John Lewis' 2025 Christmas ad is a throwback to its ‘best advert ever’ (and the song's a 1990s club banger)
Watch and shop the ad featuring club classic 'Where Love Lives'
When do you know it's really Christmas? When the John Lewis Christmas ad drops, of course.
Well, you can get the baubles out because the ad has landed and it's a celebration of music – namely, the 1990s club ‘banger’, Where Love Lives by Alison Limerick, which provides the soundtrack, and transforms into a new, slowed-down version by Labrinth.
It's also a tribute to father/son relationships.
Whereas last year's ad focused on two sisters, the stars of the John Lewis Christmas ad 2025 are a father and his teenage son. At the start, you see the dad tidying up under the tree and discovering a present that was missed in all the Christmas chaos.
His son watches anxiously as he unwraps his gift – a vinyl record – which immediately transports the dad back to his clubbing days. We then see snippets of his relationship with his son over the years (the shots of the boy as a baby and toddler running to his dad are real tearjerkers, as is the hug at the end).
The story of a son looking forward to his dad's reaction to his gift also feels like a bit of a throwback to many people's favourite John Lewis ad ever, The Long Wait – the one with the little boy who just can't wait to give his present on Christmas Day.
Where Love Lives Vinyl, featuring Alison Limerick and Labrinth
Read review
Sony WH-1000XM6 Flagship Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Read review
John Lewis x REJINA PYO Satin Contrast Stitch Reversible Pocket Detail Shirt – Olive Green
Read review
John Lewis x REJINA PYO Authentic Wash Leather Tie Front Leather Midi Skirt – Brown
Read review
The message? If you can't quite find the words, choosing just the right gift will say it for you. The theme was inspired by research that found we struggle as a nation to say what we really mean, but Christmas is a time when we try to reconnect.
This year's ad also reflects the the fact that 1990s and 2000s children have grown up and now have families of their own, so we're now seeing the Millennial Christmas, with all the traditions and tunes that come with that.
This one goes out to the 90s club kids.
Shop the John Lewis Christmas advert 2025
Where Love Lives Vinyl, featuring Alison Limerick and Labrinth
Where Love Lives Vinyl, featuring Alison Limerick and Labrinth
The soundtrack of 2025's John Lewis Christmas ad is 90s hit Where Love Lives and this limited-edition vinyl features Alison Limerick's original club classic on the A-side and Labrinth's new, slower cover on the B-side.
All John Lewis profits from each ‘Where Love Lives’ record sold will be donated to the Building Happier Futures fund, part of the John Lewis Partnership Foundation.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Flagship Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6 Flagship Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Music is the thing that unites father and son, and we see the teenager wearing these cool Sony over-ear headphones in the ad (our tech editor is a big fan).
This Norse Projects' gorgeous lambswool jumper (also worn by the son in the ad) would make a lovely gift, but be warned, the women in your life will try and steal it.
John Lewis x REJINA PYO Satin Contrast Stitch Reversible Pocket Detail Shirt – Olive Green
John Lewis x REJINA PYO Satin Contrast Stitch Reversible Pocket Detail Shirt – Olive Green
The ad opens with Mum telling everyone to tidy the presents up. She's wearing pieces from John Lewis's recent collab with designer Rejiina Pyo, including this chic olive green shirt.
John Lewis x REJINA PYO Authentic Wash Leather Tie Front Leather Midi Skirt – Brown
John Lewis x REJINA PYO Authentic Wash Leather Tie Front Leather Midi Skirt – Brown
The perfect statement piece for Christmas hosting, all this leather skirt needs is a cosy knit on top.
EAST END PRINTS Luxe Poster Co Geometric Pattern Bauhaus Framed Print
EAST END PRINTS Luxe Poster Co Geometric Pattern Bauhaus Framed Print
As we journey down the stairs in the ad, you'll spot some gorgeous, colourful wall art, this Bauhaus framed print included.
Roberts Revival Petite 2 DAB DAB FM Bluetooth Portable Digital Radio
Roberts Revival Petite 2 DAB DAB FM Bluetooth Portable Digital Radio
You'll spot some lovely pieces of homeware and accessories in this year's ad, including this retro-inspired Roberts digital radio.
John Lewis Heirloom Splendour Vinyl Record Player Tree Decoration
John Lewis Heirloom Splendour Vinyl Record Player Tree Decoration
We love a novelty bauble and this tiny vinyl record player will look great on your tree.
Also spotted in the background of the ad is this stylish mid-century floor lamp, which is currently reduced.
John Lewis Christmas Trees Foiled Wrapping Paper
John Lewis Christmas Trees Foiled Wrapping Paper
Need something to wrap Dad's gift in? This red foiled paper is suitably festive.
John Lewis Nudie Jeans Barney Worker Jacket
John Lewis Nudie Jeans Barney Worker Jacket
Dad's Oasis-inspired khaki jacket is from jeans brand, Nudie. Just add a bucket hat.
John Lewis Colorful Standard Organic Cotton Classic T-Shirt
John Lewis Colorful Standard Organic Cotton Classic T-Shirt
These classic tees are worth stocking up on and also make a great gift for partners this Christmas.
Doubleware's stylish jeans tap into a slightly looser, 90s silhouette.
Desert boots are a design classic, making them a great gift this Christmas. And perfect for clubbing in...
Casio Unisex Retro Digital Bracelet Strap Watch
Casio Unisex Retro Digital Bracelet Strap Watch
This unisex Casio watch is a brilliant retro addition to any wardrobe.
Deus ex Machina Quickbeak Cotton T-shirt Vintage White
Deus ex Machina Quickbeak Cotton T-shirt Vintage White
For that vintage look, you need a statement tee. This one is inspired by road trips and US diners.
Add a new-season upgrade to your denim with these wide-leg jeans by Edwin.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Alta Lona Unisex
If any trainer sums up the 90s, it's the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star.
The record player featured in the ad is the Audio Technica model. This turntable is highly rated by our tech experts – just note, you'll need separate Bluetooth speakers.
The best beauty Advent calendars for 2026
27 Christmas gift ideas every woman wants in 2026
No boring socks allowed! 23 stylish Christmas gifts men will genuinely love
48 of our favourite Christmas biscuit recipes to bake, gift or enjoy with a cuppa this festive season
