John Lewis Christmas advert 2025 breaks from tradition with 2 songs in poignant film
It's now Christmas, officially.
John Lewis has today, 4th November 2025, released it's anticipated Christmas advert - earlier than expected.
"Where Love Lives" is a sentimental offering from the retailer which focuses on a sweet and very realistic relationship between father and son.
The tagline that accompanies the ad says it all: "If you can't find the words, find the gift." Find out more about the advert below.
The song for 2025 breaks from tradition - well, sort of. There are actually two versions of the same song featuring, with the original club classic version of Where Love Lives by Alison Limerick kicking it off before a slowed down, reimagined version, by Labrinth takes over.
Read on for all you need to know about the John Lewis Christmas advert for 2025.
When was the John Lewis Christmas advert 2025 released?
The John Lewis Christmas advert for 2025 was released on Tuesday 4th November 2025.
This makes for a break in tradition of recent years which has seen it launched on the second Thursday of November.
Last year, the ad dropped on Thursday 14th November 2024.
What is the John Lewis Christmas advert 2025 about?
In the short film, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, we join a family on Christmas Day after the excitement of present opening comes the dreaded clean-up.
A son is nervously awaiting the moment his dad opens the present he's thought so hard to buy him which is hidden under the tree, seemingly missed during the gift exchange.
The dad opens up a vinyl of the iconic 90s track "Where Love Lives" by Alison Limerick and he's immediately transported back to his clubbing days with the song blaring out among hundreds of revellers.
Poignantly, the music slows down as the dad spots his son in the crowd and remembers the lad as a toddler, and then as a baby, with the pride of parenthood beaming on his face.
Back in the present day, accompanied by a slower version of the club classic, the dad and son embrace - without speaking, they are closer than ever thanks to the thoughtful gift.
Labrinth has created a special version of Limerick's hit track, just for the occasion.
Rosie Hanley, Director of Brand for John Lewis, said: “This year’s John Lewis Christmas campaign is a celebration of connection, memory, and the unspoken emotions that make the season truly magical. At John Lewis, we understand the power of a thoughtful gift, and we hope the Ad will inspire our customers to find the gift that articulates their feelings, allowing the present itself to speak volumes where words may sometimes fall short."
Franki Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi, said: “Music is always the beating heart of the John Lewis campaign at Christmas but this year it’s the gift itself. The track threads through an integrated campaign that poignantly explores the power of a gift to communicate something we might not be able to put into words. A banger on many levels in many channels, I hope it inspires lots of thoughtful, expressive gifting and some family trawls through old playlists on Christmas Day too!”
To celebrate the exciting advert launch, Rough Trade at John Lewis will stock copies of the vinyl spotted in the advert. Side A features Alison Limerick's Where Love Lives in all its 90s glory, while Side B features Labrinth's reimagining in full.
The vinyl record is £14.99 and all profits will support the John Lewis Partnership's Building Happier Futures programme, which aims to support people who have grown up in care.
Alison Limerick said: "I squealed when I heard that 'Where Loves Lives' would be in the advert - literally squealed like an excited child. Music has always had the power to bring all kinds of peeps together, but I hope this year's John Lewis Christmas advert will give those who see it a new, emotional connection with the song - especially with what Labrinth has created. His gentle version is just so beautiful; it’s sure to fill the heart with love.”
Labrinth said: "To think a boy like me from East London Hackney, who grew up watching this iconic advert would one day reimagine a classic and compose a piece of music for John Lewis’s forward thinking direction is a big deal for me. This advert is embedded in British Christmas culture and I miss home, so I’m honoured to be a part of it.”
What was last year's John Lewis Christmas advert?
The advert was centred around two sisters, one of whom is looking for the perfect gift for her sister.
While she's struggling to find a present, and the shops are due to close, our main character Sally finds a door behind a rack of dresses which transports her back to her memories from childhood.
She speaks with her sister throughout the years, debating whether she should have jewellery or clothes.
Sally recounts all her memories from the past, good and bad, including her sister giving birth to her nephew, the pair arguing over stolen clothes and drunken wintry catch-ups.
The advert comes to a close as Sally returns to John Lewis, just in the nick of time, with the perfect present all wrapped up and ready to give to her sister, who just so happens to be outside.
The sister asks what took Sally so long, to which she replies: "You!"
The final shot shows the tagline: “The secret to finding the perfect gift? Knowing where to look.”
The Verve's Richard Ashcroft provided the song for the advert, which is an acoustic version of Sonnet.
Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on, or for more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Helen Daly is the Deputy Digital Editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.
