We’ve discussed in a previous post how impactful licensed IP can be when used in advertising, helping to create feelings of nostalgia or excitement. They have also proved particularly effective at key retail moment to help advertising stand out during those competitive times and this holiday season is no exception.
Check out some of our picks for great licensed advertising we’ve seen so far this season.
WALMART - WhoKnewVille
Walmart has leaned into The Grinch for 2025 with a campaign featuring a town called WhoKnewVille. When Mindy Lou Who wishes for an easier holiday season a shooting star reveals that Walmart has everything the town needs for the holidays. Taking on the online retailers, the campaign highlights the retailer's app as the key to solving holiday shopping problems.
ASDA - The Grinch
ASDA, the former Walmart owned company, in the UK is also featuring The Grinch this year. This campaign uses the Dr. Seuss character to represent someone who is "grinchy" about the cost of Christmas, only to be won over by Asda's low prices and value when they go in store.
McDonalds - The Grinch
McDonalds is also featuring The Grinch this year featuring a special The Grinch holiday menu including pickle flavoured McShaker fries, Grumble Pie, a Mischief McFlurry and a Frozen Grinch lemonade and includes the gift of Grinch-themed odd socks. The commercial itself see The Grinch trying to sabotage customers enjoying their McDonalds but ultimately delivering a much liked experience.
Sainsburys - The BFG
Following the success of the partnership last year, the Roald Dahl classic returns to screens for 2025 promoting the UK grocer. It continues the story of the BFG and his new sidekick as they team up to save Christmas dinner.
Google Pixel 10 Pro - ‘It’s Pixel, actually’
Starring original Love Actually cast members Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Martine McCutcheon, the ad draws inspiration from some of the film’s most iconic scenes around London to showcase the capabilities of the Google Pixel 10‘s Pro Res Zoom technology.
Barbour - Wallace & Gromit
After 2 years of partnering with Aardman’s Shaun the Sheep, this year Baroubour have partnered with Aardman stablemante Wallace & Gromit. The spot showcases Wallace’s latest invention, the Gift-o-matic robot. Barbour products, particularly their classic scarves, feature throughout to remind the audience they make the perfect gift.