13 Retail Ads That Played Nonstop in December
Here's a roundup of the holiday commercials that dominated TV screens every December and became impossible to escape.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
December wasn’t just about shopping; it was about enduring the same commercials on repeat until you knew every jingle by heart. Retail giants poured money into ads that drilled their brands into our heads during the holiday rush. From car giveaways to toy store jingles, here are 13 retail ads that played nonstop every December.
1. Hershey’s Kisses “Jingle Bells”
frankieleon on Wikimedia Commons
A lineup of Hershey’s Kisses playing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” like handbells was simple but unforgettable. The ad ran for decades, making it one of the most recognizable holiday commercials ever.
2. Toys “R” Us Jingle
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Every kid remembered the “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid” song. December meant this ad was on constant rotation, reminding children to add more toys to their lists.
3. Coca-Cola Polar Bears
EasyLife Designs on Unsplash
The polar bears sipping Coca-Cola in snowy wonderlands became a December staple. Wholesome, magical, and heartwarming, the ad left everyone craving a soda.
4. Folgers “Peter Comes Home”
Majiscup Paper Cup 紙コップ美術館 on Flickr
The iconic ad of a college kid surprising his family by brewing coffee on Christmas morning ran for years. It tugged at heartstrings and practically defined holiday nostalgia.
5. Campbell’s Soup Snowman
Mike Mozart on Flickr
A shivering snowman melting into a little boy after eating hot soup was cozy and unforgettable. The ad screamed comfort and warmth during cold December days.
6. Kay Jewelers “Every Kiss Begins with Kay”
Michael Rivera on Wikimedia Commons
The jewelry commercials with sparkling diamonds and sappy music became impossible to escape. December made sure you saw them a dozen times a day.
7. Old Navy Holiday Specials
Steve Morgan on Wikimedia Commons
Old Navy cranked up quirky, colorful ads with celebrities and over-the-top holiday cheer. The nonstop deals and zany outfits made the commercials feel both fun and repetitive.
8. Macy’s Holiday Parade Tie-Ins
tinou on Wikimedia Commons
Between Black Friday and Christmas, Macy’s commercials dominated. From parade highlights to massive sales, the ads made sure you didn’t forget their name.
9. Target’s Holiday Ads
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Target leaned into bright, playful, family-friendly commercials during December. The ads focused on gifting, decorations, and endless options.
10. Lexus “December to Remember”
Mioarseralyain on Wikimedia Commosn
A giant red bow on a brand-new car became the symbol of holiday extravagance. The commercials played endlessly, even if few people were actually getting cars for Christmas.
11. JC Penney Sales Events
Azt3r1x on Wikimedia Commons
JC Penney flooded December with commercials about last-minute deals. Every ad was urgent, promising savings that couldn’t be missed.
12. Walmart Holiday Rollbacks
TaurusEmerald on Wikimedia Commons
December meant Walmart ads were everywhere, highlighting slashed prices on toys and electronics. They hit hard on affordability while repeating constantly.
13. Kay Jewelers Christmas Engagement Ads
Phillip Pessar on Flickr
Separate from their general slogan, Kay Jewelers ran specific holiday engagement ads. Snowy proposals, sparkling rings, and emotional music made them unavoidable.