The 2024 John Lewis Christmas advert is here, arriving just in time to tug on viewer’s heartstrings - and encourage them to hit the shops.
The highly anticipated advert follows Sally, our heroine, as she frantically attempts to find a Christmas present for her sister 15 minutes before the brand’s flagship London store closes. As she looks, she falls through a dress rack only to end up in the attic of her childhood home, tumbling through memories of growing up with her sister. It ends with Sally meeting her sister outside the shop, perfectly wrapped gift in hand.
Called The Gifting Hour, the advert is soundtracked by The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft’s original song ‘Sonnet’ from his Acoustic Hymns album.
It’s a departure from previous John Lewis ads which often feature covers, with the retailer holding a competition on TikTok to find an aspiring artist to cover the song, with the help of Ashcroft and record label BMG. The winner will record their own version of ‘Sonnet’ which will appear in a special Christmas Day edition of the ad on TV, with the track to be officially released.
John Lewis’ Christmas adverts have been a festive tradition in the UK for more than a decade, dating back to 2007. As such, there is plenty of debate surrounding which is best.
As a reminder of those which came before, here are all 18 of John Lewis’ Christmas adverts. What is your favourite?
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9. 2015 - The Man On The Moon
Can this really be nearly a decade old. Aurora's whispery version of Oasis' b-side 'Half The World Away' plays over a tear-jerking tale of a lonely man on the moon who receives a present from a thoughtful little girl via balloon post. The devastating part? It's a telescope so he can see he's not really alone. | John Lewis

10. 2016 - Buster the Boxer
Tears of laughter for this one, as Buster the boxer dog sees a succession of animals enjoy bouncing on a newly-erected trampoline. He finally gets a go on Christmas Day, ahead of the little girl whose present it is. Vaults' cover of Randy Newman's 'One Day I'll Fly Away' soundtracks. | John Lewis
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11. 2017 - Moz The Monster
Award-winning director Michael Gondry was behind the camera for this story about a boy who makes friends with the monster under his bed, before their exhausting nocturnal adventures are snuffed out by a nightlight. It's ok though - you can always turn the light off and Moz will return. Another Beatles song was used, with Elbow taking on 'Golden Slumbers'. | John Lewis
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12. 2018 - The Boy And The Piano
A second outing for 'Your Song' in 2018, this time sung by Sir Elton John himself. The advert follows Elton's road to superstardom, played backwards from a stadium performance to the gift of a piano that started the journey. | John Lewis