The Holiday Marketing Campaign Hall of Fame (Infographic) See the fascinating history of holiday marketing campaigns and get inspired to craft your own memorable retail messaging this year.

By Tracey Wallace Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Noam Galai | Getty Images

The holidays signal a change in consumer behavior. Buying increases near parallel with a little R&R and family time. This means more people are watching –– just like Santa does all year –– to see which ads strike their festive chord.

Holiday marketing campaigns run by brands aren't kept on any psychic naughty-or-nice list, but consumer memory might as well be just that. Get your holiday campaign just right, and consumers will begin to associate your brand with the start of the season.

Others have done it –– both brands expected, with large marketing budgets, and those you had previously heard nothing of. Some campaigns repeat, year after year, and become cultural signifiers of the season. Think of the holiday window displays on Madison Avenue, Thanksgiving Day parades ending at the world's largest department store and TV ads that bring a simultaneous tear and smile to faces around the globe.

Related: Want to Make 6 Figures From Your Amazon FBA Business? Here's How.

Yes, brands have resonating power this time of year –- and there's no harm is looking to the past to see which other brands and campaigns have made their way to the holiday retail hall of fame. Here, we look back on 150 years of inspirational ads and campaigns that many consumers say the holidays just wouldn't be the same without.

What can your brand do this year to stand out?

Tracey Wallace

Managing Editor of Bigcommerce

Tracey Wallace is the managing editor at commerce platform Bigcommerce, where she covers topics concerning fast-growing online businesses. In a previous life, she wrote about small business and boutique success at Mashable, ELLE and Time Out New York. Her work has been featured on Bustle, PolicyMic and Refinery29. Wallace writes from Bigcommerce's headquarters in Austin, Texas. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Living

The 3 Lifestyle Habits That Made Me Sharper, Stronger and More Successful

These three simple yet powerful lifestyle changes transformed my productivity, energy and mindset. Here's how you can do the same.

Living

Inspired by the Masters? Bring Your Work Hustle to the Golf Course with Mind Caddie, Now $99.99.

If the Masters made you realize that your game needs work, check out this performance coaching audio app.

Business Solutions

Generate 1,000+ Marketing Images This Month: 1min.AI Now $79.97 for Life

Get all of your favorite AI assistants in one place under one subscription with 1min.AI.

Leadership

Everyone Needs a Mentor — But Being a Mentor Is Just as Important. Here's Why.

Mentorship isn't just about sharing knowledge. Here's why mentoring others could be your most valuable growth tool as an entrepreneur.

Business News

What's Open on Easter Sunday? Costco and Target Will Close, But One Major Retailer Will Be Open. Here's What To Know.

The stock market was closed for Good Friday on April 18. Here's what's closed for Easter Sunday, April 20.