John Lewis Christmas Advert 2026 and a Decade‑and‑a‑Half of Festive Classics Ranked
The retailer’s 2026 spot stars Kristin Scott Thomas and Paul Whitehouse, and Metro revisits fifteen years of beloved holiday ads.
2026 Christmas advert steals the spotlight
The latest John Lewis Christmas advert, released for 2026, stars Four Weddings star Kristin Scott Thomas as a grandmother called Gloria, who is on a mission to find the perfect present for her grandchildren.
Comedy legend Paul Whitehouse lends his voice to a toy dog, adding a whimsical touch.
The commercial is set to a cover of a classic Rolling Stones song, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.
Metro’s TV editor Sabrina Barr says the piece “is still a beautifully told story that plenty of families can relate to,” even if it doesn’t reach the tear‑jerker heights of earlier years.
Looking back: a ranking of John Lewis Christmas ads (2007‑2024)
Metro has compiled a nostalgic countdown of the retailer’s festive adverts over the past fifteen years, asking readers which one stands out as the best.
20. Shadows (2007)
This debut after a three‑year hiatus shows a woman’s shadow and her dog formed from various products, with lighting that evokes Pixar‑style visuals.
While pioneering, the spot is described as “definitely not one to write home about.”
19. Clues (2008)
Pre‑dating John Lewis’s later storytelling focus, the ad features silent people contemplating Christmas gifts, underscored by a slowed‑down piano version of The Beatles’ “From Me To You.”
It is pleasant but not especially exciting, and many may have forgotten its release.
18. The Feeling (2009)
Produced by the Adam & Eve/DBB agency, this ad shows excited children unwrapping “grown‑up” gifts such as laptops and Kindles, with the tagline “Remember how Christmas used to feel? Give someone that feeling.”
It is cute and nostalgic, though not terribly memorable.
17. A Tribute To Givers (2010)
The first John Lewis Christmas ad to feature a cover of Elton John’s classic “Your Song,” performed here by Ellie Goulding.
It follows people hiding gifts, ending with a boy hanging a brimming stocking outside his dog’s kennel, a moment that bursts our hearts.
16. The Gifting Hour (2024)
This year’s entry, while not yet high on the ranking, tells a heart‑warming tale of a sister searching for a gift for her sibling, meeting her sister at different life stages: child, teenager, and expectant parent.
Richard Ashcroft of The Verve provides the soundtrack, and John Lewis offers a unique chance for aspiring musicians to cover the song.
From humble beginnings to polished storytelling, the John Lewis Christmas adverts have become a cherished part of the UK festive season, and the 2026 spot adds another memorable chapter.
