Classic Christmas TV Commercials: A Small Collection

One thing about me is that I remember way too many commercials. It could be because I’m an illustrator and I’m a visual thinker, but it also could be because most of these Christmas commercials are so ubiquitous.

Here are five Christmas commercials that have been stuck in my head since forever.

1. Hershey Kiss - Bells (1989)

We’re starting this list off with a classic. This commercial has aired every holiday season since 1989, and it’s Hershey’s longest running commercial. Also, I didn’t realize that it was stop-motion animation! The animation was done by Colossal Pictures (think Prince’s Raspberry Beret music video).

Every time I see it, I smile.

2. M&Ms - Faint (1996)

I say it with Santa every time: “They DO exist!” I always thought that JK Simmons was the perfect voice for the yellow M&M.

Here’s a cool interview with the original animation director of the commercial, David Daniels, who is the inventor of strata cut animation (here’s an example of strata cut in the movie Moonwalker in 1988). Daniels then worked at Will Vinton Studios (think Claymation and California Raisins).

3. Corona Extra - O Tannenpalm (1990)

Here are some cool facts about this commercial from an article I read.

• It’s the longest running beer commercial.
• It was filmed in Akumal, Mexico.
• There were a ton of alligators around the set.

Wild!

4. B101 - Philadelphia’s Christmas Station (late 90s, early 00s)

If you’re from the Philly area, then you know the radio station B101. B101 is THE variety station and every holiday season, it turns into “Philadelphia’s Christmas Station.” The local TV stations used to play this commercial every year and I absolutely hated how the animation looked. I would sing every song in the montage, though. Now, as I watch it, it’s endearing. Those were simpler times.

5. Pennsylvania Lottery (1994)

This is my personal favorite. It’s been on for as long as I can remember.

The Pennsylvania Lottery folks had the nerve to update it a few years ago. I was singing along and suddenly the lyrics weren’t “FIVE CASH FIVES… four big fours, three daily numbers, two instant games, and best wishes from the lottery.” (I understand that there are new lottery games that they have to feature, but come on. Why didn’t they run it by me first?)

Do you have a favorite Christmas commercial that has stayed with you since childhood? Let me know in the comments! I would love to check it out.

Otherwise, I hope this post sparked the same bit of joy in you that it sparked in me! ✨

Talk soon,

Alleanna