Could Tesco take the crown for best Christmas advert as Britons award it '10/10'?

Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 14/11/2025

- 15:17

'It is a real representation, not faked, pretend happiness. That's why it makes it heartwarming and relatable'

Tesco has officially thrown out the traditional Christmas advert rulebook with its new campaign, titled: "That's what makes it Christmas".

Ditching the usual single heartwarming film for multiple short clips, it celebrates the "glorious chaos" of the festive period by showcasing families navigating the messy reality of the holiday season.


The response has been incredible, with many social media users calling it "the best Christmas ad in years" and praising its honest portrayal of festive mayhem.

"So real and wholesome," wrote one viewer, while another awarded it "10/10", describing it as "a correct representation" of Christmas chaos.

"Absolutely love this! So spot on," one commenter rejoiced, as another called it "so relatable".

The enthusiasm for the "genius" advert has been overwhelming. "The way I laughed multiple times through this ad, so real and wholesome," a Tesco fan commented.

Many viewers admitted they have found themselves in the scenarios. "I'm all of these people," a Tesco shopper admitted, with others agreeing that "everyone knows at least one of these characters".

What's striking is how many people appreciate the departure from typical festive advertising. Giving Tesco the ultimate praise, one social media user called it the "best Christmas advert in years".

"It is a real representation, not faked, pretend happiness. That's why it makes it heartwarming and relatable," they said.

Tesco Christmas advert: Arguing during Pictionary

'Everyone knows at least one of these characters'

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TESCO

The films capture those moments we all recognise. There's the office Secret Santa dilemma: trying to find something for that colleague you barely speak to.

Then there's the fridge packed with Christmas goodies that nobody's allowed to touch until the big day.

Games of Pictionary turn into serious competitions and even full-blown arguments, while awkward conversations with neighbours you hardly know become part of the festive routine.

One episode shows someone returning home up North, only to be teased about picking up a southern accent.

Tesco Christmas advert: Awkward chats with neighbours

'The way I laughed multiple times through this ad, so real and wholesome'

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TESCO

And of course, there's the essential bag of Christmas nuts that appears every year – though nobody's quite sure who actually eats them.

The campaign marks a creative shift for Tesco, working with BBH London to produce these bite-sized films directed by Jeff Low of Biscuit, available in 10, 20, and 30-second formats.

Comedian John Bishop provides the narration, adding warmth to scenes set to "Holly Jolly Christmas".

"At Tesco, we know that Christmas isn't just about the picture-perfect moments, it's about everything perfectly imperfect that happens around them too – that's where the real magic is," said Becky Brock, Tesco group customer director.

The supermarket giant hopes to spark conversations about everyone's own chaotic festive experiences, showing how Tesco fits into every aspect of the UK's Christmas celebrations.

Receiving comments like "Best Xmas ad ever", "Best one of 2025", and "Best so far" on social media, could Tesco take the crown for this year's top Christmas campaign?

Many believe Waitrose's 'The Perfect Gift' is the front-runner, with some declaring it "the best advert [they've] ever seen".

"Goosebumps", one viewer added about the four-minute rom-com starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson, while another admitted: "Don't think I've ever committed to watching something so intently in my entire life."

Meanwhile, John Lewis moved Britons to tears with 'Where Love Lives', a short film depicting a strained father-son duo bonding over music.

Particularly striking a chord with parents, one said: "Oh my goodness, heartstrings well and truly pulled on! As parents of teenage sons, this feels like our Christmas ad!"