All the biggest 2026 Christmas adverts so far including John Lewis and Aldi’s Kevin the Carrot

John Lewis has dropped its 2026 effort, while Aldi has released a teaser for what’s to come (Picture: Aldi/John Lewis) It’s officially November, so get those pumpkins out of sight and dig the fairy lights out of the cupboard, because it’s time to get festive. The biggest brands in the UK are now launching their Christmas adverts, with huge names battling it out to be the most talked-about version on offer. Argos, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda are among the brands vying for eyeballs (and maybe something from your wallet) with their mini-movies. So far, we’re light on the tear-jerkers, but high on festive spirit – although the biggest of them all, John Lewis, might have just turned that around with their latest, moving effort. Elsewhere among the adverts that have dropped so far, there is one from a US brand that Metro has already labelled the best of this year’s bunch – but do you agree? Here is a round-up of all the adverts we have so far. Let us know your favourite in the comments. The Argos advert is a light spoof of A Christmas Carol with Richard Ayoade in the Scrooge role (Picture: Argos) John Lewis The big one: John Lewis went live with their latest Christmas advert this week, in which Kristin Scott Thomas gets a neon pedicab, among other things. The Slow Horses star plays the glamorous grandma Gloria who is puzzling over what to get for her grandchildren, after a vintage Little Snoopy Pull-Along Toy from her own childhood leaves them a bit sniffy. The toy is Pickles, voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse, who insists Gloria should do more than stuff an envelope with some cash. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A self-aware montage ensues, in which Gloria finds a lot of ill-suited gifts, but none that she thinks the two tots will like more than the money. A magical pedicab then pulls up to take her on a phantasmagorical ride under the Northern Lights. It ends at the doors of John Lewis, where she finally finds just the thing. With the tagline ‘Don’t give up on giving’, the advert reveals the answer is the ‘Gran Cave’, a room in her house adorned with streamers, disco balls and sparkling lights so Gloria can have a dance with her grandchildren. It seems to go down very well. Aldi To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video We don’t quite have the full advert for Aldi yet, but we do have an incredibly cute 10-second teaser. In it, the supermarket chain’s renowned star Kevin the Carrot returns alongside his daughter Chantenay to search for Cauli Dog, who has gone missing! The pair are bundled up in the show, putting up missing posters for their cauliflower-based bestie, who we can only hope will be found in the full-length advert. Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, Julie Ashfield, said: ‘Cauli Dog stole the nation’s hearts last Christmas, so we know people will be desperate to find out where he’s got to. ‘Kevin and Chantenay are determined to bring their little floret friend home in time for Christmas, but we’re keeping the rest of the story firmly under wraps for now.’ Argos To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video First up, the Argos advert, which is rooted in the nostalgia shoppers will have for a time spent with their doorstopper catalogue, eyeing up bits and bobs they would like. Titled Tales of Argos Past, the advert is a light spoof of A Christmas Carol with Richard Ayoade in the Scrooge role and a couple of phantasmagoric toys as the ghosts (named Connie and Trevor). These phantoms arrive to lend a helping hand because Ayoade hasn’t the foggiest idea what to get his mum for Christmas. Cue an adorable flashback to a younger Ayoade circling an Argos catalogue, before inspiration strikes. Argos is hoping to dispel the notion that their shop is home to toys alone, with a conclusion that rather hilariously sees Ayoade gift his mother…a red light therapy mask (because the skincare craze comes for us all). Ayoade said of appearing in the Charles Dickens riff: ‘Like many, I live to circle, whether landing a light aircraft, skipping round roundabouts, or marking up the Argos catalogue. ‘I, and this is a matter of public record, am also filled with Christmas joy. This represents a unique opportunity to combine these two loves. I enjoyed the whole experience much more than I care to admit.’ Sainsbury’s To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video For the Sainsbury’s 2026 Christmas advert, the supermarket has returned to an old school literary classic, continuing the tale of Roald Dahl’s BFG for a third year in a row. Much like many people at this time of year, the Big Friendly Giant catches a cold and so is forced to stay inside on his own, missing out on having company at Christmas. Sainsbury’s employee Annie is determined that the BFG isn’t alone for the festive period, and so she and her colleague race across Giant Country, facing menacing Giants on their way, to bring a delicious dinner straight to his door. In the true spirit of Christmas, the BFG is grateful for their generosity and kindness, as well as their wholesome company. Annie and the BFG’s friendship is still going strong for another year. Tesco To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Have you ever reunited with someone you knew when you were younger, and suddenly experienced a flood of heartfelt memories rushing back? In Tesco’s new festive campaign, Roisin Conaty plays Polly, a delivery driver for the supermarket who’s shocked when she recognises the name of the person she’s delivering Christmas food to. That person is Lizzie, played by Anna Maxwell Martin, an old school friend who she hasn’t seen in years. Lizzie accidentally orders her food to the wrong house, and when she and Polly meet halfway to exchange the delivery, she’s also taken aback. One broken-down car later, Polly is driving Lizzie home in her delivery van, reminiscing on all of the fun times they used to share. After saying goodbye, Polly has just left Lizzie’s home when she receives a text message asking her to join their meal. It’s a heartwarming reminder that if you’re thinking fondly about someone who you haven’t seen in a long time, it’s never too late to reach out and reforge that friendship Walmart To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This is the one that Metro’s Tori Brazier labelled ‘the best Christmas TV advert of the year’ – high praise! US chain Walmart’s advert, titled A Who Knew? Carol, brings back the 1992 film The Muppet Christmas Carol for a sequel of sorts. The gang are all back together: Gonzo as Dickens, Rizzo the Rat as his assistant, Kermit as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as his wife Emily and Fozzie Bear as ‘Fozziwig’. Bean Bunny, Scooter, Beaker and Dr Bunsen Honeydew also make appearances. Then Scrooge is revealed to be Fallout actor Walton Goggins, who also played the Grinch for Walmart in a prior Christmas advert. Our Senior Film and Entertainment Reporter wrote: ‘I’m impressed by how closely this advert stayed to the feel of The Muppet Christmas Carol – no doubt thanks to plenty of millennials involved in the advertising efforts who knew just how carefully to handle this precious IP.’ Debenhams To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This one dropped back in October, because some like to start getting into the Christmas mood before the clocks go back. A bit like the Waitrose advert last year, Debenhams opted for a sweet love story, this time between unlucky-in-love Tina, played by Emily Atack, and Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne as the one-who-got-away Chris The advert opens at a local village hall party where Tina and her gals are dancing, only for disaster to strike – there’s a snowstorm! That prompts Chris, who also happens to be there, to serenade Tina. Plus, music icon Gabrielle makes a surprise appearance. Sharing her joy at being involved, Emily said: ‘I loved filming it; the warm, nostalgic vibe of the party in the film felt just perfect and what a fantastically talented and lovely cast to be a part of. ‘I can’t wait for this Christmas season, and I adore the theme of the campaign which is to remind everyone to reconnect with family and friends at this wonderful time of the year.’ Asda To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Asda is treating Christmas like a party this year, with an advert set to a remixed version of Martin Garrix’s dance anthem Animals that looks to break away from the more traditional festive offerings. That is why it includes a mum taking a ride on a giant pyro-cracker, in one of the four separate 30-second adverts from the supermarket for this year. With the tagline ‘All of Christmas at Asda Price. BOOM!’, the supermarket has also announced they will be giving seven families Christmas on the house, with a competition offering a £500 Asda voucher every weekend in the run-up to the big day. Which Christmas ad is your favourite? Want to get bespoke updates on the TV shows you love? Sign up to Metro's TV newsletters and tell us which ones you can't get enough of Tom Hampson, Group Marketing Director at Asda, said: ‘The reality is that our customers don’t want less Christmas; they just want Christmas for less. ‘That’s the premise of this year’s campaign. We’re showing customers that they don’t have to choose between a great Christmas and great value.’ That, plus Martin Garrix! 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