Brands With the Most Impressive Holiday Campaigns (And Why They Work)

Every holiday season, a few brands rise above the noise—not by shouting louder, but by creating campaigns people actually remember. From emotional storytelling to immersive experiences, these brands show us what great holiday marketing looks like.

Here are some of the most impressive holiday campaigns and the branding lessons behind them.

Starbucks PH “Invite Joy” Campaign

Starbucks Philippines runs a yearly “Starbucks Traditions” campaign — usually from early November through early January/early next year — where customers collect stickers from purchases and redeem them for exclusive items like planners, tumblers, mugs, and more.

With “Invite Joy” as this year’s theme, the spotlight is on the everyday comfort of the coffeehouse—freshly brewed coffee, friendly conversations, and that familiar moment of ordering your usual, all wrapped into a Filipino holiday staple.

Deepening the nostalgic feel, the 2026 Starbucks Traditions video is set to “Ligaya” by Eraserheads, a timeless track that resonates with Filipino listeners of all ages. The use of real Starbucks baristas brings authenticity to the story, highlighting the small, meaningful moments and everyday connections found in-store. Read more on cebubusinessnews.ph

Shopee PH – 12.12 Mega Pamasko Campaign

Shopee’s 12.12 Mega Pamasko is one of the most anticipated digital retail events in the Philippines. More than just a sale, it has evolved into a full-scale holiday entertainment and commerce ecosystem, blending urgency, pop culture, and mobile-first behavior—perfectly aligned with Filipino holiday shopping habits.

Shopee doesn’t lead with price alone—it leads with excitement with:

• High-energy TV commercials, digital teasers, and in-app countdowns

• Celebrity endorsements that drive mass appeal

• Influencers posting haul videos, deal finds, and countdowns

• Game-like mechanics inside the app (coins, spins, vouchers)

  
  

This transforms shopping from a transaction into holiday entertainment, making users come back multiple times a day—not just to buy, but to play. It is also built specifically for mobile behavior, not adapted from desktop retail.

According to a PhilStar article, local vendors experienced a remarkable 5-fold increase in sales during the 12.12 sale. This surge highlights the growing impact of holiday e-commerce events on small and local businesses.

Nestlé PH "Make It a Nestlé Christmas" Campaign

Instead of a traditional sales‑only holiday promo, Nestlé PH’s seasonal campaign focuses on inspiration and shared experiences around Christmas food. Nestlé’s official Goodnes PH site curates Creamy Christmas recipes — from classic heirloom Filipino desserts to modern twists on holiday favorites. These include familiar crowd‑pleasers using Nestlé All Purpose Cream that aim to elevate traditional dishes like fruit salad, bibingka, puto bumbong, and more with creamy, festive flair.

The idea? Give families creative, approachable ideas to make their celebrations tastier while showcasing the versatility of Nestlé ingredients as you'll see on their marketing campaigns.

They also encourage encourages consumers to share their holiday creations and memories online. On social media channels, fans are invited to post their Nestlé holiday dishes and traditions using branded hashtags. Some posts even tie into promotional efforts where users could be featured or win prizes. Alongside creative content, Nestlé brands like Nescafé and other product lines often roll out holiday bundles, savings, and gift‑ready packaging.

How Top Filipino Brands Win the Season

Successful holiday campaigns in the Philippines share one key trait: they connect with consumers emotionally and culturally. Brands like Starbucks, Shopee, Nestlé, and Jollibee go beyond promotions, creating experiences that resonate with Filipino traditions, whether through festive recipes, interactive collectibles, or storytelling that celebrates family and togetherness.

They combine entertainment, urgency, and accessibility, often leveraging both digital and in-store channels to maximize engagement. Ultimately, the most effective campaigns turn holidays into memorable brand experiences, leaving consumers with lasting positive associations that extend well beyond the season.