MediaRadar's 12 Ads of Christmas: 12 Engines Humming
MediaRadar's "12 Ads of Christmas" campaign highlights a curated selection of twelve standout holiday-themed automotive advertisements from the past year, showcasing diverse emotional storytelling—from Lexus's joyful childlike excitement, Toyota's nostalgic family gift, Lincoln's imaginative holiday scene, Subaru's charitable "Share the Love" campaign, to Mercedes Benz's festive themes—celebrating the season's spirit through humor, warmth, and generosity across multiple platforms.
‘Tis the season for advertisers to capitalize on family fun and gift-giving!
Christmas is right around the corner… And for most, that means family, gifts, and great food.
MediaRadar will be carolling through Christmas, highlighting the best holiday ads across multiple industries, styled after the classic “12 Days of Christmas.”
We’ve all heard it…
“On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Twelve Drummers Drumming, Eleven Pipers Piping, Ten Lords a-Leaping, Nine Ladies Dancing, Eight Maids a-milking, Seven Swans a-swimming, Six Geese a-Laying, Five Gold Rings, Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, And a Partridge in a Pear Tree!”
Starting today, and continuing every day until Christmas, MediaRadar will showcase a variety of holiday ads—from funny, to heart-warming, to downright absurd.
Here are MediaRadar’s 12 favorite Christmas-themed automotive ads from the past year:
Lexus – “Let out your inner-child”
This ad features a young dancing star, known from shows like America’s Got Talent, expressing the joy of receiving a new car. Even adults might feel childlike excitement if gifted a Lexus.
Toyota – “R+S”
Toyota’s ad focuses on emotion rather than the cars themselves. An older couple’s attachment to nature is transformed into a meaningful Christmas gift by their daughter and her husband, showing that memories can be tangible.
Lincoln – “Olivia’s Wishlist”
This ad centers on a child, Olivia, who shakes her snowglobe in the backseat, turning a crowded street into a harmonious holiday scene. Lincoln’s “Wishlist” is a broader campaign, appearing across multiple platforms.
Subaru – “Share the Love”
Subaru’s “Share the Love” campaign highlights sharing, caring, and love, often featuring stories of people’s experiences with organizations like Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels, and the National Park Foundation. The ads unite these stories in a charitable theme.
Mercedes Benz – “Pit Stop”
Santa Claus trades his sleigh for a fleet of Mercedes vehicles. The ad ends with a humorous twist: Santa makes a pit stop so his little helper can take a bathroom break.
Kia – “Light up the holidays”
Kia’s ad features a holiday-themed light show, with headlights synchronized to music. The spectacle builds from a simple display to a full-blown Christmas crescendo.
Audi – “Parking Lot”
Two Audi drivers race through a parking lot for the last open spot during holiday shopping. The ad humorously comments on the competitive nature of holiday shopping for parents, ending with a race for the last stuffed animal.
Buick – “Shopping Tips”
Buick’s holiday ads feature a man offering shopping tips in a new-school yule log style. In one version, he sits next to a Four-Wheel Drive Buick in his living room, highlighting the car’s appeal during frightful weather.
Honda – “Happy Honda Days”
Honda’s “Happy Honda Days” campaign includes a 360-degree trip down “Candy Cane Lane,” using immersive video and festive decorations to celebrate the season.
Ford – “Meet the Parents”
Ford’s ad addresses the anxiety of meeting a partner’s parents during the holidays. Their park assist feature helps ensure a smooth first impression, avoiding parking mishaps.
Acura – “Season of Performance”
Acura’s commercial presents their factory as an elf workshop, producing high-performance vehicles for adults. The ad takes a sleek, modern approach to holiday advertising.
Volvo – “Sweden’s Greetings”
Volvo’s ad emphasizes family and safety, aligning with their vision that by 2020, no one will be killed or seriously injured in one of their cars. The snowy landscapes reinforce the reliability of Volvo vehicles.
MediaRadar wishes you and your loved ones a safe and merry holiday season. Check back tomorrow for more fun holiday ads!
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