8 successful holiday marketing campaigns we can’t stop talking about

The holidays aren’t just about tinsel, turkey, and twinkly lights. They’re also one of the busiest, boldest times in the marketing calendar. From nostalgic tear-jerkers to cheeky billboards and scroll-stopping social stunts, brands pull out all the stops to connect with customers at the end of the year.

So what makes the most successful holiday marketing campaigns stand out? The best ones tap into rituals, emotions, and moments we want to share, whether that’s through a heartfelt film, a collectible design, or a social stunt.

Holiday marketing campaigns we can’t stop talking about

These campaigns show that holiday marketing can be thoughtful, playful, and sometimes even downright magical. Maybe some of these brilliant ideas will bring a little bit of sparkle to your own holiday marketing.

1. Hidden Valley Ranch holiday cards 

Hidden Valley Ranch leaned into its cult following by releasing holiday greeting cards that included single-serve packets of ranch dressing. On the outside: festive designs that wouldn’t look out of place on your fridge. On the inside: America’s favourite dressing, tucked in like a stocking stuffer. It turned the humble card into a conversation piece and a snack.

Why we love it: It shows that print doesn’t have to stay flat. By pairing a traditional Greeting Card with a cheeky, tangible surprise, they reminded us that holiday mail can still deliver joy (and ranch).

2. Walmart’s gifting campaign

Walmart tapped into nostalgia marketing in its “Gifts That Show You Get Them” campaign. The supermarket giant launched a series of holiday ads that paired familiar pop-culture moments with shoppers finding the perfect present. Think Gilmore Girls banter or SpongeBob silliness, woven into gift-giving stories that felt warm and authentic. By anchoring its message in shared memories, Walmart reminded customers that knowing your loved ones well is the best gift of all.

Why we love it: This campaign proves that emotional connection drives action. Walmart built cultural relevance by showing they “get” the people their customers love.

3. Coca-Cola’s holiday experience (2024)

Coca‑Cola has been at the heart of holiday cheer for nearly a century. But in 2024, they flipped tradition on its head with Create Real Magic™. This next-level experience lets people scan a QR code on Coke packaging and chat with Santa, courtesy of real-time AI. It transformed each memory into a glowing, personalised snow globe

Why we love it: Coca-Cola built on its long heritage of holiday storytelling, but with the future firmly in mind. By using AI-generated design to hand part of the Christmas story back to its audience, the brand made something timeless feel fresh, modern and alive again.

4. Amazon’s gift catalog

Amazon leaned into holiday nostalgia with its 2024 kids’ gift book, titled “Share the Joy.” Landing in homes across the US, the catalogue featured more than 700 toys, bold photography, tear-out wishlists, Sticker sheets, colouring pages, and games. A modern take on the classic catalog, it gave kids a hands-on way to dream big about the season ahead.

Why we love it:  Amazon could have kept things purely digital, but instead, they put print front and center. They created a little festive activity book designed to spark excitement and get the whole family involved. It’s a reminder that some of the most meaningful holiday memories come from the tactile, playful experiences that only print can deliver.

5. Meijer’s Thanksgiving ad

The “Pass it On” ad followed a humble plate of food as it traveled from one person to the next — across family tables, neighborhoods, and communities. The story links to Meijer’s long-running “Simply Give” program, which helps stock local food banks during the holidays. The message was clear: the true spirit of the season is sharing what you have.

Why we love it: Meijer proved that a campaign doesn’t have to be flashy to be effective. It used a simple metaphor for generosity and togetherness. With thoughtful storytelling and a real-world charitable link, they created something that felt heartfelt and rooted in the values of the season.

6. Disney’s holiday short

Disney took a whimsical turn with The Boy and the Octopus, a holiday short about a young boy who discovers an octopus while on a family trip. Instead of disappearing back into the sea, the octopus clings cheerfully to the boy’s head. The two become inseparable, spending the season together watching Christmas movies, exploring shops, and joining in festive traditions. It’s a quirky, light-hearted story full of heart.

Why we love it: By mixing the magic of Disney with the simple joy of animals, it’s proof that the most successful holiday marketing campaigns are the playful and heartfelt ones.

7. Target’s moving holiday bus

Target knows how to make itself impossible to miss. In 2024, they rolled out a “Happier Holidays” activation that turned a classic double-decker bus into a moving billboard. Wrapped in bold red graphics and decked out with digital screens, the bus cruised through Manhattan hotspots like Times Square, giving busy shoppers a dose of Target cheer on their commute.

Why we love it: Instead of a static billboard, Target created a moving piece of holiday theatre. It’s a smart reminder that outdoor holiday advertising doesn’t need to sit still.

8. Starbucks’ social promo  

Starbucks’ Red Cup Day has become a holiday tradition in its own right. On one day of the year, customers receive a reusable red cup when they order any holiday-themed drink. The iconic red cup design was bold, bright, and practically made for the ‘gram. With thousands of fans sharing their cups under #StarbucksRedCup, the brand turned a simple giveaway into one of the season’s most effective social media marketing campaigns.

Why we love it: By pairing a collectible design with real value, Starbucks transformed a simple coffee run into a holiday ritual that brought people together, both online and off.

Make your marketing shine this holiday season

The most successful holiday marketing campaigns start with the right tools. From custom Holiday Cards to Branded Notebooks and Gifts, MOO’s holiday collection has everything you need to spread a little joy and make an impact.

Our MOO Business Services are here to make scaling your holiday campaign simple with tailored support and smarter ordering for teams. To get started, fill out this simple form, and one of our team members will be in touch shortly.