The countdown to Christmas has officially begun as John Lewis unveils the first tantalising glimpse of their highly anticipated 2024 festive advert, featuring an unlikely hero - a carnivorous plant named Snapper.
In a delightful twist on traditional Christmas characters, this year's campaign introduces a Venus flytrap who struggles to contain his excitement during the festive season. The teaser reveals Snapper's tendency to "snap" when overwhelmed with joy, creating challenges as he attempts to participate in Christmas traditions.
A New Festive Friend
This marks a significant departure from John Lewis's previous animal protagonists, which have included beloved characters like Monty the Penguin and Buster the Boxer. Snapper represents the retailer's continued innovation in creating memorable Christmas moments that capture the nation's heart.
The 90-second full advert, set to premiere on Thursday, November 7th, promises to deliver the emotional storytelling that has become synonymous with the John Lewis Christmas campaign. Early glimpses suggest the narrative will explore themes of acceptance, friendship, and finding one's place during the most wonderful time of the year.
The Magic Behind the Campaign
Created in partnership with advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, the advert continues John Lewis's tradition of launching Christmas season with a cultural moment that gets Britain talking. The retailer has masterfully built anticipation through social media teasers, showing Snapper's leafy face emerging to curious reactions from followers.
Industry insiders suggest this year's production values continue the high standards set by previous campaigns, with sophisticated animation bringing the charismatic plant to life. The choice of a Venus flytrap as the central character demonstrates John Lewis's commitment to originality while maintaining the emotional resonance that defines their Christmas storytelling.
A Festive Tradition Evolves
Over the years, John Lewis Christmas adverts have become as much a part of British holiday tradition as mince pies and Christmas trees. From the man on the moon to excitable dragons, each character has left an indelible mark on the festive season.
This year's Snapper continues this legacy while offering a fresh perspective on what makes Christmas special. The theme of embracing differences and finding joy in uniqueness feels particularly resonant in current times, promising to deliver both festive cheer and meaningful commentary.
As Britain prepares for another challenging winter, the arrival of Snapper and his heartwarming story offers a welcome moment of light and celebration. The full reveal on Thursday is expected to dominate social media conversations and kickstart the festive season in true John Lewis style.
