Marks & Spencer has released its 2026 Christmas advert, bringing together Fashion, Home, Beauty and Food under one festive campaign for the first time in almost a decade. The film stars James Norton as an undercover Father Christmas, with Lucy Punch as Mrs Claus and Katherine Jenkins performing an exclusive cover of Belinda Carlisle's Heaven Is a Place on Earth.
A festive twist on Santa's story
In the advert, Santa is encouraged by Mrs Claus to go incognito, allowing him to enjoy the Christmas period without being recognised for the first time in his life. He swaps his famous red suit for a festive jumper and shaves off his beard, instantly appearing years younger.
After his transformation, Santa leaves the North Pole and travels into the world to celebrate the season. His journey takes him through the experiences that define Christmas: dressing smartly, gathering around a table of food, choosing presents and decorating the house.
Finding magic beyond the North Pole
Throughout his adventure, Santa realises that the enchantment of Christmas does not come only from the North Pole. It is created in households across the country, around dining tables, beneath Christmas trees and in time spent with loved ones.
M&S is positioned as part of every festive occasion, from food and fashion to beauty, presents and homeware.
Speaking about the advert, James Norton said: "It's not every day you get asked to play Santa, let alone a Santa who immediately shaves off his beard! M&S has been such a familiar part of Christmas for as long as I can remember, so getting to be part of its Christmas campaign feels really special."
He added: "I loved that this story takes such an iconic character and lets us see him differently. He gets to experience Christmas like the rest of us, discovering that the real magic is in the food, traditions and moments we share with the people we love. It's warm, funny and full of Christmas spirit, and I'm very happy to have been briefly trusted with the red suit."
Cast on the campaign's message
Lucy Punch commented: "M&S and Christmas just go hand in hand, so it was an absolute joy to become part of that tradition this year. I loved that Mrs Claus is the one who gets this story moving."
She continued: "She gives him the nudge so he can get out there incognito and experience the magic of Christmas for himself. There's something very sweet and fun about their dynamic, and something quite lovely about the idea behind it: this idea that the magic you're looking for is actually happening all around you."
Katherine Jenkins said of the soundtrack: "For me, Christmas has always been about coming home. It's about family, traditions and creating memories with the people you love most, and music is such a big part of that."
She added: "Certain songs instantly become part of the soundtrack to our celebrations, so I was thrilled to record a new version of Heaven Is a Place on Earth for this campaign. I love how beautifully it complements the story, reminding us that the real magic of Christmas isn't found in grand gestures, but in the moments we share together at home."
