John Lewis’ Christmas Advert Is Finally Here

9th November 2023 | By Lottie Woodrow

You know it’s officially Christmas when the John Lewis Christmas advert drops. Much like the M&S ad, it’s the first real indication that we’re on the official countdown. And, as you would expect, this year’s is as heartwarming, tear-jerking and loveable as usual. 

Celebrating the joy of old and new festive traditions, the John Lewis Christmas advert 2023, created by Saatchi and Saatchi, follows a young boy and, unusually, a Venus flytrap. Read on to find out more…

What is the advert about?

It’s not every day you see a Venus flytrap in a starring role, but hey, John Lewis likes to keep us on our toes. This year’s advert follows a young boy, Alfie, rummaging through a garage sale when he finds a ‘Grow your own perfect Christmas tree’ box filled with what you would think is a Christmas tree seed. 

As the advert progresses, you see Alfie race to the planted seed every morning to see how much it has grown, before it eventually becomes a giant Venus flytrap. The wannabe Christmas tree, aptly named Snapper, offers up an unexpected twist on the traditional tree, and as much as the boy falls in love with it, his family decides to switch it up for a classic tree nearer to Christmas. 

Come Christmas morning, Alfie runs outside armed with presents to offer Snapper. His family follows and we see Snapper chew up the presents and gift each of the family members their unwrapped presents. It’s not long before Snapper’s mischievous but loving nature wins around the family, with the ad finishing with a title card saying ‘Let your traditions grow’.

Who sings the catchy song?

This year’s ad sees legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli sing the original soundtrack titled ‘Festa’. Translating to ‘celebration’, it is written and produced by Le Feste Antonacci specifically for John Lewis. 

You may have spotted that only one line is repeated throughout, ‘La Vita Na Festa’, translating to Life Is A Party. A nice nod to the festive season ahead of us. 

Charlotte Lock, Customer Director for John Lewis, explains: “We are a nation that loves the traditions of Christmas – from classic traditions like pantos and putting up the tree to evolving new ones like crafting our own presents and Zoom get-togethers. Many of us have our own unique festive traditions and that makes them even more special.

“The film celebrates themes of family and evolving traditions and shows that a ‘perfect’ Christmas is finding joy together with loved ones, whatever your traditions.” 

Who knew as a nation we would be cheering on a Venus flytrap? 

Watch the full trailer below

head to the john lewis website to shop their full christmas range


Want to receive more great articles like this every day? Join our daily email now