Westfield’s ‘Feels Like Christmas’ Campaign Brings Holiday Magic to Life with AKQA

Westfield has launched its 2024 Christmas campaign, “Feels Like Christmas,” a heartfelt series of films that celebrate the magic of the festive season. Created by AKQA Australia, this campaign highlights three nostalgic, real-life stories from the community that capture the essence of Christmas and evoke the emotions of joy, togetherness, and gratitude.

The three films, titled Dasher the Daggy Reindeer, The First Slice, and Scissors-A-Gliding, each focus on meaningful moments that bring the spirit of Christmas to life:

1. Dasher the Daggy Reindeer tells the story of a beloved Christmas ornament that holds sentimental value and brings a touch of holiday magic to the home.
2. The First Slice is a heartwarming love story about Nonna’s panettone, a cherished family tradition that symbolizes the joy and togetherness of Christmas.
3. Scissors-A-Gliding showcases the joy of an annual gift-wrapping tradition, a small but powerful moment that adds to the holiday cheer.

The films are shot in an intimate style, with close-up scenes that evoke nostalgia for past Christmases, creating a sense of closeness and warmth. The personal stories feel universal, reminding viewers to appreciate the simple moments that make the holiday season so special.

Amy Copley, Head of Marketing, Brand, and Content at Scentre Group, says, “Christmas is a time to feel—joy, togetherness, excitement, and gratitude. Our Westfield campaign highlights personal stories that everyone can relate to, encouraging us to soak up the magic of the season and enjoy the festive moments that make it meaningful.”

This emotive campaign will be featured across Australia and New Zealand through various channels including outdoor advertising, radio, Spotify 3D audio, social media, online videos, and in-center SmartScreens. It will also be amplified by an earned media campaign that uncovers the wellbeing benefits of Christmas and encourages a cultural conversation about the positive effects of the holiday season.

By bringing these personal, relatable stories to the forefront, Westfield’s “Feels Like Christmas” campaign creates a deeper connection with its audience, celebrating the little moments that make Christmas unforgettable.

Credits:

AKQA:
General Manager: Justine Leong
Chief Creative Officer: Chad Mackenzie
Chief Strategy Officer: Iona MacGregor
Senior Strategist: Enid Sung
Senior Copywriter: Annie Bettis
Executive Creative Director: Joe Hill
Senior Art Director: Whitney Moothoo
Production Director: Colin Tuohy
Senior Producer: Cathryn Cooper
Group Client Partner: Olivia Kaufman
Group Account Director: Jayne Driver
Senior Account Manager: Cara Turney
Senior Account Manager: Kate Crowley
Senior Designer: Daniel D’Angelo
Head of Studio/Finished Artist: Grant Hendren

Production Company: FINCH Company
Director: Kyra Bartley
MD: Corey Esse
EP: Nick Simkins
Producer: Kate Menzies
DOP: Grégoire Lière
Production Designer: Helen Fitzgerald
Casting: Felicity @ Byrne Casting
Stills Photographer: Ben Hansen

Post production: Arc Edit
Editor: Jo Scott
EP: Winnie O’Neil
Post Producer: Sally Quade & Renee Masters
VFX Artist & Technical Director: Charlotte Wilson-Lee
Colourist: Fergus Rotherham
Online: Heather Galvin

Illustrations:
Like Minded Studios: Luca Ionescu
3D Animation: Mister
Music & Audio Prod: Massive Music
Sound Designer: Simon Kane
General Manager / Executive Producer: Katrina Aquilia
Music ECD: Ramesh Sathiah
Composer: Adrian Sergovich
VO casting/Direction
Eardrum: Ralph van Dijk

Scentre Group:
General Manager Marketing & Community: Jacqui Waine
Head of Marketing, Brand & Content: Amy Copley
Group Marketing Manager: Kristi Grose
Group Programming Manager: Fi Clark
Group Public Relations Manager: Rebecca Mahoney
Senior Marketing Manager, Campaigns: Tahlia Irving
Senior Programming Manager: Erika de Padua
Senior Public Relations and Social Media Manager: Emma Niven
Marketing Manager, Campaigns: Xanthe Collier
Public Relations and Social Media Manager: Emily Pruessner
Marketing Executive, Campaigns: Tamika Adams

Essence MediaCom:
Client Partner: Dan Morgan
Group Client Director: Beth Adams
Group Planning Director: Lauren Nolan
Marketplace Assoc. Director: Rachel Seage
Digital Director: Beiai Torres
Marketplace Assoc. Manager: Nicola Cadman
Marketplace Coordinator: Gagan Singh
Performance Coordinator: Lotty Liang

Wavemaker NZ:
Account Manager: Annabelle Wilkinson

PR:
Australia: Ogilvy PR
New Zealand: Hustle & Bustle