The holiday season is a goldmine of opportunity for businesses aiming to make a lasting impression. It’s the time when brands unleash their creativity, aiming to capture hearts and wallets with festive fervor. 

At Denver Media Group, we’ve seen some incredible holiday campaigns that not only boosted sales but also strengthened emotional connections with audiences. Our social media management team is here to share some standout social media campaigns that truly made the season bright and why they worked so well.

1. Starbucks’ #RedCupContest

Each year, Starbucks ushers in the holiday season with their iconic red cups, a signal to coffee lovers that the festive season has begun. The genius, however, lies in their #RedCupContest. Starbucks invites customers to create holiday-themed art using their red cups and share the images on social media. 

This campaign excels because it turns every participant into a brand ambassador, spreading organic reach and creating a massive buzz. The personal touch of creating art adds a heartfelt layer to the campaign, making it immensely shareable and relatable.

2. REI’s #OptOutside

While most brands push sales during the holiday shopping frenzy, REI takes a different approach with its #OptOutside campaign. Instead of opening its doors on Black Friday, REI encourages employees and customers to enjoy the outdoors. 

This bold move, amplified across social platforms, positions REI as a brand that values well-being over profits. The campaign resonates emotionally, aligning with the desires of consumers who crave authenticity and meaningful experiences over material goods.

3. John Lewis’ Heartwarming Adverts

No holiday campaign roundup would be complete without mentioning John Lewis. The British retailer is renowned for its emotionally charged Christmas ads, which often tell a touching story and resonate deeply with viewers. 

Their campaigns are typically launched with an exclusive hashtag and supported by a variety of social media interactions, including behind-the-scenes content, merchandise, and user engagement strategies. The secret sauce? Each campaign tells a story that tugs at the heartstrings, reminding us of the joy and warmth of the holiday season.

4. Coca-Cola’s Santa Secrets

Coca-Cola's holiday campaigns often feature their classic Santa in heartwarming narratives. Last season’s “Santa Secrets” campaign was a hit, revealing little-known ‘secrets’ about how Santa manages his duties so effectively, with a wink that it’s with a little help from Coca-Cola. 

This approach, combined with interactive social media posts asking users to share their own holiday secrets, fostered a playful and engaging atmosphere online. Coca-Cola’s campaigns are successful because they enhance the magical holiday feeling while encouraging direct interaction with their brand.

What do these social media campaigns have in common?

These campaigns demonstrate that the key to holiday marketing success on social media lies in creating genuine emotional connections. Whether it’s through interactive contests, value-driven narratives, or heartwarming storytelling, the goal is to resonate with the human side of consumers. For brands looking to make a significant impact this holiday season, consider how your campaign can tap into the spirit of the holidays in a way that feels authentic and true to your brand values.

Create your social media campaigns with social media management services from us!

As we gear up for another festive season, let these examples inspire you to think outside the box and create a campaign that not only sells but also endears your brand to the hearts of your customers. Contact us to get started on your social media campaigns. Happy holidays and happy marketing from all of us at Denver Media Group!