It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and advertisers know it! The best holiday commercials hit a soft spot and tug at your heartstrings. Even Scrooge is vulnerable to emotional manipulation during the holidays, and certain commercials, whether they are humorous, sentimental, or serious, just have a way of grabbing hold. Putting together a list of the top 5 most memorable holiday commercials is tricky, but somehow a list appeared, and well, here it is, in no particular order.

1. Hershey’s Kisses Ringing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”

This holiday commercial is around 15 years old, but its simplicity makes it loveable and unforgettable. Each Hershey’s kiss rings a particular note that chimes to the tune of the classic Christmas song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Be sure to catch the “whew” from one worn-out kiss at the end.

Link: http://youtu.be/4HtSLF4vlrk

2. The Budweiser Clydesdale's Christmas Commercial

Here’s another classic that won’t go out of style. The timeless Budweiser Clydesdales are majestic, and whether you’re a beer drinker or not, you’ll agree that this one stands the test of time. Big, beautiful Clydesdales, festively attired with sleigh bells, pull a sleigh with a Christmas tree on board through freshly fallen snow. This one is a Currier & Ives come to life.

Link: http://youtu.be/sXvAVtwbemE

3. Coca-Cola Christmas with Penguins and Polar Bears

This holiday ad embodies the joy and togetherness of the season. Everyone knows that polar bears and penguins are not the best of friends. However, in this delightful ad, mama, papa, and baby bear are settling down for a long winter’s nap when the joyful sounds of frolicking penguins wake baby bear, who slips and slides right into the middle of the penguins’ festivities. To break the ice, so to speak, a baby penguin appears and offers baby bear a bottle of Coke. Soon, the mama and papa polar bears join in the fun, creating harmony and happiness for all.

Link: http://youtu.be/OF_CW4DGnNg

4. Wal-Mart Pays Homage to Troops Overseas

This commercial touches the heart of every viewer without being overly sentimental. Whether you have a loved one overseas or not, it’s sure to catch your attention. Soldiers out in a desert, dressed in combat gear and surrounded by tents and weapons, are startled, then thrilled when snowflakes begin to fall. The commercial switches to a soldier’s family back home. A mother and her young son have just visited with a mall Santa. His mother asks, “What did you wish for?” He answers, “Oh, something for daddy.”

Link: http://youtu.be/v9lkmd-mMJ0

5. I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke

Even if you aren’t old enough to remember this holiday commercial, you’ve probably heard about it. Coca-Cola really knows how to bring the Christmas spirit to the masses. Young people from all over the globe sing together about peace, goodwill, and love. It’s simple but memorable and effective—especially at the end, when a view from above shows that the singers holding candles are standing in the form of a Christmas tree.

Link: http://youtu.be/_zCsFvVg0UY

You may have found one or a few of your favorite holiday commercials on this list. As the years roll by, there will certainly be more to add, as some of this year’s great holiday commercials become the classics of tomorrow. Happy Holidays!

What is your favorite?