Watch
← Back to IdeasThe Sweetest Sound of the Season: 35 Years of Hershey's Christmas Bells
It’s a familiar refrain: most brands could vanish overnight, and consumers wouldn’t notice. In today's saturated media landscape, brands must transcend mere image-making and create genuine impact. For 35 years, the chime of Hershey's Christmas Bells has done just that, becoming a cherished holiday ritual and a testament to the enduring power of a simple, yet resonant, idea.
This iconic 16-second spot, a choir of Kisses ringing out "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," wasn't born from a rigid marketing brief. It emerged from a moment of inspiration in a San Francisco studio, showcasing the magic that can happen when creative minds are given the freedom to explore. As Brian Collins, Co-Founder of COLLINS and an Ogilvy alum himself, aptly observes, "It is a perfect case study on the compounding interest of applied imagination. And discipline."
Ogilvy creatives David Apicella and Ann Phares, along with producers at Colossal Pictures and Hershey's brand manager John Dunn, were shooting a series of stop-motion animated Kisses commercials, referred to as "whimsey" campaign. With time left in the production schedule, Dunn asked for a holiday spot. This seemingly off-the-cuff request would give rise to a holiday classic.
Instead of relying on dialogue, celebrity endorsements, or grand statements, the team focused on the pure, simple joy of the season—a decision that proved brilliant. The straightforward animation, the classic carol, even the frantic solo bell at the end, all contribute to the spot's enduring charm.
The Hershey's Christmas Bells commercial has defied the typical lifespan of advertising, becoming a cultural touchstone that resonates with audiences year after year. Its enduring appeal lies in its authenticity and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. As Collins notes, this spot "has, somehow, lived far beyond that ruthless constraint. It has, in fact, only gotten more powerful." It transcends the fleeting nature of advertising, becoming a ritual, a timeless expression of holiday spirit. And in its simplicity and enduring power, it is, as Collins concludes, perfect.
“Christmas Bells” was one of the iconic ideas we highlighted earlier this year as part of Ogilvy’s 75th anniversary celebration. Explore more of the most memorable, impactful, and meaningful campaigns in Ogilvy’s history through our curated collection here.