The Journey
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The story
Why it stays with you
A snowman leaves a family garden and sets off across hills, rivers and a city, and gets back on Christmas morning carrying a present for the snow companion he left behind.
The year after The Long Wait, John Lewis kept the same shape: no dialogue, a long wordless journey, and a cover of a well-known song underneath it.
First shown 9 November 2012. Video availability may change.
The song behind the story
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The Power of Love
Performed by Gabrielle Aplin.
Cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood
External music services. Account or subscription requirements may apply.
Behind the advert
Agency
adam&eveDDB
Credits & sources
- Brand
- John Lewis
- Year
- 2012
- Cut
- Full film
- Running time
- 1 min 30
- Shown
- Online
- Territory
- UK
- First shown
- 9 November 2012
- Agency
- adam&eveDDB
- John Lewis, official YouTube upload (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
- Marketing Week, 9 November 2012 (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
- The Drum, every John Lewis Christmas ad since 2007 (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
- Marketing Week, John Lewis at Christmas: a history in ads (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
- Creative Review, launch coverage (9 November 2012) (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
Record updated 28 September 2026.