2016's Best Christmas Ads: From Wes Anderson to Chris Columbus
A roundup of the most notable Christmas commercials of 2016, highlighting creative direction by renowned filmmakers and artists. Italian supermarket chain Esselunga enlisted director Chris Columbus (Mrs. Doubtfire, Harry Potter) and cinematographer John Mathieson (Gladiator) for a fairy-tale micro-film featuring Santa's workshop, with a yellow Esselunga truck replacing reindeer. H&M's spot, directed by Wes Anderson and starring Adrien Brody, unfolds on a luxury train with an 11-hour delay, culminating in a festive dining car transformation. Apple's iPhone 7 ad reimagines Frankenstein as a lonely monster who finds community through a Christmas carol, promoting empathy and diversity. Ikea Belgium's poetic commercial shows children returning a Christmas tree to the forest, emphasizing togetherness. GoEuro's campaign features an elderly hippy revealed as a modern Santa using apps and skateboards. Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day 2016 campaign, with main partner OVS and spokesperson Manuel Agnelli (Afterhours), encourages donations through handmade jumpers, supported by a spot from Ogilvy & Mather.
Key facts
- Esselunga's ad directed by Chris Columbus, cinematography by John Mathieson, costumes by Penny Rose.
- H&M's ad directed by Wes Anderson, starring Adrien Brody.
- Apple's iPhone 7 ad features Frankenstein character and promotes empathy.
- Ikea Belgium's ad shows children returning a Christmas tree to the forest.
- GoEuro's ad features an elderly hippy revealed as modern Santa.
- Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day 2016 campaign with OVS and Manuel Agnelli.
- Agenzia Armando Testa handled creative direction for Esselunga.
- DDB Bruxelles created Ikea Belgium's ad.
- Ogilvy & Mather produced Save the Children's spot.
- Chris Columbus directed Harry Potter films; Wes Anderson directed Grand Budapest Hotel.
- John Mathieson was Oscar-nominated for Gladiator and Phantom of the Opera.
- Penny Rose worked on Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Manuel Agnelli is leader of Afterhours and former X-Factor judge.
- Christmas Jumper Day supports children in 122 countries.
- GoEuro is a travel booking platform for trains, buses, and flights across Europe.
Entities
Artists
- Chris Columbus
- John Mathieson
- Penny Rose
- Wes Anderson
- Adrien Brody
- Manuel Agnelli
- Michele Mariani
- Mary Shelley
Institutions
- Esselunga
- H&M
- Apple
- Ikea Belgium
- GoEuro
- Save the Children
- OVS
- Agenzia Armando Testa
- DDB Bruxelles
- Ogilvy & Mather
- Afterhours
- X-Factor
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Belgium
- United States
- Polo Nord
- 122 countries worldwide