McDonald’s Brings the Satisfaction This Festive Season

McDonald’s, in partnership with Leo Burnett, is lighting up the festive season with its Christmas offering, The Gift of McDonald’s. Part of the well-loved Fancy a McDonald's? brand platform, the fully integrated campaign celebrates those moments when, sometimes, we all need a break from the Christmas chaos, at McDonald’s.

The campaign leads with a 60” film, which follows two parents sitting in their car after a hectic day of checking off their Christmas to-do list and buying presents for their family. When they catch sight of the Golden Arches glowing in the distance, their spontaneous decision to visit McDonald's is vividly realised through a larger-than-life light show, accompanied by the energetic and unexpected soundtrack of Benny Benassi’s Satisfaction.

As the music crescendos, ribbons adorn the houses, signs point the way to McDonald’s with the phrase 'Go on, you deserve it’, inflatable Christmas characters line the path, while a tower block building unveils the layers of a Big Mac. Iconic McDonald’s characters make appearances throughout, lighting up the screen and guiding the parents toward an illuminated McDonald’s drive-thru, where they receive The Gift of McDonald’s, reminding everyone of the joy a well-deserved reward brings amidst the holiday chaos.

The spot, directed by the award-winning Nicolai Fuglsig, renowned for ads such as Sony Balls and Coca-Cola It’s Mine, will make its debut on Sunday (17th November) during the highly anticipated premiere of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! on ITV at 9pm. 

The Gift of McDonald’s extends beyond the screen with a nationwide McDonald’s Gift Drop that invites the public to search for ‘hidden’ gift tags across the UK. The tags found everywhere, from bus stops – including LED-lit panels – to in-restaurant, and TV screens, will give lucky ‘finders’ the chance to unlock daily offers, and a chance to win free food and exclusive merchandise, only through the McDonald’s App. Accompanying The McDonald’s Gift Drop is a 20” AV spot features a nostalgic, bouncing gift tag screensaver illuminated in festive neon lights.

In addition, McDonald’s is launching a limited-edition range of Christmas merchandise designed to bring some festive feel good into homes. From Grimace bucket hats, Birdie socks and McDonald’s Christmas lights, this exclusive gift collection offers both stocking fillers and collectibles. The merchandise will be available as part of the Gift Drop prize pool, as well as part of a limited drop on MyMcDonald’s Rewards tiers on the app, and available for purchase via the newly launched ecommerce site Golden Arches Unlimited ensuring fans can gift others a piece of McDonald’s magic this Christmas.

Rounding out the celebrations, McDonald’s new festive menu features delicious goodies like the Big Tasty, the new Cheesy McCrispy, and the indulgent Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie®. Accompanied by playful, 10” promotional spots, these seasonal items make McDonald's the perfect festive escape for those seeking a moment to unwind. 

Michelle Graham-Clare, chief marketing officer, S.V.P at McDonald's, said, "Christmas is a magical time, but it can also feel like a whirlwind. With long gift lists, crowded shops, and endless wrapping, it’s easy to forget to take a moment for yourself or with your loved ones. That’s why we’re reminding everyone that the perfect festive break is always just around the corner. With ‘The Gift of McDonald’s,’ we aim to capture those small moments of lightness and joy, from festive gift tags to our seasonal menu and exclusive merchandise."

Andrew Long and James Millers, executive creative directors at Leo Burnett added, “This Christmas, we’re celebrating the well-deserved gift of McDonald’s in all the moments our customers need it most. From showcasing the feeling of joy an invite to McDonald’s creates with an epic light show, to delighting fans with an epic gift drop, this campaign sets out to ensure everyone can enjoy some McDonald’s satisfaction.”

Creative and social were led by Leo Burnett, with RED Consultancy managing PR, social, and events, while OMD UK handled media planning and buying. tms led on the promotion, digital experience, ecommerce shop and prize pool. Linney supported BTL and POP communications, and Armadillo managed CRM.