The National Lottery has unveiled its 2026 Christmas advert, and it has left fans with 'all the feels'. As the Christmas countdown begins, with decorations being hauled down from attics and temperatures dropping, brands have started preparing for the festive season.
So far, James Norton and Amandaland's Lucy Punch have appeared in an M&S commercial, while Roald Dahl's BFG has made a return with Sainsbury's. Fans have meanwhile been left divided on the highly-anticipated John Lewis advert, while Keira Knightley is poised to return for Waitrose's.
A Reindeer's Determination to Fly
Fans are now praising The National Lottery's advertisement as 'magical'. Featuring a determined reindeer who becomes convinced he can fly after observing a robin take flight, viewers have been left feeling 'emotional'. The protagonist embodies The National Lottery's straightforward message that this Christmas, 'Amazing Things Happen When You Believe'.
Despite facing clear obstacles, the four-hoofed creature perseveres, making numerous attempts to become airborne. Initially unsuccessful, fellow members of his herd remain sceptical of his endeavours, before his unwavering belief sees him soaring through a winter landscape, aided by a hint of seasonal magic.
Viewers React with 'All the Feels'
Alongside his herd looking on, a hiker, gripping a warm drink nearby, is left gobsmacked as he witnesses the flying deer. He clutches his National Lottery ticket, now convinced that if a reindeer can take flight, anything is possible.
"Magical," one viewer commented, as the advertisement was shared on social media this week. "It's going to be a special Christmas," another person wrote. A third added: "Getting alllll the Christmas feels watching this." "Pure magic," another fan commented, while someone else agreed: "Love it."
A further viewer said: "Such a cutie - needs merch! We all need a magical reindeer - and to believe! ! !" with another writing: "Not me getting emotionally attached to a reindeer."
A Message of Belief and Good Causes
Steve Parkinson, Marketing and Brand Director at Allwyn, the operator for The National Lottery, said: "With his determination and cheeky smile, the reindeer represents the belief we all have across the festive period. His drive to fly is the inspiration to remind players that amazing things can happen at Christmas."
"The National Lottery has always helped bring the magic at Christmas, and with the help of a flying reindeer, this year will be more magical than ever."
Every National Lottery ticket played goes towards helping generate more than £33m for Good Causes each week, while also creating life-changing winners. This campaign celebrates those moments of possibility and reminds players that, this Christmas, it really could be you.
Ahead of Christmas, National Lottery players will also see inspiring Good Cause stories brought to life by ambassador Claudia Winkleman, as more than 20,000 projects each year make a difference to communities across the country. Lotto is adding to the Christmas spirit with a Must Be Won jackpot on December 23rd, while EuroMillions will make ten guaranteed millionaires twice in December, with two special UK Millionaires Maker draws on the 25th and 29th.
