The top December 2019 publicity stunts explore ideas like insect influencers on Instagram, completely clear cocktails and hair salons specifically for newly single people. A number of brands are launching unexpected pop-up experiences, including the LaDainian Tomlinson’s Arby’s Steakhouse, which was only open for one day, and the New York Knicks-themed pizza parlor opened by BuzzFeed and Chase Bank.
Gearing up for the holiday season, brands are creating everything from scented wrapping paper and musical product packaging to food-holding holiday sweaters and branded baubles. Those who love the movie Elf will be especially delighted by the hotel suite Club Wyndham created based on the modern holiday classic—right down to the fact that the kitchen in the suite is stocked with all of the ingredients to make Buddy the Elf’s signature spaghetti with maple syrup dish.
Top 25 Publicity Stunts in December
From Parody Inclusion Ads to Surprise Sandwich Giveaways:
Laura McQuarrie — Dec 29, 2019 — Marketing
25
Cheeky Marketing Strategies
The McDonald's Paper Bag is Eerily Similar to Alexander Wang's Design
24
Oversized Dog-Carrying Bags
Klarna Collaborated with Menswear Dog to Support Pet Owners in NYC
23
All-in-One Mobile Cocktail Kits
The Wild Turkey 101 Old Fashioned Barpack Has a Built-In Bar
22
Branded Scented Wrapping Paper
Taco Bell Returns with Its CrunchWrapping Paper, but with a Twist
21
Hand-Painted Fast Food Baubles
Deliveroo is Sharing Free Fast Food Ornaments with Orders
20
Branded Recipe Text Generators
Rao's Will Send You a Recipe If You Text the Brand a Food Emoji
19
Rapper-Owned Cannabis Companies
Drake's Marketing Tactic for More Life Growth Co. is Toronto-Based
18
Personal Care Recycling Initiatives
Burt’s Bees & TerraCycle Launched the 'Recycle on Us' Program
17
Elf-Inspired Hotel Suites
Club Wyndham Has Created a Hotel Suite Inspired by the Movie 'Elf'
16
Ingredient-Focused Clear Cocktails
Burger & Lobster Launched Five 'Colorless Cocktails'
15
Chocolate Spread-Themed Hotels
Nutella is Opening the Very First 'Hotella Nutella' in Napa Valley
14
Branded Basketball Pizza Popups
BuzzFeed and Chase Launched a New York Knicks-Themed Pizza Parlor
13
Fundraising Insect Influencers
The World's First Bee Influencer is on a Mission to Save the Bees
12
Storybook-Inspired Ham Sandwiches
Subway Teamed Up with Netflix on a Green Eggs and Ham Sandwich
11
Friend-Powered Dating Apps
The Ship App is Developed in Partnership Between Betches & Match Group
10
Poverty-Reduction Campaigns
United Way's Unignorable Tower Campaign Highlights Poverty in the GTA
9
Fast Food-Branded Steakhouses
The LaDainian Tomlinson’s Arby’s Steakhouse Will Open for One Day
8
Newly Single Hair Salons
Pantene Launched the Interactive Popup Called the Breakup Salon
7
Hilarious Honest Marketing Campaigns
Beauty Brand OUAI Makes Fun of Itself By Reading Bad Reviews
6
Festively Musical Pizza Boxes
Boston Pizza Promotes Its Christmas 'Za in a Very Unconventional Way
5
Biscuit-Holding Holiday Sweaters
Red Lobster's Festive Holiday Sweater Has an Insulated Pocket
4
Restaurant-Branded Home Goods
The #ChilisMyHouse Starter Pack is Filled with Some Great Swag
3
Talking Rugby-Themed Water Coolers
The Heineken Water Cooler Offers World Cup Facts
2
Suprise Sandwich Giveaways
Jimmy John’s Launched a Surprise National Sandwich Day Deal
1
Parody Inclusion Ads
Valuable 500's 'Diversish' Campaign Promotes Hiring People with Disabilities
Related Ideas
Nostalgic Winter Intimates Campaigns
SKIMS' Holiday Campaign Was Inspired by Vintage Magazines
Idyllic Pet Pop-Ups
Uber Eats and PetSmart Created "The Best Pet House Ever"
Teddy Bear Outerwear
Build-A-Bear Cuddly Couture Shares Cozy, Warm Styles
Ingenious De-Influencing Ads
Cuyana's De-Influencing April Fool's Campaign Highlights Greenwashing
Fast Food-Inspired Nail Kits
The Nails Inc x McDonald’s Collab Plays with Famous Menu Items
Christimas-Themed Pop-Ups
The Miracle Bar is Returning to Toronto This Festive Season
Beer-Pouring Party Billboards
JUBEL Made a Billboard That Pours Pints Invites People in to Party
Cheese-Themed Luxury Spas
The Wedgewater Spa Highlights the Best Cheeses of Wisconsin
All-Pink Corner Shops
The Proper x Barbie Shop Shares Co-Branded Popcorn Packs
Instant Noodle Advent Calendars
Koka's Unique Christmas Countdown Shares 12 Comforting Meals
Spicy Co-Branded Mints
Tic Tac and Del Taco Dropped a Spicy Mint Idea on April 1st
Employee Fragrance Campaigns
Lidl's Fragrance Campaign Features Local Talent with Celebrity Names
Inclusive Beauty Campaigns
The e.l.f. 'Judge Beauty' Campaign Will be Featured at Super Bowl 2024
Lazy Cereal Campaigns
SURREAL Cereal Cheekily Pokes Fun at New Year's Resolutions
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Fast Food-Inspired Beachy Campaigns
Leo Burnett Italia Unveils a New Summery McDonald's Campaign
Online Merchandise Storefronts
The Panera Shop Gives Access to Bread-themed Apparel & Carb-Couture
Spice Advent Calendars
Just Spices Curated 24 Spice Blends to Discover in December
Tuna Advent Calendars
Bumble Bee Seafoods Launched the Tuna Lovers' Advent Calendar
Architecture-Inspired QSR Ads
This New McDonald’s Campaign Encourages Eating at Home
Playful Restaurant Pop-Ups
The Play-Doh Restaurant of Imagination Turns Kids' Creations Edible
Salad-Dressing-Inspired Band Tees
Kraft Launches the Well Dressed Collection of Band Tees
Pizza-Inspired Streetwear Collections
Dinner Service Ny Debuts the Prince Street Pizza Collection
Festive Showroom Eateries
Seasons Eating's at IKEA Opens Roomsets for Holiday Hosting
Heiress-Created Homeware Collections
Walmart is Launching Paris Hilton's Be An Icon Collection
Horror-Themed Overnight Experiences
The Warner Bros Icons of Horror Sees Iconic Wax Figures
Secret Salon Campaigns
Salon X Lets Consumers Experience a Secret Product Line
Confetti-Filled Snacking Commercials
Frito-Lay Launches the Taste of Super Bowl Campaign
Supersized Delivery Sweepstakes
DoorDash's Big Game Ad Shares Stuff from All the Ads with a Winner
Extreme Plumping Glosses
The First-Ever NYX Big Game Ad is Dropping with an Exclusive Lip Shade
Scannable Snack Charity Campaigns
This Pringles Movember Campaign Updates the Brand's Mascot
Tech-Driven In-Store Events
Dyson Launches an Interactive Event at Harrods Department Store
Idol Singer Breakfast Promotions
Mos Burger Offers Dining Experience with Idols via AR
Holiday Movie Meal Kits
HelloFresh Created Elf-Themed Recipes for Fans
Topical Wing Campaigns
Wingstop Introduces "Dry Rub January"
Extraterrestrial Influencer Campaigns
MoonPie's Alien Acquisition Shares Ads for Extraterrestrials
Branded Holiday Gifting Suites
Scotch Brand Created a Festive Suite for Wrapping & Packing Gifts
Vegas-Inspired Dining Experiences
Tost by Tostitos is an Exclusive Super Bowl Pop-Up
Adorable Holiday Campaigns
Burberry's Holiday Campaign Spotlights Dogs and Ducklings
Kindness-Encouraging Soda Campaigns
The Coca-Cola 'The World Needs More Santas' Ad is Festive
Christmas Movie Spaghetti Kits
HelloFresh Debuts Buddy the Elf Spaghetti Meal Kit for the Holidays
On-Demand Bubbly Water Campaigns
"Press for Bubly" Keeps Non-Drinkers Committed to Dry January
Festive Steakhouse Menus
The Outback Steakhouse Holiday Menu Has New and Returning Favorites
Moustachioed Holiday Margaritas
Santa’s Secret Stache Marg is Chili’s December Margarita Special
Festive Savory Snack Ads
Frito Lay Canada is Encouraging Canadians to Leave Out Chips for Santa
Chain Restaurant Food Festivals
Chain is the Worlds First Gourmet Chain Food Festival
Fan-Made Merch Stores
The Wonder Shop Shares a Mix of Creator-Made Goods and Recipes
Festively Branded Sweater Collections
Unilever and notjust Collaborated on Christmas Jumpers
Peaceful Holiday Ads
IKEA's Take A Holiday From The Holidays Reminds People to Find Calm
Filmic Elf Slippers
The ELF x TIME Slippers Feature an Accessory That Doubles as Holiday Decor
Edible Pastry Holiday Homes
Pop-Tarts & Tiffany Pratt Made Designs Inspired by Canadian Dwellings
Branded Restaurant Plush Toys
The Outback Steakhouse Koala on a Walla Starts a New Tradition
Anti-Breakup Festive Campaigns
Smirnoff and Lance Bass Debut 'Red, White & Merry' Love Campaign
Celebrity Offspring Pop-Up Restaurants
Uber Eats Brings Brooklyn Beckham's Cooking to Your Door
Festive Rooftop Parking Spots
Aldi Installed a Parking Space for Santa's Sleigh and Nine Reindeer
Candid Celebration Campaigns
Edible's "There's an edible for That" Celebrates Even Awkward Moments
Branded Epic Holiday Party Giveaways
Win an 'Unboring' Holiday Bash with Jameson Irish Whiskey
Premium Kitchen Pranks
IKEA Invented "Eureka Spiritis" to Showcase Its Quality Furnishings
Artistic Multi-Beverage Ads
The Coca-Cola Family is Spotlighted in this Unique Ad
Customizable Holiday Treats
Sugarwish Offers Special Holiday Treats as Part of Its Gifting Service
Sandwich-Inspired 70s Decor
The Retro Schlotzsky's Sandwich Studio Line Honors an Iconic Menu Item
Early Christmas Decoration Contests
Oreo Will Reward Festive Fans Who Decorate Early This Year
Savory Ice Cream Sandwiches
Nightingale x Pizza Hut Dreamed Up a New Snack for April Fool's Day
Spicy Virtual Restaurants
The Hot Ones Pop-Up Restaurant Puts Taste Buds to the Test
Life-Size In-Store Countdowns
Toys R Us Asia and Craig & Karl Created an Advent Calendar for All
Wish-Granting Beer Ads
The 2024 Bud Light Super Bowl Commercial Introduces the Bud Light Genie
Bathing-Inspired Pop-Ups Bars
The #DoveDeluxeBar Shares Sensorial Cocktails & Mocktails
Beloved Holiday QSR Beverages
Starbucks Canada Ushers in the Holiday Season with Festive Offerings
Dressed-Up Breakfast Campaigns
Joe & the Juice Invites Customers to Get Chic for Breakfast
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
Festive Elvish Candles
The Elf x Homesick Collaboration Immerses Fans in the Buddy's World
AR Pizza Menus
Hungry Howie's Uses AR to Promote a Secret Pizza Menu
Wintertime Cafe Menu Items
The Dunkin' Winter 2023 Menu Will Arrive After Christmas
Condiment-Celebrating Hot Dog Ads
HEINZ Just Launched the 'Hot Dogs are Not a Contest' Movement
Irreverent Ethical Soap Campaigns
Pure Rush Soap's New Ad is a Fresh Take on Sustainable Branding
QSR Movie Merch Collections
Arby’s x GOOD BURGER 2 Merch Celebrates the Upcoming Movie
Paradise Sparkling Water Activations
Spindrift Debuts Greetings from Paradise for Hot New Yorkers
Novela-Inspired Liqueur Ads
Kahlúa's Spots Bring Excitement to Everyday Occasions
Indulgent Holiday Cafe Menus
The Dunkin' Holiday Menu Has Been Launched for 2023
Cheeky Series Star Campaigns
MTN DEW Debuts a New Superbowl Ad with Aubrey Plaza
Sports Fan Advent Calendars
The Countdown to Chill Calendar Aligns with College Basketball Season
Seasonal Spring Sandwiches
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches Created the New Easter Bunny & Patrick Sandwich
Expansive Seasonal Confectionery Collections
The Nestlé Christmas 2023 Range Has New and Old Faves
Over-the-Top Pride Desserts
Serendipity3 and SIGBI Created a Showstopping Pride Month Sundae
Frozen Dinner Holiday Calendars
Stouffer's Comfort Calendar is Full of Convenient Family Meals
Bottomless Appetizer Restaurants
Aldi Opened the UK's First Bottomless Pigs in Blankets Restaurant
First-Taste Burger Boxes
McSpicy x Frank's RedHot Released "the Hottest Drop"
Video Game Refreshment Campaigns
The Suntory x Super Mario Campaign is Playful
Fine-Dining Bakery Bistros
Bistro Greggs Offers an Elevated Experience from the Bakery Chain
Shareable Appetizer Buckets
Subway Debuted Pigs in Blankets Sharing Bucket for the Holidays
Pizza Craving Campaigns
Domino's Pizza and WorkInProgress Launch the Emergency Pizza Campaign
Vacation Rental Campaigns
Airbnb Debuts an Animated Ad That Celebrates Booking a Place to Yourself
Hilarious Fandom Cheese Campaigns
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Launches First-Ever Paid Ad Campaign
Comedian QSR Breakfast Campaigns
Taco Bell 'Breakfast with Peter' Stars Pete Davidson
Rewritten Christmas Song Ads
Burger King UK's Hijacking Christmas Will Guide You to the Drive Thru
Tax-Deductible Snack Breaks
KitKat Created a One-Day Event for the End of the Tax Year
Accessible Seasonal Celebration Products
These Target Holiday Products are Priced at $5 or Less
Festive Holiday Beverage Lineups
Twice Daily and White Bison Coffee Launch the New Holiday Menu
Post-Football Holidays
Drumstick is Petitioning for #DrumstickMonday After the Big Game
Complimentary Sandwich QSR Promotions
Arby's Free Sandwich Month is Taking Place in April
Concert Ticket Giveaways
Susiecakes Recently Ran a Contest, Featuring Taylor Swift Tickets
Spicy Eating Contests
The Spicy Hustle by Schlotzsky's is for a Couple with a Love of Spicy Food
Festive Film Vehicles
Turo Helps Drivers Spread Seasonal Cheer with Limited-Edition Elfmobiles
Faux Santa Ad Spots
Mint Mobile's Ad Features "Greg" Who Looks a Lot Like Santa Claus
Sitcom-Style Thanksgiving Campaigns
Whipshots & Patti’s Good Life Teamed Up to Make New Traditions
Elf-Inspired Cars
Turo Debuts Elfmobiles in NYC to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Elf Movie
Candy Cane Milkshakes
Bruxie Just Added a New Candy Cane Shake for the Festive Season
Deserted Island Billboards
Silk & Spice Set Up a Billboard for Fans to Go and Find
Football Weekend QSR Promotions
The Wendy's Deal-ivery Promotion Offers Ample Deals
Plant-Based QSR Campaigns
Burger King's Confusing Times Campaign is Made with DAVID Madrid
Playful Dating Experiment Campaigns
Kraft's Swipe Right for Mayo Campaign Social Experiment
Celebratory Seasonal QSR Deals
Wendy's 12 Days of Holiday Deals Gets Customers Ready for Christmas
Movie-Inspired Donut Collections
Krispy Kreme Released Its First-Ever Elf Doughnut Collection
Convenient Christmastime Foods
The Co-op 2023 Christmas Food and Drink Ranges Have Been Debuted
Halloween-Inspired Retail Capsules
Target Debuts a New Private-Label Halloween Capsule for October
Happiness-Prioritizing QSR Campaigns
Dave & Buster's Launches the 'Adult Unlearn' Summer Campaign
Seasonal Artisan Baked Goods
The Paris Baguette Holiday Menu is Packed with Seasonal Options
Digital Holiday QSR Deals
Krystal Krystalmas Deals are Launching for the Holiday Season
Festive Cookie Brand Products
These New Keebler Products are Arriving for the Holidays
Christmasy Convenience Retailer Promotions
The 7-Eleven Holiday Deals are Here for 2023
Holiday Meal Savings Campaigns
The Dollar General 'Decked Out In Deals' Campaign is Cost-Conscious
Comforting Oat Bar Ads
Humanaut Launches a Campaign for Bobo's, Highlighting Home-Baked Taste
App-Only Holiday QSR Deals
The Del Taco Del App Wrapped Deals are Available Until Christmas Eve
Complimentary QSR Item Events
The Jack in the Box 24 Days of Jackmas Promotion Arrives in December
April Fool's Lifestyle Collections
Nugget Introduced Its 'Most Trendiest - High Endiest' Line Yet
Private Label Holiday Products
Sprouts Brand Holiday Items Have a Better-for-You Formula
Last-Minute Gifting Ads
Uber Eats' Money Can Buy You Class Features RHoNY Stars
Contemporary Home Brand Initiatives
abc carpet & home Participated in the Holiday Cheer
Trick Shot Sweepstakes
ONE Brands Debuts the ONE Puffs Trick Shot Challenge Sweepstakes
Festive Hotel Decor Campaigns
IHG Hotels & Resorts Launches the Seasonal Winter Chalet Campaign
Festive Toronto Dining Experiences
Enjoy Santa's Brunch & Christmas Dinner at One King West Hotel
Meat-Themed Brand Experiences
The Jack Link's Meat Retreat Celebrates National Jerky Day
Name-Based Sandwich Campaigns
The Firehouse Subs Name Of The Day Promotion Rewards Customers
Festive Value-Minded Retail Campaigns
The Spar BIG Deal of Christmas Campaign Launches This Month
Festive Prepackaged Sandwiches
The Urban Eat Festive Range Includes New and Returning Favorites
Celebratory Pretzel Brand Initiatives
The Philly Pretzel Factory Celebrated Its 25th Anniversary
New Year Sandwich Promotions
This Urban Eat On-Pack Promo Offers Hundreds of Prizes Up for Grabs
Seasonal Entertaining Campaigns
La Brea Bakery and Bread & Butter Wines Partnered for a Campaign
Cost Savings Grocer Campaigns
These Spar New Year Offers Prioritize Value
Festive Chip Campaigns
KETTLE Chips' Christmas Campaign Features 24 Days of Prizes