Ever wondered why some Christmas ads are just plain weird? From dancing elves to talking reindeer, these commercials often leave us scratching our heads. But there's a method to the madness. Weird Christmas ads grab attention, spark conversations, and sometimes even go viral. They break the mold of traditional holiday cheer, offering something unexpected and memorable. Whether it's a bizarre storyline or quirky characters, these ads aim to stand out in a sea of festive sameness. Ready to dive into the world of oddball holiday marketing? Let's explore 38 facts that will make you see these strange commercials in a whole new light.
Key Takeaways:
- Christmas ads can be really weird! From fake deaths to singing cats, these commercials from around the world are full of surprises and unexpected twists.
- Celebrities like Jeff Goldblum and Mariah Carey have starred in some of the strangest holiday commercials, adding a touch of the unexpected to the festive season.
Weird Christmas Ads from Around the World
Christmas ads can be heartwarming, funny, or downright strange. Here are some of the most bizarre holiday commercials from different corners of the globe.
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In 2015, a German supermarket chain, Edeka, released an ad where an elderly man fakes his own death to bring his family together for Christmas dinner.
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KFC Japan has a tradition of promoting fried chicken as the go-to Christmas meal, complete with Colonel Sanders dressed as Santa Claus.
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In 2018, Iceland's banned Christmas ad featured an orangutan protesting against palm oil, which was deemed too political for TV.
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A 2016 ad from the UK retailer John Lewis featured a trampoline-loving dog named Buster, who steals the show from the kids.
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Coca-Cola's 1995 ad in Poland showed Santa Claus riding a train, delivering gifts to children in a snowy landscape.
Unusual Celebrity Appearances in Christmas Ads
Celebrities often make surprising appearances in holiday commercials, adding a touch of the unexpected.
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In 2014, actor Jeff Goldblum starred in a UK ad for Currys PC World, giving awkward Christmas gift advice.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared in a Japanese ad for Cup Noodles, dressed as Santa Claus, promoting the instant ramen as a holiday treat.
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In 2017, singer Mariah Carey starred in a Walkers Crisps ad in the UK, where she fights over a bag of chips with an elf.
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David Hasselhoff appeared in a Norwegian ad for a Christmas lottery, singing a holiday-themed version of "Hooked on a Feeling."
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In 2019, actor Kevin Hart starred in a Jumanji-themed Christmas ad for Walmart, promoting holiday deals.
Bizarre Product Placements in Christmas Ads
Sometimes, the products featured in Christmas ads are as strange as the ads themselves.
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In 2013, a UK ad for Harvey Nichols encouraged people to "spend less on others" and more on themselves, featuring cheap gifts like toothpicks and paperclips.
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A 2015 ad for the Spanish lottery featured a claymation character named Justino, who works the night shift in a mannequin factory.
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In 2016, a German ad for a hardware store showed a man building a spaceship in his backyard, only to reveal it was a Christmas gift for his son.
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A 2018 ad for a Finnish mobile company featured Santa Claus using a smartphone to navigate his sleigh.
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In 2020, a UK ad for Tesco featured a talking carrot named Kevin, who goes on a Christmas adventure.
Strange Storylines in Christmas Ads
Some Christmas ads have storylines that are downright peculiar, leaving viewers scratching their heads.
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In 2017, a UK ad for Sainsbury's featured a musical number with people dressed as Christmas dinner items, like turkeys and Brussels sprouts.
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A 2019 ad for the Australian retailer Myer showed Santa Claus getting stuck in a chimney and being rescued by a team of elves.
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In 2015, a Swedish ad for IKEA featured a family having a Christmas dinner with their furniture coming to life and joining the meal.
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A 2018 ad for a Dutch supermarket showed a boy trying to catch Santa Claus in a trap, only to end up befriending him.
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In 2020, a French ad for a toy store featured a robot who dreams of becoming a real boy, much like Pinocchio.
Cultural Quirks in Christmas Ads
Different cultures have their own unique takes on Christmas, which can lead to some truly odd commercials.
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In 2016, a Finnish ad for a department store showed Santa Claus taking a sauna break before delivering presents.
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A 2017 ad from Brazil featured Santa Claus surfing on a giant wave, promoting a beachwear brand.
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In 2018, a South Korean ad for a tech company showed Santa Claus using a drone to deliver gifts.
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A 2019 ad from Italy featured a talking Christmas tree who gives advice to a family about holiday decorations.
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In 2020, a Russian ad for a chocolate brand showed Santa Claus riding a bear through a snowy forest.
Unexpected Twists in Christmas Ads
Some Christmas ads take viewers on a wild ride with unexpected twists and turns.
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In 2015, a UK ad for a travel agency showed Santa Claus taking a tropical vacation after finishing his deliveries.
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A 2016 ad for a Canadian airline featured passengers on a flight receiving surprise gifts from Santa Claus mid-air.
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In 2017, a German ad for a car company showed Santa Claus trading in his sleigh for a high-tech sports car.
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A 2018 ad for a UK department store featured a young girl who discovers her father is secretly Santa Claus.
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In 2019, a Japanese ad for a gaming console showed Santa Claus playing video games with children around the world.
Humorous Christmas Ads
Humor is a common element in Christmas ads, but some take it to a whole new level of weirdness.
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In 2014, a UK ad for a mobile network featured a singing cat dressed in a Christmas sweater.
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A 2015 ad for a Swedish furniture store showed a family having a Christmas dinner with their pets, who are seated at the table like humans.
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In 2016, a US ad for a fast-food chain featured Santa Claus ordering a burger at the drive-thru.
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A 2017 ad for a UK supermarket showed a group of penguins having a Christmas party in a frozen food aisle.
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In 2018, a Canadian ad for a coffee shop featured a snowman who comes to life and orders a hot chocolate.
Heartwarming Yet Weird Christmas Ads
Some ads manage to be both heartwarming and strange at the same time.
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In 2015, a UK ad for a department store showed an elderly man living on the moon, who receives a telescope as a Christmas gift.
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A 2016 ad for a Spanish lottery featured a man who wins the lottery but decides to share his winnings with his entire village.
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In 2017, a German ad for a supermarket showed a father building a giant snowman for his daughter, only for it to melt and reveal a hidden Christmas gift inside.
The Quirky World of Christmas Ads
Christmas ads have always been a mix of creativity, humor, and oddity. From dancing elves to talking reindeer, these ads capture the festive spirit in the most unexpected ways. They often leave us laughing, scratching our heads, or even feeling a bit nostalgic.
These quirky commercials remind us that the holiday season is about more than just gifts and decorations. It's about sharing joy, creating memories, and sometimes, just having a good laugh. Whether it's a bizarre product or a hilarious storyline, these ads add a unique flavor to our holiday experience.
So next time you see a weird Christmas ad, take a moment to appreciate the creativity and effort behind it. After all, it's these little quirks that make the holidays truly special.
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