It is almost time for John Lewis to release its latest Christmas advert. The festive institution was teased on social media over the weekend - and it could be here in less than 24 hours!
Released every year since 2007, it has become a firm fixture of the holiday calendar. Over the years, viewers have been treated to plenty of classics - with lots of lovable creations like Monty the Penguin.
Before the 2025 version arrives and we discover what John Lewis has up its sleeve for this Christmas, I decided to go back over all the previous adverts. It includes last year’s offering: The Gifting Hour.
But do you agree with my rankings, or have I got your favourite in the wrong spot? Let me know your picks by email: [email protected].
John Lewis dropped a massive hint for its 2025 Christmas advert over the weekend on social media. Fans even think they’ve figured out which song will feature this year.
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9. 11 - Where the Love Lies (2025)
The 2025 effort from John Lewis was a decent go of things, but probably won't live long in the memory and won't be as fondly remembered as the true classics. It is a nice change of pace, focusing on the relationship between dads and sons - but it never truly pulls on the heartstrings in an effective way. 3.7 Jingle Bells | John Lewis Photo: John Lewis
10. 10 - Don’t Give up on Giving (2026)
This year's advert featured Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as a grandma who was searching for a way to give the gift of a joy to her (rather spoiled) grandchildren who were just hoping for money in their Christmas card. It's a familiar scene in many homes, so something that can be related to, but it just didn't give me that warm fuzzy feeling, although I do think the message behind it - that the best thing about Christmas is enjoying time together - is important. And I did think it was better than last year's advert. Rating: 3.75 Jingle Bells.
11. 9 - The Bear and the Hare (2013)
Perhaps the John Lewis advert with the most iconic song - Lily Allen’s cover of Somewhere Only We Know. It was such a hit that it topped the UK single’s chart. Beautifully animated, it does feel like one of those adaptations of Julia Donaldson books that air on BBC every year. But because it is fully cartoon, it feels a bit too adrift from reality in a way the ads usually don’t. Rating: 3.8 Jingle Bells. | YouTube/ John Lewis Photo: YouTube/ John Lewis
12. 8 - Snapper (2023)
Love the song in this, Andrea Bocelli adds such a unique spin on the usual soundtrack to a John Lewis Christmas advert. More in the vein of Edgar and Buster the Boxer, featuring a bit of a chaotic element seemingly ruining Christmas, only to make it more magical in the end. It is charming, but nothing earth shattering. Rating: 3.9 Jingle Bells. | YouTube/ John Lewis Photo: YouTube/ John Lewis