Target’s sizzling holiday ad has fans talking—you won’t believe your eyes!
By
Aubrey Razon
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The holidays just got hotter with Target's latest Santa ad. This year, Kris Kringle is turning up the heat, and fans can’t get enough.
You won’t believe the twist they’ve added to this festive classic!
In a series of commercials that have quickly gone viral, Target's Santa, played by the ruggedly charming Brent Bailey, is not your typical cookie-and-milk-loving old elf.
Instead, he's a modern-day heartthrob cruising in a cherry red Ford Bronco with a license plate that cheekily reads “SLEIGH.”
As Steppenwolf's “Born to Be Wild” roars in the background, it's clear that this Santa is ready to ride into the hearts of shoppers everywhere.
The campaign, which includes a spot titled “He's Hot, But These Target Turkey Deals Are Hotter,” has already garnered over 5 million views.
In it, a shopper can't help but comment on Santa's unexpected allure, calling him “weirdly hot” as she scores a Thanksgiving turkey for just $0.79.
The ad cleverly juxtaposes the sex appeal of Santa with the irresistible deals Target is known for, creating a playful and memorable message that resonates with viewers.
But the fun doesn't stop there.
Another ad showcases Santa's strength as he bicep-curls a small tree while navigating the aisles of a Target store, further solidifying his status as a symbol of both festivity and fitness.
Social media has been ablaze with reactions to this racy reimagining of the beloved holiday figure.
Fans are openly expressing their attraction, with comments ranging from playful swooning to outright admiration for Target's marketing genius.
Social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are filled with viewers eager to be on Santa's “nice list” and hoping for a chance to snap a photo with the hunky Mr. Claus.
“Where are they doing photos with THIS Santa? I'd like some,” one viewer gushed, capturing the sentiment of many who are smitten with the new campaign.
“Whoever is in charge of our marketing deserves a raise,” another fan praised, highlighting the widespread approval of Target's fresh take on holiday advertising.
“Target out here giving us what we didn't realize we needed this holiday,” a satisfied customer remarked, while another chimed in with a nod to the campaign's boldness, “Sexy Target Santa…Not your Momma's Santa!”
Lisa Roath, Target’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, spoke to Adweek about the campaign's intentions.
She described the new and improved Saint Nick as “joyful, helpful, optimistic—characteristics that embody the brand.”
Roath also noted that he has “that witty edge, and he’s roguishly handsome,” representing the hardworking team members who are the true heroes during the holiday rush.
Target's decision to spice up Santa has not only captured the attention of shoppers but has also sparked a conversation about the power of rebranding classic icons to resonate with contemporary audiences.
So, whether you're in it for the deals or just can't resist a good-looking Santa, Target's holiday campaign is a gift that keeps on giving.
Watch the "Born to Be Kris" ad below:
Source: Youtube/Target
We at The GrayVine would love to hear your thoughts on this bold new Santa. Has he captured your holiday spirit, or do you prefer the classic version of jolly old Saint Nick? Share your opinions and join the conversation below!
You won’t believe the twist they’ve added to this festive classic!
In a series of commercials that have quickly gone viral, Target's Santa, played by the ruggedly charming Brent Bailey, is not your typical cookie-and-milk-loving old elf.
Instead, he's a modern-day heartthrob cruising in a cherry red Ford Bronco with a license plate that cheekily reads “SLEIGH.”
As Steppenwolf's “Born to Be Wild” roars in the background, it's clear that this Santa is ready to ride into the hearts of shoppers everywhere.
The campaign, which includes a spot titled “He's Hot, But These Target Turkey Deals Are Hotter,” has already garnered over 5 million views.
In it, a shopper can't help but comment on Santa's unexpected allure, calling him “weirdly hot” as she scores a Thanksgiving turkey for just $0.79.
The ad cleverly juxtaposes the sex appeal of Santa with the irresistible deals Target is known for, creating a playful and memorable message that resonates with viewers.
But the fun doesn't stop there.
Another ad showcases Santa's strength as he bicep-curls a small tree while navigating the aisles of a Target store, further solidifying his status as a symbol of both festivity and fitness.
Social media has been ablaze with reactions to this racy reimagining of the beloved holiday figure.
Fans are openly expressing their attraction, with comments ranging from playful swooning to outright admiration for Target's marketing genius.
Social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are filled with viewers eager to be on Santa's “nice list” and hoping for a chance to snap a photo with the hunky Mr. Claus.
“Where are they doing photos with THIS Santa? I'd like some,” one viewer gushed, capturing the sentiment of many who are smitten with the new campaign.
“Whoever is in charge of our marketing deserves a raise,” another fan praised, highlighting the widespread approval of Target's fresh take on holiday advertising.
“Target out here giving us what we didn't realize we needed this holiday,” a satisfied customer remarked, while another chimed in with a nod to the campaign's boldness, “Sexy Target Santa…Not your Momma's Santa!”
Lisa Roath, Target’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, spoke to Adweek about the campaign's intentions.
She described the new and improved Saint Nick as “joyful, helpful, optimistic—characteristics that embody the brand.”
Roath also noted that he has “that witty edge, and he’s roguishly handsome,” representing the hardworking team members who are the true heroes during the holiday rush.
Target's decision to spice up Santa has not only captured the attention of shoppers but has also sparked a conversation about the power of rebranding classic icons to resonate with contemporary audiences.
So, whether you're in it for the deals or just can't resist a good-looking Santa, Target's holiday campaign is a gift that keeps on giving.
Watch the "Born to Be Kris" ad below:
Source: Youtube/Target
Key Takeaways
- Target's holiday advertising campaign features a “sexy” Santa Claus, sparking substantial interest and engagement on social media.
- The character, portrayed by Brent Bailey, is seen driving a red Ford Bronco and performing bicep curls with a Christmas tree, among other things, in the ads.
- Social media users have expressed their attraction to the modernized version of Santa, with many humorous and positive comments being shared online.
- Lisa Roath, Target’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, describes the updated Santa as embodying joy, help, and optimism, with a witty edge, aligning with the brand's values and representing Target team members.