Has Christmas really even started until the John Lewis Christmas ad is out? Well, good news, festive fans, because it’s here and it will make you so excited for a classic family Christmas, complete with a tin of Cadbury Roses on the table, sibling squabbles, hanging out in the kitchen and snoozing in front of the TV.
Opening in the famous Oxford Street store, this year’s cinematic ad, entitled The Gifting Hour, is a tale of two sisters. We follow Sally as she tries to find that perfect gift for her sister, Lauren, with 15 minutes to spare before the shop closes.
She falls through a rack of dresses and suddenly we’re whizzing back through her memories, set to a soundtrack of 90s classic Sonnet by Richard Ashcroft (perfect timing, as he supports Oasis on tour next summer). The lyrics set the scene: “My friend and me, looking through her red box of memories...”
Become a cover star! This year, John Lewis is offering aspiring musicians (and indeed anyone who wants to have a go!) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become its next cover star. Partnering with BMG and Richard Ashcroft himself, they'll launch a nationwide talent search on November 15 on TikTok using the hashtag #MySonnet. The lucky winner will record their own version of Sonnet, to be featured in a special Christmas Day airing of the ad on TV, with the track officially released by BMG. Find out more.
We visit teenage bedrooms (faithfully recreated with posters blue-tacked to the walls by the John Lewis team). We see the family on Christmas Day (with Wallace & Gromit on the telly and a vintage tin of Roses on the table).
In one poignant moment, Sally gets emotional as she watches her sister dancing with her mum in the kitchen. Grab the tissues for that bit.
The message? The secret to finding the perfect gift is knowing where to look.
In each of Sally’s memories, you'll spot glimpses of different gift ideas, from the cuddly bear Lauren throws at her to the flash of a gold bracelet during a game of Heads Up!.
Eschewing celeb stars and magical characters, the ad gets right to the joy and, yes, the wonderful chaos of a family Christmas – catching up with siblings, loved ones and friends you haven’t seen because you’ve all been so busy the rest of the year, recreating those unique family traditions and finding that present only you could give because you’ve known them a lifetime.
While you send your sibling a WhatsApp, here’s where to shop Sally’s gorgeous Fair Isle knit (the camel’s sold out, but you can get it in navy and red) and leather-look trousers, plus all the other festive picks you’ll have spotted hidden throughout the ad (we’re ordering ALL the velvet bows…).
John Lewis Fair Isle Wool Blend Knit Jumper
Ripe Nella Rib Knit Maternity & Nursing Dress
Lace & Beads Neddin Maxi Dress
Phase Eight Esin Shirt Dress
John Lewis Candy Stripe Wrapping Paper
John Lewis Brunswick Spruce Unlit Christmas Tree, 6ft
John Lewis Sugar & Spice Retro Camera Bauble
John Lewis Berries and Pine Cones Garland, L180cm
Tinc Big Gloop Lamp
John Lewis Sugar & Spice Rollerblade Bauble
John Lewis Cashmere Scarf
French Connection Harvey Faux Fur Jacket Light Beige
Want to remind yourself of every single John Lewis Christmas ad since 2007? Relive the magic and let us know your favourite. Our top picks are The Long Wait (2011) and Monty The Penguin (2014).
If you already know what they’ll love this year, shop the top 100 Christmas gifts at John Lewis & Partners
