Revealed: The best Christmas advert as voted for by MailOnline readers – where does YOUR favourite rank?

• Do you know the family of the boy in the Lidl advert? Email: [email protected] 

MailOnline readers have chosen Lidl’s heartwarming Christmas advert as the best festival commercial so far after it attracted nearly half the votes in our survey.

Some 45 per cent of you voted for the advert which tells the story of an adorable raccoon who goes above and beyond to make one little boy’s day extra special.

The TK Maxx Christmas advert featuring a group of animals cat-walking out of their barn in new outfits came in second place with 13 per cent of the vote.

Marks & Spencer also did well in the poll, with the main M&S advert in third place attracting 12 per cent of the vote and M&S Food’s offering in fourth with 9 per cent.

In mid-table were the adverts from Asda in fifth, Waitrose in sixth and Very in seventh which 6 per cent, 5 per cent and 4 per cent of the vote respectively.

But not faring so well among the ten adverts given in the poll were commercials from Argos with 3 per cent, Baileys on 2 per cent and Sports Direct with 1 per cent.

More than 3,000 MailOnline readers voted in the poll in the first 24 hours after it went live yesterday. Here, FEMAIL takes a look at all the adverts released so far:

1) LIDL – 45% 

Lidl’s heart-warming Christmas ad reminds viewers of the power of small gestures this festive season

Brimming with Christmas spirit, the advert tells the story of an adorable raccoon who goes above and beyond to make one little boy’s day extra special

Having spotted the toy monkey stranded in the cold snow, the black and white striped protagonist jumps into action and crosses the city by any means possible

Lidl’s heart-warming Christmas ad reminds viewers of the power of small gestures.

Brimming with Christmas spirit, the advert tells the story of an adorable raccoon who goes above and beyond to make one little boy’s day extra special.

The story begins when the raccoon looks curiously through a window to see a family excitedly decorating a Christmas tree – when their dog accidentally smashes the little boy’s favourite monkey Christmas decoration.

Wanting to cheer her son up, the boy’s mother picks up a cuddly toy while doing the weekly shop at Lidl, but accidentally drops it on the cycle home. 

Having spotted the toy monkey stranded in the cold snow, the heroic raccoon jumps into action and crosses the city by any means possible – climbing road signs, riding the tube, and sailing on a log across a river – all to reach the family home and put the toy under the Christmas tree.

Peter de Roos, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, says of the campaign: ‘At Christmas, there’s nothing more magical than seeing the joy a gift can bring to a child, and we want to help make sure this joy reaches all families.

‘Our hope is that by bringing back the toy donation points we are making it easier, for those customers who can, to donate directly to local good causes by giving them a small way to make a real difference and help those that need it the most.’

Alongside the release of the festive advert Lidl  also announced the return of its Toy Bank, a nationwide donation drive that last year saw over 80,000 toys donated to children who may not have otherwise received a gift. 

From today until 16th December, customers can drop off new and unopened toys and games, to be gifted to children that need support in their local area. 

In addition, the retailer will for the first time be selling toys of the festive advert stars – with all proceeds going to Neighbourly. Both the raccoon and the monkey are available in a super cuddly plush toy – perfect for any super fans or for generous customers looking for donation inspiration. 

2) TK MAXX – 13% 

TK Maxx unveiled its fun Festive Farm Christmas advert which features a group of adorable animals cat-walking out of their barn in their stylish new TK Maxx outfits

First out the barn doors into the snowy scene is a turtle neck-clad alpaca busking a crossbody bag, swiftly followed by a pair of ducks rocking Harry Styles-inspired pearls, an elegant silk scarf and suave pink bow tie

The ad closes on an alpaca, smelling a divine designer candle before sneezing and blowing it out

TK Maxx unveiled its fun Festive Farm Christmas advert which features a group of adorable animals cat-walking out of their barn in their stylish new TK Maxx outfits.

As the iconic intro of Eve and Gwen Stefani’s early noughties hit Let Me Blow Ya Mind begins to play, we see a series of creatures strut through the snow, showing off their fabulous Yuletide presents.

First out the barn doors into the snowy scene is a turtle neck-clad alpaca busking a crossbody bag, swiftly followed by a pair of ducks rocking Harry Styles-inspired pearls, an elegant silk scarf and suave pink bow tie. 

Bringing up the rear is an irresistibly cute hedgehog scurrying out into the cold in a cosy pink cashmere woolly hat.

The iconic ‘lil’ goat’ makes its return from the 2020 TK Maxx Christmas campaign, joining the stylish winter parade. 

The farmer questions his wife: ‘Did you buy all the farm designer outfits? I thought we were keeping it small with the gifts this year?’. 

The wife replies, ‘Oh I did, love,’ and the pair share a laugh as they watch their animals sashay into the distance.

The ad closes on an alpaca smelling a divine designer candle before sneezing and blowing it out. 

Eagle-eyed viewers will also spot a festive Christmas bear on-screen, in the hands of the couple’s excited young granddaughter. 

From the retailer’s festive charity gifts collection, a donation of £3.00 from the sale of each bear, which is priced at £9.99, will be donated to help TK Maxx’s long term partner, the Princes Trust, continue transforming the lives of thousands of young people.

Deborah Dolce, Group Director commented: ‘Our festive campaign celebrates everything our customers love about TK Maxx at Christmas. We know people want to show friends and family they care with beautiful, quality gifts, but we also know most of us are still watching our finances carefully.’

3) M&S – 12% 

M&S’ Christmas advert relies on celebrities such as Hannah Waddingham (pictured), Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tan France and Zawe Ashton bring their star power to the campaign

‘Twas the month before Christmas and Marks & Spencer has dropped a surprise with festive advertising which is sure to jingle some bells. 

In a television campaign, M&S appears to be encouraging shoppers to do what they want this Christmas, instead of being hidebound by endless chores, the demands of others and the tyranny of festive perfection.

Using a starry line up of singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, actresses Zawe Ashton and Hannah Waddingham, and TV star Tan France, the M&S missive for 2023 is to put yourself and your own needs first.

Thus we have Sophie turning a kitchen blow torch she is using to toast the meringue roof on her giant gingerbread house, onto a pile of unwritten Christmas cards and gift tags. 

‘I’ll do anything for love, but I won’t do that,’ sings a Meatloaf-alike on the backing track, as a bonfire of goodwill erupts on Sophie’s kitchen table. 

Meanwhile Zawe Ashton, best known for her role in Channel 4 sitcom Fresh Meat, loses the will to live playing charades to a sofa full of people who don’t understand her mimes. 

In a plot jump that isn’t really explained, Zawe is suddenly on the roof of her home, going full Tarantino in her sequins, using a roll of wrapping paper like a baseball bat to whack a blameless elf across the city skyline.

At a party somewhere else, Tan France — the fashion expert from Netflix hit Queer Eye — is wearing a white bow tie. 

Cue Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso actress and Eurovision Song Contest co-host, and the real star of this show, a glamorous character who wants to sneak out of the house to do something – but has to stay at home and glue cotton wool balls onto a snowman instead

Using a starry line up of singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor (pictured), actresses Zawe Ashton and Hannah Waddingham, and TV star Tan France , the M&S missive for 2023 is to put yourself and your own needs first

At a party somewhere else, Tan France — the fashion expert from Netflix hit Queer Eye — is wearing a white bow tie 

Zawe Ashton is suddenly on the roof of her home, going full Tarantino in her sequins, using a roll of wrapping paper like a baseball bat to whack a blameless elf across the city skyline

At the end of the clip, Hannah goes outside to throw all her party hats and festive baubles into a woodchipper 

He sighs at the style affront, but still puts a child’s hideous loo roll angel on the top of his tree instead of the tasteful star decoration he prefers. 

But he draws the line at playing board games. Enough is enough, he thinks, before throwing a tantrum and said game into a tropical fish tank.

Cue Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso actress and Eurovision Song Contest co-host, and the real star of this show, a glamorous character who wants to sneak out of the house to do something – but has to stay at home and glue cotton wool balls onto a snowman instead. That is until the madness grips her, and she goes outside to throw all her party hats and festive baubles into a woodchipper instead. Then Zawe’s luckless airborne elf lands at her feet, prompting a wicked smile on Hannah’s face.

4) M&S FOOD – 9%

Dawn French returns as the M&S Food fairy in this years festive advert and she is joined by Hollywood actors and Wrexham football club co-chairmen, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds

The advert follows a young girls lost mittens called Left and Right look for some Christmas cheer

Fairy is determined to cheer up the mittens after they were separated from their owner Lilly and lost in the snow

Dawn French returns as the M&S Food fairy in this years festive advert and she is joined by Hollywood actors and Wrexham football club co-chairmen, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

The ad follows a young girl’s lost mittens called Left and Right, who look for some Christmas cheer.

Fairy is determined to cheer up the mittens after they were separated from their owner Lilly and lost in the snow.

Fairy springs into action and introduces them to the magic of an M&S Christmas. 

They discover the very best of the retailer’s festive food, ending with a mouth-watering Christmas feast complete with all the trimmings. 

The mittens ultimately have their best and most delicious Christmas ever.

Voice of Fairy, Dawn French, said: ‘I’m so excited to be returning to my role as the Fairy this Christmas, and what a treat to bring to life some new friends, the lovable lost mittens ‘Left’ and ‘Right’! 

‘It was a delight introducing them to the joys of a British Christmas and a traditional fabulous festive feast.’

5) ASDA – 6% 

He’s synonymous with Christmas – and this year Michael Bublé (pictured) appears on a festive advert for Asda

The teaser (pictured), which premieres this morning on ITV at 9.40am during Good Morning Britain, sees Asda colleagues relaxing in a break room mid-shift until they’re disturbed by an unusual ‘gurgling’ sound as the clock ticks to midnight

He’s synonymous with Christmas – and this year Michael Bublé appears in a festive advert for Asda.

Giving fans a sneak peek of its Christmas campaign, and a taste of what’s to come, Asda released a 60-second teaser that sees the singer make his merry debut as the retailer’s latest seasonal recruit.

The teaser, which premieres this morning on ITV at 9.40am during Good Morning Britain, sees Asda colleagues relaxing in a break room mid-shift until they’re disturbed by an unusual ‘gurgling’ sound as the clock ticks to midnight. 

Journeying through a stunning festive warehouse to find its source, they eventually reach a door marked ‘MB inside. Do not open ’til 1.11.23′. 

Journeying through a stunning festive warehouse to find its source, they eventually reach a door marked ‘MB inside. Do not open ’til 1.11.23′

As the door swings open, a lone figure is revealed, silhouetted in the spotlight: it’s Bublé, who turns to the camera and breaks into the classic ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’

As the door swings open, a lone figure is revealed, silhouetted in the spotlight: it’s Bublé, who turns to the camera and breaks into the classic ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’. 

”Shall we?’, he asks with a smile, before the ad reads: ‘Pop the Bublé, it’s officially Christmas.’ Asda’s full 90-second advert is due to air on 4 November.  

David Hills, Asda’s Chief Customer Officer, said: ‘At Asda, we absolutely love Christmas and this year we’re once again on a mission to bring that warm, festive feeling to households across the UK. 

‘Today, we’re putting the speculation to rest and confirming that the legend that is Michael Bublé is partnering with us this Christmas to put on a showstopping performance. 

‘With Bublé’s undeniable ability to spread seasonal smiles and our commitment to quality, at great value, we’re a match made in heaven, proving Asda is a one-stop-shop for families seeking magic this Christmas.’

6) WAITROSE – 5% 

Graham Norton makes his entrance, wearing a tuxedo and carrying an assortment of desserts in the ad 

A glamorous couple are hosting a Christmas party, with each guest bringing an impressive dish – from panettone to turkey

Waitrose’s first Christmas campaign with new partners Saatchi & Saatchi has the brand promise of Food to Feel Good About at the core of its creative

The 90-second advert features TV presenter Graham Norton and showcases a selection of festive food and drink offerings

Waitrose’s first Christmas campaign with new partners Saatchi & Saatchi has the brand promise of Food to Feel Good About at the core of its creative. 

The 90-second advert features TV presenter Graham Norton and showcases a selection of festive food and drink offerings. 

A glamorous couple can be seen hosting a Christmas party, with each guest bringing an impressive dish, with items from panettone to turkey on offer.

Every inch of the house is adorned with extravagant decorations, including a dazzling Christmas tree, standing in the bay window of the living room.

Guests, decked out in sequined mini dresses and sharp suits, start dancing to the party anthem Just Can’t Get Enough by Depeche Mode.

Graham Norton makes his entrance, wearing a tuxedo and carrying an assortment of desserts.

Suddenly, one partygoer stumbles, sending a decadent platter of mince pies into the air – but fear not, they are swiftly rescued.

Two police officers knock on the front door, but when they catch a glimpse of a pudding in the hallway, say: ‘Excuse me, we’ve had multiple reports of a…Florentine-inspired panettone.’

Then, a power cut causes the entire property to plunge into darkness. 

But one woman, holding a cheese plate, reassures guests, saying: ‘It’s okay everyone, there’s more cheese!’ 

Cheers erupt from the guests as they resume dancing in the dimly lit room. Meanwhile, Graham Norton enjoys a mince pie while reclining on the sofa. 

7) VERY – 4%

Very launched its new Christmas advert Let’s Make It Sparkle, debuting flamboyant flamingo characters Cherry, Kerry, and Terry

Very launched its new Christmas advert Let’s Make It Sparkle, debuting flamboyant flamingo characters Cherry, Kerry, and Terry alongside remastered Girls Aloud track Merry Christmas, Everybody.

The humorous Christmas campaign positions the digital retailer and its customers as vibrant, pink flamingos and encourages them to transform everyday experiences into something wonderful.

The TV ad opens with a dull cityscape, where grey pigeons and pink flamingos are dutifully Christmas shopping. However, this everyday activity is transformed into something magical.

The TV ad opens with a dull cityscape, where grey pigeons and pink flamingos are dutifully Christmas shopping

Pink thunderclouds roll in and the pigeons are left awestruck by a team of pink delivery flamingos who are gracefully carrying Very parcels

Pink thunderclouds roll in and the pigeons are left awestruck by a team of pink delivery flamingos who are gracefully carrying Very parcels. 

As the parcels are delivered, Kerry, Terry and Cherry’s homes erupt into enormous, clouds of pink glitter.

Jessica Myers, Chief Marketing Officer at Very, said: ‘We know Very customers are as imaginative and enthusiastic about everyday moments as they are about Christmas, and we want to celebrate and enable that sense of joy and fun all year round as part of our commitment to our purpose; helping families get more out of life. 

‘Let’s Make It Sparkle brings that spirit to life brilliantly, and we’re so excited for the opportunities this new creative platform will open up in 2024 and beyond.’ 

8) ARGOS – 3% 

TV toy favourites Connie (pictured) and Trevor are the stars of Argos’s new Christmas campaign

Toy doll Connie, dressed in a glitzy pink jumpsuit, commands attention in the clip as she showcases the gifts on offer at the retailer during a dance performance. Trevor, a toy dinosaur (pictured), is supposed to be recording the stunning show – but instead he accidentally films the view of himself

TV toy favourites Connie and Trevor are the stars of Argos’s new Christmas campaign. 

Toy doll Connie, dressed in a glitzy pink jumpsuit, commands attention in the clip as she showcases the gifts on offer at the retailer during a dance performance.

Her trusty sidekick Trevor, a toy dinosaur, is supposed to be recording the stunning show – but instead he accidentally films the view of himself.  

The film ends as Connie cartwheels across the festive table asking, ‘please tell me you got that, Trev?’ but it is unveiled that Trevor has in fact been recording himself the entire time whilst Connie claps to herself proudly.

The tale, a modern day take on the classic ‘toys come to life’ narrative, builds on Argos’s brand platform – ‘There’s More To Argos’ – which launched earlier this year. 

The film ends as Connie (pictured) cartwheels across the festive table asking, ‘please tell me you got that, Trev?’ but it is unveiled that Trevor has in fact been recording himself the entire time whilst Connie claps to herself proudly

It aims to showcase the vast array of most-wanted products on offer from the retailer, from toys, home and beauty, to cutting-edge tech.

Developed by The&Partnership, the film was directed by Traktor and animated by Untold, with the characters voiced by People Just Do Nothing’s Ruth Bratt and This Country’s Charlie Cooper. 

The disco classic Le Freak by Chic is played to accompany Connie’s big performance.

Laura Boothby, Head of Campaigns at Argos, said: ‘There was no better way to show off what you can find at Argos this Christmas than bringing back our loveable and family-friendly characters Connie and Trevor. 

‘In a festive-themed adventure, the dynamic duo spotlight just a few of the incredible products our customers can buy this Christmas, and bring them to life in a witty and playful way – igniting the Christmas joy our customers can find at Argos.’

Matt Moreland and Chris Clarke, Creative Directors at The&Partnership, said: ‘We wanted to pull out all the stops for the latest Argos instalment. It is Christmas after all. 

‘So we teamed Connie up with some stylish merch, a world class choreographer, and a remix of one of the best disco tracks of all time. Surely nothing could go wrong?’

9) BAILEYS – 2%

Emmy Award-winning Hannah Waddingham has starred in Baileys’ Christmas advert, alongside the Gold Vocal Collective, who play the choir 

The rim of the martini glass is dipped in chocolate sauce, then coated with shortbread crumbs, before the indulgent cocktail is poured in

Emmy Award-winning Hannah Waddingham has starred in Baileys’ Christmas advert, alongside the Gold Vocal Collective, who play the choir.

The actress takes on the role of conductor in the joyful 20-second commercial. 

It kicks off with the star suggesting the choir break for a Baileys, leading up to their harmonious acapella performance as the brand’s signature Christmas ‘Choctail’ is prepared.

The rim of the martini glass is dipped in chocolate sauce, then coated with shortbread crumbs, before the indulgent cocktail is poured in.

To complete the presentation, a shortbread snowflake serves as a garnish, followed by a cheerful toast from the conductor to the camera. 

10) SPORTS DIRECT – 1%

The Sports Direct advert features Little Legend Macy (pictured, left), a young girl whose Christmas wish is to become the best sports star in the world

Brazilian footballer Gabriel Jesus also has a starring role

Conor Benn shows off his boxing skills

Footballer Mason Mount makes an appearance too

Sports Direct has partnered with some of the UK’s biggest sports talent for their Christmas advert.

It features Manchester United’s Mason Mount (for the third year running) who leads up line-up including Lionesses Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.

They join Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and his teammates Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus alongside Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Ez.

More footballers come as Spurs star James Maddison makes an appearance while boxers Johnny Fisher, Conor Benn and sprinter Zharnel Hughes complete the line-up.

Entitled Dream Big, the campaign opens with Little Legend Macy, a young girl whose Christmas wish is to become the best sports star in the world. 

Macy fulfills her desires by becoming a champion boxer, athlete and footballer – competing with a host of famous faces.

In the boxing ring, she transforms into a towering figure, dwarfing male contender Conor Benn. Next, Macy goes head-to-head with an athlete on the track, where she successfully distracts him to secure a victory at the finish line. 

Then, on the football field, she becomes a goal keeper, performing a dramatic leap to block a penalty shot.

Macy is met with congratulations from Mason Mount – leaving her utterly astonished when she returns to reality. Back in her living room, there’s a knock at the door. It’s Brazilian footballer Gabriel Jesus, holding a huge present. 

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