Marking 20 years since their first iconic Christmas ad, John Lewis presents a fresh and charming story featuring Kristin Scott Thomas as a stylish grandma whose chic home becomes a festive haven for her family.
- Kristin Scott Thomas stars as a glamorous grandma.
- The advert celebrates 20 years of John Lewis Christmas campaigns.
- A ‘gran-cave’ makeover blends 70s colors with Scandinavian style.
What happened
The 2026 John Lewis Christmas advert features Kristin Scott Thomas playing Grandma Gloria, who embarks on a nostalgic and heartwarming journey to find the perfect Christmas gift for her grandchildren. The story begins with the grandchildren arriving at her elegant home but ignoring her warmly, leading her to initially consider giving them money instead of a gift. However, a cherished childhood toy dog, Pickles, inspires her to create a meaningful connection.
Rather than buying a single gift, Grandma Gloria decides to transform her locked-up study into a 'gran-cave' filled with bean bags, disco balls, and streamers—creating a cozy and playful space where she and her grandchildren can share joyful moments together. The advert also features musical collaboration with Sam Fender, covering The Rolling Stones’ classic, enriching the festive atmosphere.
Why it feels good
This advert resonates because it highlights the importance of meaningful family connections over material gifts, encouraging viewers to find joy in shared experiences and creativity. It also refreshes the traditional grandma image with a stylish, contemporary twist, embodied by Kristin Scott Thomas’s chic presence and the invitingly warm, colorful home environment.
The blend of nostalgic 70s decor with Scandinavian-inspired furniture creates a visually rich and comforting backdrop that feels both retro and modern. This tasteful design approach invites viewers to appreciate the beauty of enduring style mixed with festive cheer, making grandma’s house a symbol of love and togetherness.
What to enjoy or watch next
If you’re inspired by the ‘granny-chic’ aesthetic of the John Lewis advert, consider exploring John Lewis’s Autumn/Winter home collection featuring jewel-toned soft furnishings and Scandinavian furniture pieces to recreate a warm, cozy atmosphere in your own home. The advert also offers a fun soundtrack with Sam Fender’s rendition of ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want,’ adding an uplifting musical layer to the festive narrative.
For those who love heartwarming Christmas ads or stylish interior ideas, keep an eye out for other holiday campaigns this season that blend storytelling with design inspiration. The advert’s combination of family warmth and elegant decor might also inspire you to refresh a space in your home for the holidays that can bring loved ones closer.