All the biggest 2026 Christmas adverts so far including Richard Ayoade as Scrooge

Argos, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Debenhams are among the big shopping names vying for eyeballs (Picture: Argos) 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 Debenhams 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, has yet to be released. Among the adverts that have dropped so far is one 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) Argos 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. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 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. 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