Welcome to Day 2 of our 25 Days of Nostalgia series!

Today, we’re rewinding the tape on some of the most iconic UK Christmas ads and commercials from the 80s and 90s.

These classic Christmas UK TV ads were an essential part of the holiday season, and nothing sparked nostalgia like these festive ads.

Long before we could skip ads (kids these days don’t know how lucky they have it!), Christmas TV commercials were an event in their own right – setting the festive mood, sparking excitement, and, for our parents, the perfect time to run to the kitchen and grab a brew and pop outside for “a breath of fresh air”.

Day 2: Christmas Ad’s In Full Swing

These nostalgic holiday commercials were more than just advertisements – they were little moments of Christmas magic that stayed with us year after year. These iconic 80s festive ads and 90s commercials perfectly encapsulated the nostaglic element of UK Christmas traditions.

So, grab a mug of hot chocolate, sit back, and let’s revisit some of the ads that made our Christmases truly unforgettable.

I don’t know about you, but I can HEAR these pictures…

Coca-Cola: Holidays Are Coming (1995) – Iconic Christmas Ad Nostalgia

“Holidays are coming, holidays are coming…” This advert is so hard-ingrained (and thanks to ADHD and Echolalia) it’s impossible not to hum along as soon as you see the Coca-Cola trucks on screen.

As soon as you saw the Coca-Cola ad, you REALLY knew that the festive season had begun. The twinkling lights, the jolly red trucks, and Santa (sorry, Father Christmas) waving from the back – this ad epitomised the magic of Christmas for many of us.

Fun Fact: Santa Claus was originally depicted in green until this mega-corp decided he should wear red, and they are often credited with popularising the modern image of Father Christmas in his red suit.

Yellow Pages: The Mistletoe Kiss (1992) – Nostalgic Christmas Commercials

A young boy standing on a Yellow Pages to steal a kiss under the mistletoe – it was simple, sweet, and oh-so-memorable. This charming ad perfectly captured the innocence of the festive season, and it’s no wonder it became such a favourite.

Fun Fact: After a bit of sluething – I found that Dean Cook (the little boy in the advert) now runs an upholstery business in Essex and would still get a small royalty cheque every year for his participation in this ad!

Toys “R” Us: Magical Wonderland – 80s & 90s Christmas Ads Nostalgia

“There’s a magical place, we’re on our way there…”

This Toys “R” Us ad took us on a journey to every child’s dreamland. The sight of Geoffrey the Giraffe and shelves overflowing with toys was enough to send any kid into a frenzy. For many of us, Toys “R” Us was the ultimate Christmas destination, and this ad captured that magic perfectly.

The song from the Toys “R” Us advert is so iconic that I’d argue that most adults can still sing it word for word today!

Kellogg’s Cornflakes: “Have You Seen Santa?” (1991) – Classic Christmas TV Commercials

This wholesome ad featured a little girl leaving out a bowl of Kellogg’s Cornflakes for Santa. Whispered in wonder, “Hi!” encapsulated the excitement and innocence of childhood Christmases.

It was an ad that brought warmth to our screens and reminded us of the simple joys of the holiday season.

Trivia: This ad was so popular that Kellogg’s brought it back multiple times throughout the 80s and 90s.

Woolworths: Spectacular Woolworths – Nostalgic Festive Ads

Before online shopping, Woolworths was the place to go for Christmas treats, decorations, and gifts. Their Christmas ads showcased shelves brimming with everything from chocolates to classic toys. It made Woolworths feel like Santa’s little helper, and we all remember those last-minute trips for stocking fillers.

Fun Fact: Woolworths’ festive ads were a holiday tradition for many, and they often featured celebrities promoting their favourite gifts.

Cadbury (Milk Tray): “And All Because the Lady Loves…” – Iconic 90s Christmas Ads

Cadbury’s Milk Tray man was the ultimate smooth operator, and his Christmas commercials added a layer of mystery and excitement to the festive season. Whether he was skiing down a mountain or sneaking through a window, he always delivered that iconic purple box just in time for Christmas.

McDonald’s: “A Little Christmas Magic” (1995) – Classic Nostalgic Christmas Ads

McDonald’s Christmas ads were all about family, warmth, and a little holiday magic. One memorable ad showed a young boy losing his favourite reindeer toy, only to have it returned by Ronald McDonald himself. It perfectly captured the magic of Christmas and the joy of small acts of kindness.

Fun Fact: McDonald’s often tied in charitable themes during their Christmas ads, encouraging the spirit of giving.

Argos: Christmas Catalogue Dreams – UK Christmas Ads Nostalgia

The Argos Christmas catalogue ads were iconic in their own right. They showcased kids flipping through the “book of dreams” and circling everything they wanted. It was pure nostalgia and a perfect reminder of how the Argos catalogue played a huge part in making our Christmas wishlists.

Trivia: Argos was one of the first UK retailers to release a full Christmas gift guide, making it a household name for festive shopping.

Ferrero Rocher: “A Tribute to Christmas Past” (1990s)

I don’t know why, but somewhere in my mind the Ferrero Rocher Christmas and Ambassador ads have become heavily conflated with the Orson Welles “Aaaaaaaah the French Champagne” drunken out-takes.

Still, I fondly remember whatever it is my brain is telling me I remember from that time!

Coca-Cola: Polar Bears (1993) – Nostalgic Festive TV Ads

While the trucks are iconic, let’s not forget the adorable Coca-Cola polar bears. The polar bears sipping on Coca-Cola in a snowy wonderland brought a sense of fun and warmth to the festive season. It was one of those ads that made us feel like Christmas had truly arrived.

Looking back at this advert, I could have sworn that the CG was of a much higher quality, and no way near as scary as it is now! But we were just children at the time.

Fun Fact: The Coca-Cola polar bears first appeared in 1993 and quickly became a staple of the brand’s holiday advertising.

That’s a Wrap

Christmas commercials in the 80s and 90s weren’t just about selling products – they were about capturing the magic, excitement, and warmth of the season. They gave us moments to smile, laugh, and even sing along.

From the twinkling lights of the Coca-Cola trucks to Geoffrey the Giraffe at Toys “R” Us, these ads became a cherished part of our festive traditions.

We hope this trip down memory lane has brought back some warm memories of Christmases gone by.

Which of these commercials do you remember best? Be sure to share your favourite Christmas ads in the comments below, and join us tomorrow for Day 3 of our 25 Days of Nostalgia series, where we’ll be diving into the most iconic Christmas snacks of the 80s and 90s!

And don’t forget to follow along with our 25 Days of Nostalgia series for more Christmas throwbacks:

• Day 1: “The Argos Catalogue: The Ultimate 80s & 90s Christmas Wishlist“
• Day 3: “The Most Iconic Christmas Snacks of the 80s & 90s“

Share Your Favourite Christmas Ad!

Did we mention your favourite Christmas ad from the 80s or 90s? Which one brings back the most memories for you? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post with a friend who remembers the magic of these classic commercials!