All the biggest 2026 Christmas adverts so far including Waitrose and shirtless James Norton

What’s been your favourite advert so far this year? (Picture: M&S/Waitorse/John Lewis) We’re getting closer and closer to December, so dig the fairy lights out 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. Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose 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 labelled the best of this year’s bunch, as well as a shirtless James Norton for M&S. Here is a round-up of all the adverts we have so far. Let us know your favourite in the comments. Aldi To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video After an incredibly cute 10-second teaser, Aldi has released the full version of their festive ad, and it features the supermarket chain’s renowned star, Kevin the Carrot. He returns alongside his daughter Chantenay to search for Cauli Dog, who has gone missing! So they write to Santa in the hopes he might bring Cauli home safe. The pair are bundled up in the snow, putting up missing posters for their cauliflower-based bestie, when they spot his telltale paw prints. But the prints lead…home, where it turns out Cauli has somehow got trapped in a Christmas cracker. The vegetable gang have to pull it apart, bringing their little floret friend home in time for Christmas. Viewers have also been quick to uncover a secret message hidden within the advert, with a phone number that you can actually call. 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.’ Arsenal To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Yes, even football clubs have Christmas ads, and the reigning Premier League champions pulled out all the stops for their ad this year. Love Actually star Colin Firth takes centre stage in the Gunners ad, which celebrates both the club’s Premier League title win and their FIFA Women’s Champions Cup victory. Firth plays an Arsenal fan – echoing his role in the Nick Hornby adaptation Fever Pitch, and takes a walk through the streets of North London towards the Emirates Stadium. He encounters a number of Arsenal players along the way, including Alessia Russo and Gabriel Magalhães. The Christmas advert then culminates with the ‘Twas the Season title in a banner outside the stadium and the tagline: ‘Gifts worth waiting all season for.’ 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. 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! Barbour To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Barbour might have an unfair advantage this year, since their Christmas advert features national treasures Wallace and Gromit. The claymation advert, painstakingly rendered over 90 seconds by Aardman, sees the man and dog duo head out on a snowy walk while their Chrimbo roast cooks. Of course, because it’s Wallace and Gromit, things go awry, and the pooch is forced to save the day. This time around, the issue arises because of Wallace’s latest invention, the Walk-o-Matic (which is about as useful as it sounds). But when things do go wrong and Wallace is left out in the cold, Gromit produces his Christmas pressie, a Barbour quarter-zip, to keep him warm. Phew! 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.’ Disney To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video You can always rely on Disney to bring some magic at any time of year, but particularly at Christmas – and their 2026 advert is no different. Coming from Dougal Wilson, famous for the John Lewis advert The Long Wait, Disney’s ad titled The Invisible Horse follows a young boy named Jack, who has reached an age when he’s losing interest in the magic of Christmas. However, when looking at old family photos of a trip to Disneyland, as well as holding his old Woody toy from Toy Story, he finds that something invisible is leaving tracks in his garden. With his curiosity piqued, Jack manages to contact the mysterious entity, which reminds him of the magic of Christmas. ‘Disney has long been part of the traditions, memories, and moments that make the holiday season so special for families around the world,’ said Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company. ‘This season, we’re bringing the best of Disney together to give families more ways to make the holidays magic: a trip they’ll talk about for years, a new favourite to watch together, the perfect gift under the tree and, for the children and families who need it most, a wish come true.’ Dog’s Trust To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Dog lovers – you’re going to need your tissues for this one. The Dog’s Trust’s 2026 Christmas advert follows a young boy who is shocked to discover that there are dogs out there who don’t have a home after he meets a rescue dog named Kira. He then makes it his mission to find Kira a home for Christmas – with Jack’s family ultimately taking in Kira themselves. ‘At Christmas, the importance of family is more significant than ever to many,’ said Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust in a press release. ‘We know that dog lovers, just like Jack, believe that no home is complete without a dog and will go to extraordinary lengths to help ensure that all dogs have a happy home to call their own. ‘At Dogs Trust, we believe that every dog deserves a happy place – at Christmas, and for life. ‘We want our advert to shine a light on the thousands of dogs across the UK who are currently in rehoming centres or foster homes, patiently waiting for their new family.’ John Lewis To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 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. 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. Lidl To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Lidl have cracked out the Barry-oke this year as EastEnders actor Shaun Williamson leads the Lidl 2026 campaign. The star, famous for playing Barry Evans in the BBC soap drama, features a re-worked version of Salde’s classic Christmas song, Merry Christmas Everbody, with Shaun leading a festive sing-along. He’s joined in the ad by ex-footballer Chris Kamara, Capital FM presenter Kemi Rodgers and comedian Abi Clarke. Williamson said: ‘Christmas is all about bringing people together, having fun and spreading a little festive cheer, so I jumped at the chance to help Lidl kick off the festive season in style! ‘Putting a fresh spin on such an iconic Christmas classic was brilliant fun, and I hope it gets everyone smiling, singing along and feeling that little bit of Christmas magic!’ M&S To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The British retailer, and purveyor of some incredibly popular cornflake cookies, brought their A-game and A-listers out for this year’s advert. The three-minute ad includes a topless James Norton as an undercover Santa Claus, alongside a very glamorous Mrs Claus, played by Amandaland’s Lucy Punch. In it, Santa (aka Norton) decides to explore the world of Christmas beyond the North Pole, shaving his beard so he can go incognito. Once he touches down at the home of M&S, he does very regular things, like seeing Katherine Jenkins at a school choir and happening upon the friendliest street in the UK, where a random lady invites him over for a dinner party. Maybe that sort of thing happens to Santa/Norton all the time, but in the end the experience leaves him changed and he agrees with Mrs Claus it will be beard no more going forward. Quince To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video It’s The One with David Schwimmer. The Friends star who played Ross Geller in the iconic sitcom playfully pokes fun at one of his most famous moments in the series in the advert for fashion brand Quince. Schwimmer stars in the ad as he ventures out to find the perfect red sweater for Christmas, which, while it doesn’t directly reference Friends, has made fans think of only one thing: The One With the Red Sweater, the episode where Ross found out he was the father of Rachel’s baby. The actor said that when Quince came to him with the idea for the advert, he ‘thought it was really funny’, adding: ‘After all, a red sweater and I go back a long way.’ ‘This time, I’m chasing the sweater, and somehow everyone else has one. Even the dog. They didn’t know this when they approached me, but I was already a huge fan of the brand. I don’t understand how they make such great quality stuff at the prices they offer. And I loved how they found such a clever way to have some fun with it,’ he said. 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. Shelter To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Temporary accommodation can be freezing, riddled with damp and mould, or so cramped that children have to share beds with parents (Picture: Adam Hinton) Rather than a classic Christmas advert, homeless charity Shelter has launched its 2026 winter appeal with a moving film. The two-minute video highlights how more than 177,000 children face waking up homeless in temporary accommodation this Christmas, which is up five per cent in a year. Told through the eyes of a mother and daughter in the excited build-up to Christmas, the ad features a twist on the familiar festive countdown that most families mark each year. The mother and daughter knock off each day on a homemade calendar, before the advert finally reveals that what they are actually counting down to is the day they can move out of their temporary accommodation. The poignant film closes with the pair receiving keys to their new social home, thanks to help from Shelter. 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. Waitrose To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Waitrose has gone the sequel route with their 2026 advert, reuniting the stars of last year’s ad, Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson, as an unlikely couple who face a new challenge across the festive season. A love triangle forms as Rivals star Alex Hssell enters the fray as a handsome groom who looks set to marry Keira – unless Phil (played by Joe) can do something about it. ‘I play Hugo, a man in love… but really only with himself!’ Alex says. ‘And the idea of being a part of a celebrity power couple. I loved The Perfect Gift last year, so it was an honour to join the cast for another episode in the story, and all the gorgeous silliness that went with it.’ Nursing a broken heart at home and sporting an enormous beard, Phil is spending his days watching TV and feeling sorry for himself as This Morning’s Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond celebrate Keira’s upcoming nuptials. There’s a wedding to crash this festive season in the Waitrose advert (Picture: Waitrose) After encouragement from his friends, Phil becomes determined to win Keira back, making the beef Wellington of his life before dashing to stop the wedding. Directed by Molly Manners, Jennifer Rush’s The Power of Love scores the festive love story as Keira and Phil share a passionate kiss in the kitchen. Keira said: ‘I absolutely loved the chance to revisit our relationship this Christmas, although I wasn’t expecting to find myself caught between two men and a beef Wellington!’ Wilkinson added: ‘If a beef Wellington doesn’t win back the heart of a Hollywood A-lister, nowt will.’ 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.’ Which Christmas ad is your favourite? One not on this listCheck 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 A version of this article was originally published on November 1. Deals of the Day The Orlando holiday deal Disney fans shouldn't miss We're adding this discounted NEOM gift set straight to basket Want an LED face mask for less? This Black Friday deal could save you hundreds This teeth whitening sale could save you up to 64% before Black Friday The best Black Friday sleep deals to upgrade your bedroom with Simba’s 33% off sale Arrow MORE: Arsenal set price for Chelsea to sign Martin Zubimendi after Real Madrid approach Arrow MORE: Eurostar launching new UK train route to ‘coolest’ European city this December Arrow MORE: Diego Simeone ‘dreaming’ of January transfer move for £60m Arsenal star TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.