Christmas Bells – Hershey’s Kisses (1989): The Sweetest Jingle of the Holiday Season

Introduction

When it comes to classic Christmas ads, few have stood the test of time like the Hershey’s Kisses Christmas Bells ad. First released in 1989, this charming holiday commercial features foil-wrapped Hershey’s Kisses playing the familiar tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Simple, sweet, and instantly recognizable, this ad has become a beloved holiday tradition for viewers of all ages. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, nostalgia, and ability to evolve with the times. In this blog, we’ll explore why Hershey’s Christmas Bells remains one of the most iconic and memorable Top Christmas Ads of all time.

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The Storyline: Sweet Simplicity

The original ad, created by Ogilvy in 1989, is as simple as it gets. The scene opens with a line of Hershey’s Kisses wrapped in festive foil—red, green, and silver—lined up like a choir. Suddenly, the Kisses start moving in sync, ringing like bells to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

One of the most endearing moments comes at the end, when one little Kiss, overwhelmed by its role as a “bell,” lets out a relieved sigh. It’s a small touch of charm that brings warmth and humanity to the ad.

This minimalistic approach works because it evokes nostalgia, holiday spirit, and the warmth of family traditions. No words are spoken, but the message is clear: Hershey’s Kisses are a holiday essential.

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Why It’s a Top Christmas Ad

Here’s why Hershey’s Kisses Christmas Bells is still a fan-favorite decades after its debut:

1. Timeless Simplicity
   • The ad doesn’t rely on complex storytelling. It’s a simple idea, perfectly executed. No words, just visuals and music.
2. Nostalgic Appeal
   • For generations of viewers, the sight of Hershey’s Kisses “playing” Christmas bells signals the official start of the holiday season.
3. Instant Brand Recognition
   • The iconic shape and foil colors of Hershey’s Kisses are unmistakable, and the ad reinforces the brand’s role in holiday celebrations.
4. Emotional Connection
   • The sound of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” triggers emotional memories, like decorating the tree or gathering with loved ones.

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How It Evolved Over Time

While the core idea of the ad has remained the same, Hershey’s has modernized it to keep it fresh and relevant for new audiences:

1. 2012 CGI Update
   • The original stop-motion animation was updated with CGI animation and a newly recorded version of the song. The look was more polished, but the charm stayed intact.
2. Interactive Social Media Campaign
   • In 2020, Hershey’s took the Christmas Bells concept to Instagram Stories, where users could “play” the bells themselves using sound effects like cowbells and DJ horns. This campaign blended nostalgia with interactivity, bringing a new generation of viewers into the fold.
3. Annual Re-Runs
   • The original version of the ad still reappears every Christmas, a rare example of an ad that spans generations without losing its charm.

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Why It Went Viral

The Hershey’s Kisses ad follows a simple, winning formula that makes it shareable and memorable:

1. Consistency
   • Releasing the ad every holiday season has made it a hallmark of Christmas, much like Coca-Cola’s polar bears or John Lewis’ emotional storytelling.
2. Minimalism is Key
   • Unlike elaborate modern ads, this one relies on a simple concept: foil-wrapped chocolates “singing” a song. This simplicity is part of what makes it timeless.
3. Nostalgia and Tradition
   • Christmas is about tradition, and re-watching the same ad year after year taps into the feeling of “home for the holidays.”
4. Social Media Adaptation
   • Hershey’s brilliant move to make the bells interactive on Instagram Stories gave the ad a second life on social media, making it relevant for a younger, tech-savvy audience.

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Lessons for Marketers: What Brands Can Learn

Hershey’s Christmas Bells is proof that simplicity and consistency are the ultimate brand assets. Here are some takeaways for marketers and brands:

1. Keep It Simple
   • Sometimes, a simple concept is better than a grand, complex narrative. A short, simple ad can have a much longer lifespan.
2. Consistency Builds Tradition
   • Re-running the same ad every year creates a sense of ritual for viewers, much like Christmas movies or holiday songs.
3. Music Matters
   • The choice of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” was brilliant, as it’s universally recognizable, emotional, and tied to the holiday spirit.
4. Update Without Losing Charm
   • By updating the original with CGI animation while keeping the heart of the story intact, Hershey’s kept the ad relevant without losing its magic.

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Why It’s Still Relevant Today

More than 30 years after it first aired, the Hershey’s Kisses Christmas Bells ad is still beloved for its warmth, simplicity, and sense of tradition. It’s proof that you don’t need elaborate storytelling to create a lasting emotional impact.

This ad has become part of the “Top Christmas Ad” hall of fame, and it continues to win over new generations of viewers every year.

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Conclusion

The Hershey’s Kisses Christmas Bells ad is a masterclass in simplicity, tradition, and emotional storytelling. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more. From its charming stop-motion visuals to its catchy Christmas jingle, the ad is pure holiday magic.

Even after 30 years, it’s still running strong, appearing on TV, YouTube, and social media every December. For many families, it’s as much a part of Christmas as decorating the tree or hanging up stockings.

So, the next time you see those red, green, and silver Hershey’s Kisses “ringing” on screen, remember: sometimes, the simplest ideas are the sweetest.

Watch the ad, tap your feet to the music, and remember that the most iconic Christmas ads never go out of style.

Stay tuned as we unwrap more of the most beloved Top Christmas Ads of all time.