McDonald’s Withdraws AI Christmas Ad After Backlash, Echoing Coca-Cola Controversy

McDonald’s Netherlands has withdrawn its AI-generated Christmas advertisement after widespread online backlash.

McDonald’s Netherlands has withdrawn its AI-generated Christmas advertisement after widespread online backlash, following a similar controversy with Coca-Cola’s AI holiday campaign. The 45-second video, released on YouTube on December 6, 2025, depicted chaotic holiday disasters like Santa in traffic and gifts tumbling off roofs, parodying “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” as “the most terrible time of the year.” It ended by urging viewers to “hide out in McDonald’s until January.”​

Social media erupted with criticism, calling the ad “creepy,” “depressing,” and “AI slop” that ruined Christmas spirit. Viewers mocked its unnatural visuals and questioned the message of ditching family for fast food. Comments were disabled before the video was fully removed on December 9.​

McDonald’s acknowledged the misstep, stating the ad aimed to highlight holiday stress but recognized many see the season as joyful. They described it as “an important learning” in exploring AI’s effective use.​

This incident echoes Coca-Cola’s recent AI Christmas ad, which also drew eyebrows for lacking human touch amid rising resistance to generative AI in marketing. McDonald’s now commits to better experiences with “Good Times and Good Food.”