THE countdown to Christmas is on. 

Which means a deluge of advertisements aimed at making us part with our hard-earned cash. 

But - materialism aside - the release of the big stores' festive adverts has become an event in itself, whether they make us chuckle or shed a tear. 

Department store John Lewis - with its penguins, hares and, this year, Man on the Moon - is often hailed to be the king of Christmas advertising.

But which is your favourite? Here is a run-down of this year's adverts.

Aldi

The discount supermarket puts its own slant on My Favourite Things, from the Sound of Music.

Argos 

Snowboarding, BMXing and zorbing feature in Argos' extreme winter sport advert. 

Asda

Arguably the most toe-tapping of the adverts, Asda's features the sounds of The X Factor runner-up Fleur East and her debut single Sax. 

Boots

Let Boots' curious blue firefly transport you into a world of elegance, pampering, luxury, fun and fragrance.

John Lewis

The 2 minute film brings a tear-jerking message that may leave viewers sobbing over their mince pies. 

Debenhams

This year's campaign is all about finding the perfect gift to send your loved ones.

Lidl  

This was the first major retailer to launch a festive campaign in 2015 with the Lidl's School of Christmas advert. 

 

Marks & Spencer  

M&S have ditched the traditional story-telling approach for a bold and lavish new style in 'The Art of Christmas'. 

Morrisons

The film brings together the store's real-life butchers, bakers, greengrocers and fishmongers who are all helping to deliver a Christmas of tasty treats. 

Sainsbury’s 

Mog the cat has been revived for this year’s Sainsbury’s Christmas advert, narrated by Emma Thompson.