John Lewis unveils Christmas advert

Retailer, John Lewis, has unveiled its 2025 Christmas advert, which explores using thoughtful gifting to express feelings without words.

The ad, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, focuses on a teenage son who uses music as a medium to express the feelings for his dad he can’t find the words for, ending with the strapline: “If you can’t find the words, find the gift.”

90s dance icon Alison Limerick provides the soundtrack with her iconic hit ‘Where Love Lives’, with a newly reimagined version by globally acclaimed artist and producer Labrinth featuring in the ad.

The classic track, a celebration of music and connection, is a fitting tribute to the meaning of gifts when words fail us. Because, sometimes, a gift can say the things we can’t. The teenager, typically wearing headphones and disengaged from the rest of the family, shows he does care by giving Dad a favourite track from his teenage years.

Rough Trade at John Lewis, including at John Lewis Cheadle, will exclusively stock the vinyl record with profits going to support the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme, which helps people who have grown up in care.

Rosie Hanley, Director of Brand for John Lewis, said:

“This year’s John Lewis Christmas campaign is a celebration of connection, memory, and the unspoken emotions that make the season truly magical. At John Lewis, we understand the power of a thoughtful gift, and we hope the Ad will inspire our customers to find the gift that articulates their feelings, allowing the present itself to speak volumes where words may sometimes fall short.”

Franki Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi, said:

“Music is always the beating heart of the John Lewis campaign at Christmas but this year it’s the gift itself. The track threads through an integrated campaign that poignantly explores the power of a gift to communicate something we might not be able to put into words. A banger on many levels in many channels, I hope it inspires lots of thoughtful, expressive gifting and some family trawls through old playlists on Christmas Day too!”

Alison Limerick said:

“I squealed when I heard that ‘Where Loves Lives’ would be in the advert – literally squealed like an excited child. Music has always had the power to bring all kinds of peeps together, but I hope this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert will give those who see it a new, emotional connection with the song – especially with what Labrinth has created. His gentle version is just so beautiful; it’s sure to fill the heart with love.”