts boosted brand visibility and engagement.

Why It Stands Out Taco Bell’s holiday marketing campaign demonstrates how a brand can seamlessly integrate its core offerings with the festive spirit. By focusing on the act of giving and adding playful holiday elements, Taco Bell created a campaign that was not only memorable but also a reflection of its fun and vibrant identity. It’s a masterclass in using the holiday season to connect with customers on both a personal and promotional level.

7. Apple: Make Someone's Holiday
Apple’s Make Someone's Holiday campaign showcased the tech giant’s ability to evoke emotion and connect with customers during the festive season. With sleek visuals, relatable storytelling, and a focus on meaningful gifting, this campaign exemplified the power of personalized experiences and thoughtful marketing.

The Campaign Concept Apple’s Make Someone’s Holiday was centered around the idea of creating joy through thoughtful gifts. The campaign highlighted Apple’s products as the perfect presents to enhance creativity, connection, and entertainment. Whether it was a new iPhone, an Apple Watch, or AirPods, Apple positioned its devices as more than just tech – they became tools for creating lasting memories and meaningful moments. The campaign seamlessly blended storytelling with product promotion, emphasizing the emotional value of Apple products in people’s lives. Key Features of the Campaign

• Emotionally Driven Storytelling: Apple’s campaign included heartwarming advertisements that depicted families, friends, and loved ones connecting through Apple products. Each ad told a story of how Apple’s devices could make holidays more special, emphasizing the emotional side of gifting.
• Product Highlighting:The campaign showcased Apple’s flagship products, emphasizing their unique features – from capturing high-quality family photos with an iPhone to creating music with a MacBook. Each product was positioned as a tool for enhancing creativity and connection.
• Engaging Visuals: Apple’s ads were sleek, modern, and visually stunning, staying true to the brand’s iconic aesthetic. The use of cozy, holiday-themed settings added a festive touch while keeping the focus on the products.
• Seamless Integration Across Channels: Apple leveraged its website, social media platforms, and retail stores to amplify the campaign. Interactive product demos and personalized shopping experiences in Apple Stores allowed customers to find the perfect gift.

Why It Works

• Emotionally Resonant: By focusing on the emotional impact of gifting, Apple connected with its audience on a deeper level, making its products more appealing as meaningful presents.
• Focus on Product Benefits:The campaign highlighted the practical and creative possibilities of Apple products, aligning with customers' desires to give thoughtful and useful gifts.
• Luxury Appeal: Apple’s premium branding was reinforced through the campaign’s elegant design and messaging, making its products synonymous with exceptional holiday gifting.

The Impact

Apple’s Make Someone’s Holiday campaign reinforced its position as a leading brand for high-quality, thoughtful gifts. The emotional storytelling and emphasis on product benefits resonated with customers, driving both in-store and online sales. Additionally, the campaign solidified Apple’s reputation as a brand that doesn’t just sell products – it creates experiences.

Why It Stands Out

Apple’s campaign masterfully balanced emotion and promotion, making its products feel personal and essential for the holiday season. The focus on creating memories and strengthening relationships through technology set it apart from typical product-centric campaigns. Make Someone’s Holiday demonstrated how a brand can leverage its core values and offerings to create a campaign that is both impactful and memorable.

8. Oreo’s “Colorfilled” Campaign


Oreo’s Colorfilled campaign added a splash of creativity and personalization to the holiday season, redefining how brands can engage with their customers. This innovative campaign transformed Oreo packaging into a fun, interactive experience, making holiday gifting more thoughtful and unique.

The Campaign Concept

The Colorfilled campaign invited customers to personalize Oreo packaging with their own artistic flair. By partnering with talented illustrators and providing vibrant, festive designs, Oreo offered customers the chance to create customized holiday gifts that stood out. This initiative encouraged creativity and fostered a deeper connection between the brand and its audience.

Key Features of the Campaign:

• Customizable Packaging: Oreo allowed customers to select from a range of holiday-themed designs and customize them either online or with coloring kits available in stores. This personal touch transformed a simple box of cookies into a heartfelt, creative gift.
• Illustrator Partnerships: Renowned artists like Timothy Goodman and Jeremyville were enlisted to craft exclusive designs, adding a professional and whimsical touch to the packaging.
• Digital Experience: Customers could visit a dedicated online platform to design and preview their custom packaging before ordering. This seamless digital integration enhanced the customer experience.
• Social Media Engagement:Oreo encouraged customers to share their personalized creations on social platforms using the hashtag #OreoColorfilled, driving user-generated content and social buzz.

Why It Works

• Personalization: The campaign tapped into the growing trend of customized products, allowing customers to feel involved in the gifting process and adding emotional value to their purchase.
• Interactive Experience:By turning packaging into an activity, Oreo created a memorable experience that appealed to both kids and adults, making the product more than just a cookie.
• Festive Appeal: The bright, holiday-themed designs resonated with the seasonal spirit, making Oreo packages an attractive gift option during the holidays.
• Social Proof:The hashtag #OreoColorfilled encouraged customers to share their designs, creating organic buzz and showcasing the campaign’s widespread appeal.

The Impact

Oreo’s Colorfilled campaign was a resounding success, driving both sales and brand engagement. By turning packaging into a customizable gift, Oreo distinguished itself from competitors during the busy holiday season. The campaign also amplified Oreo’s presence on social media, with countless users sharing their personalized designs.

Why It Stands Out

Oreo’s Colorfilled campaign is a stellar example of how a brand can elevate its product through creativity and engagement. By focusing on personalization, interactive experiences, and festive designs, Oreo successfully positioned itself as a fun and thoughtful holiday gift. This campaign not only delighted customers but also solidified Oreo’s place as a leader in innovative holiday marketing campaigns.

3 Hacks for Generating Creative Holiday Marketing Ideas

1. Tap Into Emotional Storytelling

The holidays are all about emotions — joy, nostalgia, generosity, and connection. Brands that evoke these feelings through storytelling have a greater chance of standing out. The results of this strategy show how integrating entertainment and interaction with exclusive offers can drive conversions while also building brand awareness. MeUndies’ Facebook Live campaign is a prime example of how brands can creatively use digital channels to enhance the Black Friday shopping experience and drive sales.

• How to Use It: Brainstorm narratives that align with your brand values and products. Think about the moments your customers cherish during the holidays, like family dinners, gifting, or winter traditions, and center your campaigns around these themes.
• Example:Remember Apple’s iconic “Make Someone’s Holiday” ad? It wasn’t just about selling devices; it showcased heartfelt family moments that struck an emotional chord with viewers.
2. Leverage Customer Insights and Data

Your existing customers are a goldmine for holiday campaign ideas. By analyzing customer behavior, past campaign performance, and purchasing trends, you can identify what works and where you can improve.

• How to Use It:Use tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and email marketing metrics to spot patterns. What products were popular last year? Which promotions led to the most conversions? What types of content received the highest engagement? These data points can guide your creative process.
• Pro Tip:Consider running a quick survey to ask your customers directly what they'd like to see this holiday season. Not only does this provide valuable feedback, but it also makes your customers feel heard and valued.
3. Draw Inspiration from Outside Your Industry

Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places. Looking at campaigns in industries unrelated to yours can spark fresh perspectives and ideas you might not have considered.

• How to Use It:Follow brands outside your niche on social media and take note of their successful campaigns. For example, a tech company might get inspired by how a coffee brand uses warm, inviting visuals to create holiday cheer.
• Example: Oreo’s Colorfilled campaign allowed customers to personalize cookie packaging — a concept that could be adapted for any product, from apparel to tech gadgets, by focusing on customization.

Final Words on Holiday Marketing Campaigns

In summary, crafting creative holiday marketing campaigns is all about connecting with your audience through storytelling, data-driven insights, and fresh inspiration. These strategies not only help you stand out but also foster deeper customer relationships during the busiest season of the year.

If you’re looking to elevate your campaigns with innovative loyalty solutions, consider partnering with 99minds. We help you create personalized, rewarding experiences that keep your customers coming back for more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Holiday Marketing Campaigns