What Year Did The Hershey Kiss Christmas Commercial Come Out

The holiday season isn't complete without the twinkling lights, festive carols, and, of course, the iconic Hershey's Kisses Christmas commercial. For generations, this sweet and simple ad has been a cherished tradition, marking the start of the most wonderful time of the year. The image of the Hershey's Kisses, dressed as bells, chiming out "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is instantly recognizable and evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

But have you ever stopped to wonder when this beloved commercial first graced our television screens? What year did the Hershey Kiss Christmas commercial come out? The answer might surprise you! The Hershey's Kisses "Christmas Bells" commercial actually debuted in 1989, and it has been a holiday staple ever since, captivating audiences with its heartwarming charm and memorable tune.

The Genesis of a Holiday Classic

To truly appreciate the enduring appeal of the Hershey's Kisses Christmas commercial, it's essential to understand the context in which it was created. The late 1980s were a time of evolving advertising strategies, with brands seeking to connect with consumers on a more emotional level. The Hershey Company, a brand synonymous with sweet moments and family traditions, recognized the opportunity to create a holiday ad that would resonate with viewers of all ages.

The concept behind the "Christmas Bells" commercial was remarkably simple yet incredibly effective. The ad features a line of Hershey's Kisses, each adorned with a festive red ribbon and positioned to resemble handbells. As the camera pans across the Kisses, they "ring" out the tune of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," creating a delightful and whimsical visual and auditory experience.

The commercial was developed by Ogilvy & Mather, the advertising agency responsible for some of Hershey's most memorable campaigns. John Corigliano, a composer known for his work in film and television, was commissioned to arrange the music for the commercial. Corigliano's arrangement of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is both playful and elegant, perfectly complementing the visuals and enhancing the overall emotional impact of the ad.

A Comprehensive Overview of the Hershey's Kisses Christmas Commercial

The Hershey's Kisses Christmas commercial, officially titled "Christmas Bells," stands as a monumental achievement in holiday advertising. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its simplicity, but also in its clever execution and ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

One of the key elements that contribute to the commercial's success is its visual appeal. The Hershey's Kisses, with their iconic shape and glistening silver wrappers, are instantly recognizable and appealing. The addition of the red ribbons transforms them into festive bells, adding a touch of holiday cheer. The camera work is also carefully considered, with slow, deliberate pans across the line of Kisses, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the visual details.

The auditory component of the commercial is equally important. The arrangement of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is both familiar and fresh, with a playful, almost whimsical quality that perfectly complements the visuals. The sound of the Kisses "ringing" out the tune is instantly recognizable and adds to the overall charm of the ad.

Beyond its visual and auditory appeal, the Hershey's Kisses Christmas commercial also works on a deeper emotional level. The ad evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding viewers of childhood Christmases and family traditions. It also creates a feeling of warmth and togetherness, reinforcing the idea that the holidays are a time for sharing and celebration.

The commercial's longevity is a testament to its effectiveness. While many holiday ads come and go, the Hershey's Kisses "Christmas Bells" commercial has remained a constant presence on television screens for over three decades. Its enduring popularity suggests that it has tapped into something fundamental about the holiday spirit.

The Hershey's Kisses Christmas commercial is a masterclass in advertising simplicity. It proves that you don't need elaborate special effects or celebrity endorsements to create a memorable and effective ad. All you need is a strong concept, clever execution, and a genuine understanding of your audience.

The impact of the Hershey's Kisses Christmas commercial extends far beyond the realm of advertising. The ad has become a cultural touchstone, a symbol of the holiday season that is instantly recognizable and universally beloved. It has been parodied, referenced, and paid homage to countless times, further cementing its place in popular culture.

Trends and Latest Developments

While the Hershey's Kisses "Christmas Bells" commercial has remained largely unchanged since its debut in 1989, the advertising landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years. The rise of digital media and social media has created new opportunities for brands to connect with consumers, and Hershey's has been quick to embrace these new platforms.

In addition to its traditional television advertising, Hershey's now runs a variety of digital and social media campaigns during the holiday season. These campaigns often feature interactive content, such as online games and quizzes, and encourage consumers to share their own holiday traditions and memories.

One of the biggest trends in holiday advertising is the focus on inclusivity and diversity. Brands are increasingly recognizing the importance of representing a wide range of cultures, ethnicities, and family structures in their ads. Hershey's has made efforts to incorporate these values into their holiday campaigns, featuring diverse families and celebrating a variety of holiday traditions.

Another trend is the emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of the products they buy, and brands are responding by promoting their sustainable practices. Hershey's has made commitments to sourcing its cocoa beans sustainably and reducing its environmental footprint.

Despite these changes in the advertising landscape, the Hershey's Kisses "Christmas Bells" commercial remains a powerful and effective tool for promoting the brand during the holiday season. Its enduring appeal suggests that it will continue to be a holiday staple for many years to come.

Tips and Expert Advice

Creating a successful holiday advertising campaign requires a deep understanding of consumer behavior and a keen eye for cultural trends. Here are some tips and expert advice for brands looking to create memorable and effective holiday ads:

Understand your audience: Before you start developing your ad, take the time to understand your target audience. What are their values, their interests, and their holiday traditions? The more you know about your audience, the better equipped you will be to create an ad that resonates with them.
Focus on emotion: The holidays are a time of strong emotions, so your ad should tap into those emotions. Whether it's nostalgia, joy, or warmth, find a way to connect with your audience on an emotional level. The Hershey's Kisses "Christmas Bells" commercial is a perfect example of an ad that evokes strong emotions through its simple visuals and familiar tune.
Keep it simple: You don't need elaborate special effects or celebrity endorsements to create a memorable ad. In fact, sometimes the simplest ads are the most effective. The Hershey's Kisses "Christmas Bells" commercial is a testament to the power of simplicity.
Be authentic: Consumers can spot inauthenticity a mile away, so it's important to be genuine in your advertising. Don't try to be something you're not. Instead, focus on highlighting the unique values and personality of your brand.
Embrace inclusivity: The holidays are a time for celebrating diversity, so your ad should reflect that. Make sure to represent a wide range of cultures, ethnicities, and family structures in your advertising.
Consider sustainability: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of the products they buy, so it's important to consider sustainability in your advertising. Highlight your sustainable practices and ethical sourcing policies.
Don't forget the call to action: While it's important to focus on emotion and branding, you also need to include a clear call to action in your ad. What do you want consumers to do after seeing your ad? Do you want them to visit your website, buy your product, or share your ad with their friends?
Track your results: Once your ad is launched, it's important to track your results. How many people are seeing your ad? How many people are clicking on your call to action? By tracking your results, you can identify what's working and what's not, and make adjustments to your campaign accordingly.

FAQ

Q: When did the Hershey's Kisses "Christmas Bells" commercial first air?

A: The commercial debuted in 1989.

Q: Who composed the music for the commercial?

A: John Corigliano arranged the music for the commercial.

Q: What advertising agency created the commercial?

A: Ogilvy & Mather developed the "Christmas Bells" commercial.

Q: Has the commercial changed much since it first aired?

A: No, the commercial has remained largely unchanged since its debut.

Q: Why is the Hershey's Kisses Christmas commercial so popular?

A: Its simplicity, visual appeal, and ability to evoke nostalgia and warmth contribute to its enduring popularity.

Conclusion

The Hershey's Kisses Christmas commercial, which first delighted audiences in 1989, is more than just an advertisement; it's a symbol of the holiday season. Its simple yet effective design, combined with its heartwarming tune, has made it a beloved tradition for generations. By understanding the history, context, and key elements of this iconic ad, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its enduring appeal. The Hershey Kiss Christmas commercial remains a testament to the power of simple, emotional storytelling in advertising.

What are your favorite holiday commercials? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below! And don't forget to spread the holiday cheer by sharing this article with your friends and family.