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
QSR-Designed Holiday Lines
Chick-fil-A Debuts Two Festive Drinks and Merchandise for the Holidays
Cartoon-Inspired Burger Meals
Wendy's Introduces the Special Krabby Patty Kollab Meal
Cleverly-Disguised Fountain Cups
Pepsi's Latest Campaign Stunt Introduced 'Undercover Cups'
Halloween-Inspired Pretzel Campaigns
Snyder’s of Hanover Debuts the 'Pretzelface' Campaign
Cinematic Holiday Retail Pop-Ups
Bloomingdale's Announced a 'Wicked Good Holiday' Campaign
Ingenious De-Influencing Ads
Cuyana's De-Influencing April Fool's Campaign Highlights Greenwashing
College-Targeted Food Pop-Ups
Uber Hosts 'The One Shop' Across University Campuses
Seasonal Holiday Coffee Menus
Starbucks Debuts its 'A Merry Holiday Menu' Featuring Festive Blends
Celebratory Jewelry Campaigns
David Yurman’s 2024 Holiday Campaign Features Notable Celebrities
Fast Food-Inspired Nail Kits
The Nails Inc x McDonald’s Collab Plays with Famous Menu Items
Beer-Pouring Party Billboards
JUBEL Made a Billboard That Pours Pints Invites People in to Party
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Thematic Super-Villain-Inspired Makeup Campaigns
NYX Launches the 'Who Stole Halloween?' Campaign
Digital-First Scavenger Hunts
Chipotle Opts for Influencer Marketing for its Giveaway Promotion
Spicy Co-Branded Mints
Tic Tac and Del Taco Dropped a Spicy Mint Idea on April 1st
Purposeful Consumer-Focused Campaigns
IKEA's Sleepfluencers Campaign is a Clever Way to Give Back
Star-Studded Tech Campaigns
Jewellery Pros and Music Talent Promote the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
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
Cartoon-Inspired Burger Meals
Wendy's is Releasing a Spongebob Krabby Patty Burger
Humorous Payment Campaigns
Paypal's Latest Campaign Features Actor Will Ferrell
QSR Brand Holiday Ornaments
The 2024 Shake Shack Holiday Merch Collection Just Dropped
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Sauce-Inspired QSR Capsules
Wendy's x Lonely Ghost Unveil a Limited Edition Merchandise Collection
Seasonal Phone Booth Activations
Spotify's Q4 is Calling Urges Brands to Start Holiday Advertising
Entertainment Industry Expansions
Starbucks Enters the Entertainment Industry as Starbucks Studio
Luxurious Branded Pop-Up Events
The St. Regis Toronto & Tom Ford Have Partnered on a Luxe Event
Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-Ups
Chips Ahoy! Pop-Up to Serve Free Ice Cream in NYC
Pancake-Warming Hoodie Sets
Holiday Inn Express Partners with Mr. Eatwell on a Pancake-Themed Line
Iconic Character-Inspired Campaigns
Etsy's Christmas Ad Celebrates Personalized Gifting
Multichannel Retail Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' 'Happy Lolidays' Campaign is Engaging
Pizza-Themed Nail Art Kits
Domino's and Olive & June Dropped the Emergency Pizza Mani Kit
Elf-Themed Baked Product Lines
Pillsbury’s Funfetti Debuts Products for the 2024 Holiday Season
Luxe Pop-Up Experiences
Victoria Beckham Beauty Hosts an 8-Day Pop-Up for New Fragrance Launch
Architecture-Inspired QSR Ads
This New McDonald’s Campaign Encourages Eating at Home
Pizza-Inspired Streetwear Collections
Dinner Service Ny Debuts the Prince Street Pizza Collection
Festive Cocktail Bar Pop-Ups
Blitzen's Bar Puts a Seasonal Spin on Classic Cocktails & Mocktails
Cross-Category Refreshment Campaigns
Sprite and Pringles Hot Have Teamed Up for a New Campaign
Secret Sleep Pop-Ups
The IKEA Sleepeasy Welcomes Guests Through a Hidden Door
Branded QSR Advent Calendars
The Burger King BK Advent Calendar is Packed with Surprises
Seasonal Christmas Sandwiches
The ALDI Christmas Sandwich Range Has New and Retuning Favorites
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Jazz Club Dining Pop-Ups
The Pollo Lounge by Chain Shared an Evening of Elevated Bites & Music
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
Secret Salon Campaigns
Salon X Lets Consumers Experience a Secret Product Line
Holiday-Ready Beverage Menus
Peet's Coffee Debuts a Creative Bar Menu for the Festive Season
Dog-Focused QSR Campaigns
The Hot Dog on a Stick Dog Days of Summer Campaign Treats Pooches
College-Inspired Haircare Pop-Ups
Monday Haircare Hosted an Interactive Pink Truck
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Festive Candy Gifting Ranges
Mars 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Includes a Variety of Tasty Treats
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Charming Christmas Advertisements
Sainsbury’s Christmas Ad 2024 Evokes Childhood Nostalgia
Provocative Guerrilla Campaigns
Jewelry Brand MWCurated Uses Fake Infidelity Flyers for Marketing
Whimsical Candle Christmas Campaigns
The Yankee Candle 'Make it More Magical' Campaign is Festive
Topical Wing Campaigns
Wingstop Introduces "Dry Rub January"
Celebratory Musical Snack Campaigns
This Butterkist Wicked Promotion Celebrates the Upcoming Movie
Youth-Focused Pizza Launches
Domino's Pizza Relaunches its Gen Z-Focused Emergency Pizza Promotion
Extraterrestrial Influencer Campaigns
MoonPie's Alien Acquisition Shares Ads for Extraterrestrials
Stylish Soda Pop-Ups
Poppi World Enticed Health-Conscious, Fashionable Visitors During NYFW
Vegas-Inspired Dining Experiences
Tost by Tostitos is an Exclusive Super Bowl Pop-Up
Fashion Lifestyle Pop-Up Events
Sundae School Hosts Their First Pop-Up in London
Gen Z Breakfast Campaigns
'Start the Day the Totino’s Way' Targets Teens Who Skip Morning Meals
Festive Advent Campaigns
Cadbury's 24 Out-of-Home Ads Represent the Countdown to Christmas
Creator-Friendly Initiatives
Patreon Lights Up Times Square with Creator-Centric Billboard
On-Demand Bubbly Water Campaigns
"Press for Bubly" Keeps Non-Drinkers Committed to Dry January
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
Singer-Inspired Pop-Up Cafes
Cash App & Sabrina Carpenter Opened a Short N' Sweet Cafe in NYC
Mystery-Style Holiday Ads
Waitrose Adds Mystery to the Festive Season with ‘Sweet Suspicion’ Ad
Chain Restaurant Food Festivals
Chain is the Worlds First Gourmet Chain Food Festival
Collaborative Digital Coffee Campaigns
illy Launches its Digital Content Series 'Coffee Break'
Mid-20th-Century Holiday Campaigns
Saks Fifth Avenue Unveiled its 'Gifts of Delight' Campaign
Donut Inspired Ad Campaigns
Dunkin' Donuts New Ad Campaign is Called Dunkin'Terns
Co-Branded Custom Ads
Lexus and Universal Pictures Partner for the 'Experience OZmazing' Spot
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
Dressed-Up Breakfast Campaigns
Joe & the Juice Invites Customers to Get Chic for Breakfast
Pumpkin-Inspired Community-Themed Campaigns
Danone North America Debuts the Tri Pumpkin Campaign
Charitable Pride Month Burgers
Honest Burgers Brooklyn Stonewall Inn Edition is Available Now
Early Decorating Campaigns
HomeGoods' Deck the Everything Day Starts the Holiday Season Early
Gameshow-Style Pop-Ups
The Jo Malone Christmas Special Attracts Visitors with a Prize Wheel
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
Interactive Menu Games
Subway Launches the Super-Sized Sweeps for its MVP Rewards
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
Time Capsule-Style Branding Campigns
Coors Light & Patrick Mahomes Present a Unique Project
Collaborative Pancake-Themed Streetwear
Holiday Inn Express x Mr. Eatwell Present a Custom Capsule
Savory Ice Cream Sandwiches
Nightingale x Pizza Hut Dreamed Up a New Snack for April Fool's Day
Football-Themed Pizza Promotions
Little Caesars & NFL Debut HOT-N-READY Giveaways & Getaways
Vegas Restaurant Initiatives
Pepsi Dig In Debuts New Exclusive Dishes from Black-Owned Restaurants
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
Wintertime Cafe Menu Items
The Dunkin' Winter 2023 Menu Will Arrive After Christmas
Charity Christmas Foods
Co-Ops 'Christmas Food to Go' Range Supports a Childrens Charity
Playful QSR Campaigns
Cossette Forms the New McDonald's Campaign to Closest Restaurant
Movie-Inspired Halloween Menus
Burger King Unveils the Haunting Addams Family-Inspired Menu
Curated Holiday Experiences
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Boasts Unique Programming
QSR-Themed Christmas Ornaments
The Shake Shack Holiday Merch Collection is a First from the Brand
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
First-Taste Burger Boxes
McSpicy x Frank's RedHot Released "the Hottest Drop"
Bizarre Soda Campaigns
Dr Pepper's Try More Weird Disrupts Life's Boredoms with Weirdness
Beef-Centered Thanksgiving Menus
Pre Brands' Flip the Bird Challenges Seasonal Dining Traditions
Shareable Appetizer Buckets
Subway Debuted Pigs in Blankets Sharing Bucket for the Holidays
Seasonal Treat-Inspired Pretzels
Flipz Holiday Pretzels Come in Two Limited-Edition Flavors
Holiday Meal-Inspired Sandwiches
Denny's Turkey Feast Sandwich is Packed with All the Fixings
Seasonal QSR Breakfast Menus
Dunkin' Showcases its Iconic Seasonal Menu Ahead of the Holidays
Ready-to-Eat Seasonal Sandwiches
These New Urban Eat. Sandwiches Come in Three Festive Flavors
Disaster Relief-Supporting Pr Initiatives
Publicity for Good Supports Hurricane Helene Relief
NYC-Hotel Holiday Programs
Thompson Central Park Announced a Lineup of Festive Offerings
Festive Vodka Campaigns
Patrick Schwarzenegger is Ketel One's First-Ever Spirit Advisor
Complimentary Sandwich QSR Promotions
Arby's Free Sandwich Month is Taking Place in April
Post-Football Holidays
Drumstick is Petitioning for #DrumstickMonday After the Big Game
Fall Holiday-Inspired Menus
The St. Regis Toronto’s LOUIX LOUIS Boasts Special Thanksgiving Menus
Festive Film Vehicles
Turo Helps Drivers Spread Seasonal Cheer with Limited-Edition Elfmobiles
Heist-Themed Cheese Ads
This Maxi Babybel Ad Celebrates the Cheese's Return
Faux Santa Ad Spots
Mint Mobile's Ad Features "Greg" Who Looks a Lot Like Santa Claus
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
Celebrity Super Bowl Commercials
NYX Makeup and Cardi B Debut Their First Super Bowl Commercial
Festive Sandwich Holidays
Cheba Hut Created a Holiday for Sandwich Lovers Called "Nugsgiving"
Mango-Scented Newspaper Ads
Swiggy Instamart Launched a Scented Campaign in the Times of India
Munchies-Themed Holiday Promotions
Cheba Hut Nugsgiving Celebrates the Brand's Sandwiches
Comedic Groundhog Day Campaigns
Lay's Flavor for Days Campaign Taps into Groundhog Day
Empowering Consumer-Centric Campaigns
Which? Launches a Festive Campaign to Empower Shoppers
Christmasy Convenience Retailer Promotions
The 7-Eleven Holiday Deals are Here for 2023
App-Only Holiday QSR Deals
The Del Taco Del App Wrapped Deals are Available Until Christmas Eve
April Fool's Lifestyle Collections
Nugget Introduced Its 'Most Trendiest - High Endiest' Line Yet
Contemporary Home Brand Initiatives
abc carpet & home Participated in the Holiday Cheer
Last-Minute Gifting Ads
Uber Eats' Money Can Buy You Class Features RHoNY Stars
Festive Toronto Dining Experiences
Enjoy Santa's Brunch & Christmas Dinner at One King West Hotel
Name-Based Sandwich Campaigns
The Firehouse Subs Name Of The Day Promotion Rewards Customers
Otherworldly Sandwich Delivery Promotions
Subway Ultimate Footlong Offering Marks World UFO Day
New Year Sandwich Promotions
This Urban Eat On-Pack Promo Offers Hundreds of Prizes Up for Grabs
Ardent Entertainment Campaigns
Steve Harvey Narrates the New Abu Dhabi Calendar Campaign
Festive Seasonal Sandwich Ranges
The Sainsbury's Christmas Sandwich Range Has 10 Varieties
Festive Chip Campaigns
KETTLE Chips' Christmas Campaign Features 24 Days of Prizes