Favorite December Promotions: Brands That Always Bring the Holiday Magic

The holiday season has a way of turning even the simplest marketing campaigns into something magical. December is the one month when brands really lean into emotion, nostalgia, and that warm, cozy feeling we all secretly crave. Every year, a few companies stand out—not just because their promotions are big, but because they’ve become part of our holiday traditions. Here are a few of my favorites that always know how to make the season feel special.

Let’s start with Lexus. Their “December to Remember” campaign has basically become the official holiday soundtrack of car commercials. You can’t hear soft bells or see a fresh snowfall without thinking of a big red bow sitting on top of a shiny new Lexus. Their ads always tap into the emotional side of giving, painting this picture of surprise, joy, and family moments that feel right out of a movie. Whether anyone is actually getting a luxury car for Christmas is beside the point—the campaign has become iconic because it feels like a tradition.

Then there’s Coca-Cola, the brand that practically invented holiday marketing as we know it. From their classic Santa illustrations to the adorable polar bears, Coca-Cola has a way of making the season feel nostalgic and heartwarming. There’s something so charming about the way they tell stories—simple, happy moments that remind us to slow down and connect. You don’t even have to drink Coke to appreciate the vibe they create every December.

Another brand that does the holidays well is Macy’s. They’ve built an entire emotional universe around the season, from their “Believe” campaign to the way their stores transform into something straight out of a childhood memory. Their ads often feel like little stories, reminding us about generosity, hope, and the magic that comes with believing in something bigger. Macy’s has mastered the art of creating a holiday feeling that spans from TV to in-store to online.

Of course, you can’t talk about December promotions without mentioning Starbucks. The moment the red cups return, it feels like the unofficial start of the season. People line up not just for the drinks, but for the experience—the festive designs, the holiday flavors, the social-media-ready moment of holding that cup. Starbucks has turned what could’ve been a simple seasonal update into a real cultural event.

I also love what Amazon has been doing the past few years. Their ads tend to be surprisingly emotional, focusing on community, connection, and how the small things we give can have a much bigger impact. At the same time, they lean into what they do best: making holiday shopping easier for all of us who swear we won’t procrastinate this year…and then do it anyway. Their combination of heartfelt storytelling and practical convenience just works.

And then there’s Apple, a brand that consistently releases some of the most beautiful and cinematic holiday ads. Their stories often center around creativity, family, and the moments technology helps us preserve. Apple commercials don’t feel like commercials—they feel like short films with a message. They’re thoughtful, emotional, and always memorable.

What all of these companies have in common is their ability to turn December into a feeling. They don’t just push products; they create moments that capture the magic of the season. Whether it’s nostalgia, storytelling, or a sense of tradition, these brands understand what people are really looking for during the holidays: connection, joy, and a little bit of wonder.