The holiday season has arrived, bringing a flurry of last-minute shopping sprees and obligatory work gatherings. Amid this bustle, Starbucks introduces a soothing escape with its new ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ campaign, crafted in partnership with TBWA\London. The campaign celebrates Starbucks’ longstanding commitment to fostering human connection and its heritage as a welcoming community hub. Embracing the full range of holiday emotions, Starbucks positions itself as a comforting spot where people can pause, recharge, and share moments with loved ones, even if only briefly.
The TV commercial blends 3D sets, stop-motion, and 2D animated characters to follow a modern-day man as he races through the season’s chaos—crowded parties, frantic shopping, and seasonal stress filling every scene. But with a sip of his favorite Starbucks drink, the commotion fades, allowing him to savor a rare moment of holiday warmth and connection.
The campaign film will roll out across TV, digital, OOH, and experiential channels throughout EMEA.
“Amidst the holiday rush, Starbucks can offer a moment of calm when it’s needed most. Drink In, Breathe Out is about uplifting the everyday by encouraging more moments of calm amidst the chaos. We want to remind people that we’re a community coffee house where people can pause, reconnect, and share meaningful moments, whether with loved ones or with themselves,” said Michelle Chin – VP, Marketing & Product at Starbucks.
The campaign launches alongside Starbucks Holiday menu which sees the iconic Red Cup return along with a variety of beverages including Toffee Nut Latte, and new Gingerbread Cream Iced Chai Tea Latte and Caramel Waffle Cream Iced Latte.
‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ was created by Starbucks EMEA and TBWA\London and will be brought to life across EMEA in partnership with Edelman, We Are Social and Havas among others.
Lauren Coates, Creative Director at TBWA\London, said: “The craftsmanship behind this campaign is extraordinary—from the mini red cups and travelator sets to the intricate animation of each character and the realistic Starbucks. The blend of 3D, stop-motion, and 2D animation brings a magical, tactile quality that captures the message and call-to-action to Drink In, Breathe Out this holiday”.
Credits:
- Brand: Starbucks
- Client: Janis Ng – Marketing Director
- Client: Michelle Chin – VP, Marketing & Product
- Client: Sam Duce – Marketing Specialist
- Creative agency: TBWA\London
- UK Media agency: Havas
- UK Earned agency: Edelman
- UK Owned agency: We Are Social
- UK Experiential Agency: Tribe
- Production Company: Blink Ink
