Battle of the Christmas adverts! All the campaigns released so far... as they go up against divisive John Lewis

Britain's biggest retailers have released their Christmas adverts for 2026, with beloved book characters, a glamorous granny, a talking toy dog and even an EastEnders legend among the campaigns appearing on TV screens this year.And while big hitters like Waitrose and M&S have yet to debut their signature tearjerkers, the race to deliver the most heartwarming festive commercials is well and truly underway.On Tuesday, John Lewis shared its offering, centred on a grandmother who struggles to find the perfect gifts for her grandchildren, while Sainsbury's has brought back Roald Dahl's beloved BFG for the third year running.Now, Shelter has also shared a tearjerking advert, focused on a mother and daughter who are waiting for a home of their own. The two-minute film follows their build-up to Christmas, only to reveal that what they are actually most excited for is to move out of their bleak temporary accommodation.Meanwhile, Asda's advert, also released today, includes a mother dancing on a giant Christmas cracker and a father raving while dressed like a bauble, all to a remixed version of Martin Garrix's dance anthem, Animals. So, which retailer is topping the leaderboard for best Christmas advert this year so far? You decide...Shelter Today Shelter marks the beginning of its winter appeal with the unveiling of its poignant Christmas advert, told through the eyes of a mother and daughterToday Shelter marks the beginning of its winter appeal with the unveiling of its poignant Christmas advert, told through the eyes of a mother and daughter.The pair are trying to move on from their bleak temporary accommodation and, as the two-minute story unfolds, it becomes clear that rather than the excitement over December 25th, they're actually holding out for a safe, secure social home of their own.The film offers glimpses into the relatives' living situation, which is based on the experience of children who are currently homeless in temporary accommodation, which can be freezing, riddled with damp and mould or so cramped that children have to share beds with parents. Finally, the film gives viewers a sense of hope as the pair receive the keys to their new social home, thanks to help from Shelter.Set to an original track, scored and performed by Irish singer, songwriter and producer Maverick Sabre, the appeal invites viewers to donate to Shelter’s winter appeal, with Christmas a vital time for the charity.The number of children homeless in England is the highest since records began. From challenging unsafe conditions to helping parents navigate a system that feels stacked against them, Shelter's housing experts make sure families don't have to face homelessness alone.Mairi MacRae, Acting Chief Executive at Shelter said: 'Right now, thousands of children don't have a safe place to call home. 'With a record number of families stuck homeless, and a chronic lack of genuinely affordable homes, children often end up in freezing bedsits and grotty hostels for months or years on end.'Every day our services hear from families like the one in this film. Many of them are facing another winter in a damp, mouldy room that threatens their health, without any space to play or do their homework. 'As the film depicts so well, parents are often left trying to handle the uncertainty of not knowing when things will get better, fearing for their family’s future.'From supporting families to challenge unsafe conditions to helping parents navigate a system that feels stacked against them, our housing experts make sure families don't have to face homelessness alone. 'By donating to our Winter Appeal, people could help connect a family to an adviser who will support them on their journey to a safe, secure and permanent home.'Asda In Asda's festive advert, viewers witness a mother dancing on a giant Christmas cracker and a father raving while dressed like a bauble, all to a remixed version of Martin Garrix's dance anthem, Animals The first two films focusing on the big day and decorating, which are live on socials now, will air tonight on ITV1 during Emmerdale and during The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4In Asda's festive advert, viewers witness a mother dancing on a giant Christmas cracker and a father raving while dressed like a bauble, all to a remixed version of Martin Garrix's dance anthem, Animals.Each advert transitions from classic Christmas card moments into bigger, louder, joy-filled celebrations that showcase the feeling you get when there's more yuletide cheer for everyone after shopping at the supermarket.Created by Lucky Generals and directed by Finn Keenan, the campaign launches today across TV, social and digital channels. It’s made up of four separate 30-second films and an additional bonus edit - which takes customers through the entire festive season – from decorating their home and buying the perfect presents, to doing their online shop and prepping for the big day. The first two films focusing on the big day and decorating, which are live on socials now, will air tonight on ITV1 during Emmerdale and during The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4.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. 'They still want the great food, thoughtful gifts, festive treats, decorations and all the traditions that make the season feel special, but without the worry that they’re spending more than they have.'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. 'With everything they need under one roof, we're helping families bring the joy they want this Christmas, at the prices they need.' Pictured: Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as the star of this year's John Lewis Christmas ad The Oscar-nominated actress, 66, plays a glamorous granny needing inspiration to buy the perfect present for her two grandchildren John Lewis' ad this year may not be the weepiest the 162-year-old department store has ever produced - that accolade must surely belong to 2015's Man On The Moon - but it could still prove to be a tearjerker among the older shoppers at whom it's squarely aimed.Titled 'Gloria and Pickles', the three-minute ad stars Oscar-nominated actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, 66, as a glamorous granny who appears to have everything she needs in life, bar the inspiration to buy her two grandchildren the perfect Christmas gift.The ad begins with Gloria (Dame Kristin) welcoming her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Maggie and Freddie, into her enviably decorated home - a paean to affluent middle-class living complete with velvet sofa, plump cushions and burgundy walls. The children being restless from their journey, Gloria retrieves her old toy collection from the attic to keep them entertained.Enter, stage left and on wheels, Pickles the dog, a vintage pull-along toy that older viewers may recognise from their own childhood.With her grandchildren looking as impressed as if she'd presented them with a bag of sprouts, Gloria begins putting cash into an envelope, convinced she's lost touch with the younger generation. But she is diverted from completing this pragmatic gesture by Pickles (voiced by comedian Paul Whitehouse), who pipes up 'You can do better than cash'. The duo then embark on a last-minute shopping spree that ends up in John Lewis.Christmas is saved! Rather than giving them a tenner on the big day, Gloria hands her grandchildren a key to her 'Gran Cave', a magical wonderland filled with twinkling lights, disco balls, an old record player and other surprises that don't involve a screen.In an ad crammed with gifts, the biggest one of all is surely Dame Kristin, an actress currently riding high in the nation's affections thanks to her star turn as senior British intelligence officer Diana Taverner in hit drama Slow Horses, currently in its sixth season. While Gloria lacks the ruthlessness of Diana, she lacks none of the glamour: Dame Kristin is seen wearing Ralph Lauren trousers, a Jigsaw cashmere jumper, a Max Mara blouse and a Mulberry handbag.The campaign, the store's 20th, has been created for the fourth year running by Saatchi & Saatchi. With the tagline 'don't give up on gifting', it explores the idea that Christmas can often be blighted by the fear of not being able to find the right present.With the soundtrack as eagerly anticipated as the ad itself, Sam Fender fans will be pleased to learn that the Newcastle-born singer, 32, was selected to cover the Rolling Stones' classic, 'You Can't Always Get What You Want', his first new music since 2025's 'Rein Me In', which became the UK's longest-running No 1. Boots John Lewis has a glamorous granny in Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Lidl's got EastEnders legend Barry aka Shaun Williamson serenading his neighbours... and now, Boots has possessed women falling utterly in love with their presents in its Christmas ad The 60-second clip offers a playful take on the excitement of unwrapping the ultimate Christmas present, whether that be the perfume you've longed for, or the LED Light Therapy Mask you've been eager to try outRather than relying on a traditional tearjerker, Boots has opted for a festive advert that squarely shows the power of gift-giving.The 60-second clip offers a playful take on the excitement of unwrapping the ultimate Christmas present, whether that be the perfume you've longed for, or the LED Light Therapy Mask you've been eager to try out.For the four women featured in the ad, these thoughtful gifts don't just bring a smile to their faces on December 25th, but become much-loved essentials that they really can't get enough of.Opening with a scene on Christmas morning, the film captures the joy as family and friends unwrap some of the season's most coveted beauty and wellness presents.But fast-forward through the year, and the gifts become full-blown obsessions, with viewers watching as a mother continues to wear her Light Therapy Mask everywhere, whether taking the bins out or posing for a family portrait.In another scene, a woman is so devoted to her hair styler that she reaches for it midway through a romantic dinner date – and hisses at the bride who dares to try to use it while they both get ready for the big day. The campaign – titled For Gifts They'll Really Love – is intended to be a 'playful exaggeration of a familiar truth, the best gifts don't end at Christmas, they become part of the everyday'. Lidl Lidl's festive ad is a fun-filled reimagining of Slade’s much-loved Christmas classic, Merry Xmas Everybody, performed by Shaun Williamson Moving from doorstep to doorstep and gathering a growing crowd of followers along the way, Shaun is joined by football legend Chris Kamara, Capital FM’s Kemi Rodgers and comedian and presenter Abi Clarke Shaun sings the tune alongside some familiar faces, all coming together to spread a little festive cheer with the help of the supermarket and its delicious party itemsLidl's festive ad is a fun-filled reimagining of Slade’s much-loved Christmas classic, Merry Xmas Everybody. EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson, who played ill-fated Barry Evans on the soap, sings the tune alongside some familiar faces, all coming together to spread a little festive cheer with the help of the supermarket and its delicious party items.With bags bursting with Lidl seasonal goodies and a sleigh-load of Christmas spirit, Shaun is spotted in the video spreading joy to his neighbours and making their festive wishes come true.Moving from doorstep to doorstep and gathering a growing crowd of followers along the way, Shaun is joined by football legend Chris Kamara, Capital FM’s Kemi Rodgers and comedian and presenter Abi Clarke. From Lidl turkeys and Brussels sprouts to chocolate gonks and mince pies, Shaun has all the ingredients for a festive feast worth singing about.Shaun 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!'Joanna Gomer, marketing director at Lidl GB, said: 'There’s no better way to kick off the festive season than with a little music, a lot of fun and a Lidl twist on a Christmas classic! 'This marks the start of our Christmas celebrations at Lidl, with plenty of exciting surprises and festive favourites still to come. 'We’re looking forward to bringing a little extra sparkle to the season and helping customers get ready for the most wonderful time of the year.'Sainsbury's Sainsbury's has brought back the beloved BFG for the third year in a row for its 2026 Christmas advert Familiar Sainsbury's colleague Annie shows her giant friend a cheeseboard filled with festive Taste the Difference offeringsJoin the discussionWhat makes a Christmas advert truly unforgettable - star power, heartfelt stories, or nostalgia for classic songs?What's your view?Sainsbury's has brought back the beloved BFG for the third year in a row for its Christmas advert. The two-minute film premieres on television tonight at 6.26pm and will be further released across Sainsbury's social media channels and website. Shorter versions will run across television and online platforms.It sees the much-loved giant struck down with a cold just days before Christmas, leaving him worried he will miss out on the festivities. But familiar Sainsbury's colleague Annie is determined not to let her giant friend go without, embarking on a daring delivery mission into Giant Country with her trusty sidekick Fred and a van packed with festive Taste the Difference treats. But the journey proves far from straightforward, as the pair encounter a mischievous, 48-foot Greedy Giant, who attempts to steal their food by disguising his mouth as a tunnel, and an enormous Squizzly Scotch-Hopper blocking their path. At one point, the van is left dangling over the edge of a rocky cliff before the Greedy Giant gives chase once again – though Annie eventually manages to stop him by scattering Brussels sprouts across the road, causing him to slip. After a series of setbacks, Annie finally reaches the BFG's cave with an assortment of treats, from Black Tiger Tempura Prawns to English Pigs in Blankets. The advert ends with the trio sitting down to a festive feast, enjoying a spread of seasonal favourites, as Annie reminds the giant that 'nobody should miss Christmas', before a finishing slogan reads: 'For everything that makes Christmas unmissable'.Tesco Tesco has brought out the star power for its 2026 Christmas advert, with Irish comedian Roisin Conaty (pictured) and acclaimed actress and Motherland star Anna Maxwell Martin leading the festive campaign, named 'The Wrong Address' The three-minute film sees Conaty play Polly, a Tesco delivery driver who unexpectedly reconnects with an old school friend, Lizzie, played by Maxwell Martin (pictured), after years apartTesco has brought out the star power for its 2026 Christmas advert, with Irish comedian Roisin Conaty and acclaimed actress and Motherland star Anna Maxwell Martin leading the festive campaign, named 'The Wrong Address'. The three-minute film sees Conaty play Polly, a Tesco delivery driver who unexpectedly reconnects with an old school friend, Lizzie, played by Maxwell Martin, after years apart. The story begins when Lizzie accidentally has her big Christmas food shop delivered to her former address, hundreds of miles from her new home, leaving her worried that her family will miss out on their festive treats.Happy to help, Polly offers to get the shopping closer to Lizzie's home, but what starts as a simple handover soon turns into an unexpected road trip.As the pair travel across the country, they reminisce about their school days and begin to rekindle their friendship, with the journey bringing an unexpected festive reunion.The retailer's advert focuses on the importance of friendship, kindness and going the extra mile to help others at Christmas, while also highlighting Tesco's commitment to supporting customers throughout the year. The Perfume Shop The Perfume Shop's 90-second black and white film follows a family of three preparing for their first Christmas without their father, as his absence is felt in the small traditions they once shared When the youngest son asks about putting up the Christmas lights, his mother admits that his father used to take care of it, prompting his older brother to step in and helpThe Perfume Shop has taken a more emotional approach to its Christmas advert this year, with its new campaign 'Let Love Last' exploring how perfume can help keep memories of loved ones alive, even when they're gone. The 90-second black and white film follows a family of three preparing for their first Christmas without their father, as his absence is felt in the small traditions they once shared. When the youngest son asks about putting up the Christmas lights, his mother admits that his father used to take care of it, prompting his older brother to step in and help.The pair go on to recreate some of their father's festive traditions, including baking mince pies using his old recipe and decorating the Christmas tree together. The older brother later spots a nearly empty bottle of perfume, which his dad had given to their mum every Christmas.Wanting to continue the tradition, he secretly buys her the same fragrance, presenting it to her on Christmas morning with an engraved message from the boys. The advert ends with an emotional embrace between mother and sons, as the family finds a way to keep their dad's memory alive.The campaign seeks to build on The Perfume Shop's 'The Power of Perfume' brand positioning, highlighting how a familiar scent can evoke memories and create lasting connections.