The evolution of Santa Claus in advertising over the years

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Depending on the culture, religion and traditions of each country, the holidays in December have different symbols that embody the season. Father Christmas, Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas are some of the names by which we know one of its emblematic characters.

He is a well-known icon in much of the world: we have acquired the image of this friendly figure from various films, shows and many commercial campaigns during the Christmas season. Particularly in commercials and advertising materials, we have seen Santa evolve over the years.

We share with you this festive timeline of advertisements dedicated to Santa Claus, both printed and on video, from the beginning of the last century until today. We hope they inspire you to create your own Christmas campaign and that, like those on this list, they remain in history.

The evolution of Santa Claus in advertising over the years
In the mid-19th century, Thomas Nast came up with the idea for Santa's signature attire and appearance. Unbeknownst to him, his illustrations for Harper's Weekly would inspire generations to come, as dozens of creators took up this classic image.

Thomas Nast's depiction of Santa Claus for Harper's Weekly

Image from The Vintage News

This inspiration also reached advertisers, who have afghanistan whatsapp lead created campaigns that convey magic and good humor. Check them all out!

1. Santa Claus in 1915: White Rock advertising
Santa Claus in White Rock advertising in 1915

Image by ReasonWhy

Published in 1915 in the San Francisco Examiner newspaper , this advertisement showed Santa Claus carrying White Rock brand water in his sleigh, in addition to toys.

2. Santa Claus in 1919: Murad Turkish Cigarettes advertising
Santa Claus in Murad's advertising in 1919

Image of Vintage Cigarettes Posters

Remember that time when commercials advertised that smoking was good for your health? Well, that was the same time when Santa did, too. And not only that: according to the text of this print ad, Murad cigarettes “were what all the grown-ups really wanted for Christmas.”

3. Santa Claus in 1935: Whitman's Chocolates advertising
Santa Claus in Whitman's Chocolates advertising in 1935

Image by Bamboo Trading

Another print ad featuring the classic image of Santa and where Whitman's chocolate brand maintained the style.

4. Santa Claus in 1938: Essolube advertising
Santa Claus in an Essolube advertisement in 1938

Image from iCollector

This French advertisement from 1938 says “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for your car.” What is curious about this advertisement is the image of a tall, thin Santa Claus with a basket instead of a sack: this reflects the European influence of the image of Saint Nicholas , a wealthy Christian priest who travelled around helping people by giving gifts . In some regions he is depicted wearing a green suit and carrying a staff, in addition to his classic sack.

5. Santa Claus in 1940: Bell Telephone System advertising
Santa Claus in Bell Telephone System advertising in 1940
Image by K-townConsignments

This 1940 ad wasn't about selling products. Bell Telephone System's goal was to wish its customers a happy holiday season with the image of a Santa in the shape of a telephone.

6. Santa Claus in 1948: Time magazine Christmas subscription
Santa Claus in Time magazine subscription advertising in 1948

Image by Bamboo Trading

In 1940, Santa flies a plane to deliver magazine subscriptions to everyone. The plane is made of front pages and the text announces “special prices for Christmas.”

7. Santa Claus in 1949: Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco advertisement
Santa Claus in Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco advertising in 1949

Image from Pinterest

Fast forward to 50 and Santa hasn't quit smoking yet, but this time he doesn't look as scary as before. Now we see him with that candid smile and rosy cheeks, as he wishes everyone a "Merry Christmas with every puff."

8. Santa Claus in 1954: Coca-Cola advertising
Santa Claus in Coca-Cola advertising in 1954

Image by Bamboo Trading

Coca-Cola has positioned itself as one of the brands that best make Christmas ads, in which it focuses on family and values ​​such as love and generosity. Santa has been one of the most used icons by the company. In this ad he says: “It’s my gift for thirst,” while taking a break from giving out gifts.

9. Santa Claus in 1956: Jell-O advertising
Santa Claus in Jell-O advertising in 1956

Image from Etsy

In this ad, the Jell-O brand shows Santa enjoying the gelatin left for him by the children, instead of the traditional cookies.

10. Santa Claus in 1969: Hoover advertising
Santa Claus in Hoover advertising in 1969

Image from Ebay

Hoover made a pun using Santa's signature laugh and the brand name as he delivers appliances.

11. Santa Claus in 1972: Kodak Pocket Instamatic Cameras Advertisement
Santa Claus in the Kodak Pocket Instamatic advertisement in 1972

Image from Etsy

One, two, three: photo! And taken by Santa himself with the then-new Kodak Pocket camera, "the perfect gift for every budget," according to the text of the ad.

12. Santa Claus in 1977: Smith-Corona advertising
Santa Claus in Smith Corona advertising in 1977

Image by Bamboo Trading

In this 1977 ad, Santa shows off his Smith-Corona typewriter, which is his favorite for writing gift lists.

13. Santa Claus in 1977: Quaker Sugar Cookies advertising
Santa Claus in Quaker advertising in 1977

Vintage Ad Browser Image

In this 1977 ad for Christmas cookies, we see Santa Claus sharing a moment with Mr. Quaker himself. If you look closely, you'll see a curious little boy trying to listen, hidden behind the chair.

14. Santa Claus in 1983: Seagram's Crown Royal advertising
Santa Claus in Crown Royal advertising in 1983

Image from Ebay

This ad challenges readers to look Santa in the eye and tell him if they really deserve to enjoy a Crown Royal this year. It's hard to lie, but everyone wants a good drink!

15. Santa Claus in 1993: Got Milk? commercial





Video by iRememberThat

Santa proves you can't have cookies without milk in this classic 1993 commercial.

16. Santa Claus in 1993: BluBlockers sunglasses advertising
Santa Claus in BluBlockers advertising in 1993

Vintage Ad Browser Image

This is something you don't see every day: Santa wearing sunglasses. This ad shows him from a different angle, as if he were a famous aviator.

17. Santa Claus in 1996: M&M's Chocolates advertising





Christmasads video

This 1990s M&M's commercial is a classic. I love the look of surprise on both the M&M's and Santa when they meet in the middle of the night.

18. Santa Claus in 1997: Hewlett-Packard advertising
Santa Claus in HP advertising in 1997

Image by BambooTrading

This HP ad features Santa’s little paws…Santa’s dog, Snowball, who seems very excited to accompany Santa on his journey.

19. Santa Claus in 2001: Decathlon advertising
Santa Claus in Decathlon advertising in 2001

Image via GracieMag

It's hard not to laugh at this troop of Santas getting ready in the locker room and getting instructions from the coach. Check out the game plan for entering through the chimney, which is especially funny.

20. Santa Claus in 2007: Niko motion detector advertising
Santa Claus in Niko's advertising in 2007

Image via This Is Not Advertising

Is Santa under arrest? This ad makes fun of the fact that Santa was caught by the law entering the chimney, thanks to the excellent motion detector that is advertised.

21. Santa Claus in 2011: Pepsi advertising





Video by Vakhtang Shelia

This Pepsi commercial satirizes the well-known Coca-Cola ads by showing Santa Claus drinking a Pepsi, "incognito" during his vacation and wearing his Hawaiian attire.

22. Santa Claus in 2016: Coca-Cola advertising





Video from The Publicist

Coca-Cola knows how to renew a classic message with the help of Santa Claus. In this 2016 ad, it shows how the desire to make others happy is contagious, especially at Christmas.

23. Santa Claus in 2018: Audi advertising





Test Drive Video

Under the motto “Progress is rewriting your own history”, Audi presents us with a Santa Claus who is ready for change. It seems that he will soon open an Instagram account to show his progress! If the name of this campaign sounds inspiring to you, you can use a similar formula for your events this season and spread the Christmas spirit to your employees.

24. Santa Claus in 2018: GNP advertising





Creative Digital Video

In many regions, Christmas is also celebrated as well as Three Kings' Day. In this GNP commercial, we can see the popularity battle between Santa and the Three Wise Men. Who will win?

25. Santa Claus in 2018: GameStop advertising





JJ The Crazy Video

You never know who's on the other end when you're playing online… it could be Santa Claus! If you're not patient with him in Fortnite, there will be consequences.

26. Santa Claus in 2020: Xfinity advertising


Funny Commercials Video

In 2020, Santa Claus had no choice but to adapt to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 and the serious consequences it had on the world economy. That is why in the commercial for the technology company Xfinity we see him promoting meaningful gifts, rather than toys, and using a large fleet of drones that deliver gifts to the homes of those who have behaved well.

The reindeer surely appreciated the break!

27. Santa Claus in 2021: Best Buy advertising


Video by Marc Thomas

In its 2021 Christmas commercial, Best Buy decided to give Santa Claus a much more human and relaxed appearance. Do you think that maybe Santa Claus is your neighbor?

28. Santa Claus in 2022: FOX Soccer advertising


Video by majorfilmevents

FOX Soccer's advertising for 2022 is one of the most creative, as they took advantage of FIFA's decision to schedule the World Cup right during the December season.

FOX shows us a much younger Santa Claus spending his summer vacation when he is notified of the dates of the sporting event, and gets to work planning the festivities. Two months later, FOX updates the preparations for Christmas at the North Pole through a fun, long-running marketing strategy.

Santa Claus has a long and lasting tradition in advertising, and now you know the most important moments in this story.

Whether you decide to use Santa as part of your holiday messaging or not this year, design your holiday marketing campaigns according to the season and focus on your ideal customers.