The UK's biggest brands have begun launching their 2026 Christmas adverts, with Argos, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Debenhams among those competing for attention with their festive mini-movies. So far, the adverts lean more towards festive spirit than tear-jerkers, although the most anticipated of all, John Lewis, has yet to be released.
Argos takes on A Christmas Carol
Argos has released an advert titled Tales of Argos Past, a light spoof of A Christmas Carol featuring Richard Ayoade in the Scrooge role. Two phantasmagoric toys, named Connie and Trevor, act as the ghosts, appearing to help Ayoade, who has no idea what to get his mum for Christmas. The advert includes a flashback to a younger Ayoade circling an Argos catalogue before inspiration strikes.
In the conclusion, Ayoade gifts his mother a red light therapy mask, a nod to the skincare craze. 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.'
Sainsbury's continues BFG tale
Sainsbury's has returned to Roald Dahl's BFG for a third year in a row. In the 2026 advert, the Big Friendly Giant catches a cold and is forced to stay inside on his own, missing out on Christmas company. Sainsbury's employee Annie is determined that the BFG isn't alone, so she and a colleague race across Giant Country, facing menacing Giants, to bring a delicious dinner to his door. The BFG is grateful for their generosity, kindness and wholesome company, and Annie and the BFG's friendship continues for another year.
Tesco reunites old school friends
Tesco's new festive campaign features Roisin Conaty as Polly, a delivery driver who is 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 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. After a broken-down car, Polly drives Lizzie home in her delivery van, reminiscing about their fun times. After saying goodbye, Polly receives a text message asking her to join their meal, a heartwarming reminder that it's never too late to reach out and reforge a friendship.
Walmart brings back the Muppets
Walmart's advert, titled A Who Knew? Carol, brings back the 1992 film The Muppet Christmas Carol for a sequel of sorts. The gang is 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. Scrooge is revealed to be Fallout actor Walton Goggins, who also played the Grinch for Walmart in a prior Christmas advert. Metro's 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.'
Debenhams tells a love story
Debenhams dropped its advert back in October, opting for a sweet love story 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 friends are dancing, only for a snowstorm to strike. That prompts Chris, who is also there, to serenade Tina. Music icon Gabrielle makes a surprise appearance.
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.'
