Target Brings Back 'Hot Santa' Kris K. to Make Holiday Shopping a Joyful Ride

Target is making its biggest holiday splash yet. And yes, there’s a skiing Yeti in the mix.

The retailer’s 2025 holiday campaign is all about turning everyday shopping into festive moments through its "Step Into the Holidays" push.

But perhaps the biggest surprise was the return of its popular mascot Kris K. from Target.

The goal is simply to make every moment with Target feel joyful and stylish, whether you’re shopping in-store, online, or just soaking in the holiday spirit.

Senior VP Michelle Mesenburg said Kris K. embodies “the playful joy, ease, and inspiration” that define Target’s holiday spirit.

"This year, we’re giving you even more Kris K. — more fun, more humor and more of the magic that only Target can deliver," she added. 

For many shoppers, Kris K. is a gilded Q-tip of holiday cheer, guiding them through gifting and party prep.

How You Can 'Step Into the Holidays'

The campaign taps into research showing more than 80% of parents take on the role of “Chief Joy Officer” during the holidays.

Luckily for them, Target wants to meet them there.

Last November 2, Target officially launched the "Step Into the Holidays" experience across its footprint.

Through this initiative, the retail giant is inviting guests to walk through a magical gondola that turns store aisles into snowy portals.

To make it an even more joyful experience, it'll be accompanied by Benson Boone’s “Mystical Magical” soundtrack, choreographed by Christopher Scott.

Alongside Kris K., shoppers will also meet a cast of whimsical holiday characters, including:

• An 8-foot-tall Get-Ready Yeti that switches to ski-mode for Black Friday
• The Gifting Mice
• Buttons the Gingerbread

All of them hope to bring enjoyment to gifting, wrapping, and entertaining.

In-Store Magic Comes to Life

To bring the campaign off-screen, hundreds of Target locations are being transformed into nostalgic "Alpine Villages" throughout the season.

Each weekend, stores will host interactive events for guests, from family-friendly activities to character appearances.

In parallel, Target’s app is enhancing its digital offering by featuring the campaign’s characters and providing holiday inspiration no matter where people shop.

Characters won’t just live in ads, they'll show up everywhere.

In plush form as part of Target’s Gigglescape line, in app animations, and even interacting with Kris K. himself in social media content. 

Additionally, Target will be ramping up deals, starting with its Early Black Friday Sale running from November 6 to 8, with many discounts at 40% off or more.

This will be supported by a Holiday Price Match Guarantee from November 1 through December 24.

Last year, consumers fell head over heels for Kris K., dubbing him “Hot Santa” and giving #TargetSanta over 70 million TikTok views.

This year, the retail giant is dialing up the charm, bringing Sexy Santa back and placing him just about everywhere.

Inside Target’s Holiday Spin-up

Target’s holiday campaign shows how a 360 experience and world-building can turn routine shopping into something genuinely memorable. Key takeaways include:

• Designing a holiday character squad can help customers emotionally connect to the season.
• Combining creative ad work with physical (in-store events) and digital ecosystems (app activations) amplifies campaign reach.
• Staging in-store events like an Alpine Village transformation can elevate holiday shopping into a cohesive, emotionally rich brand journey.

Retailers like Walmart, which has also leaned into nostalgia and world-building in its “WhoKnewVille” campaign, have employed similar strategies to reintroduce joy into convenience shopping.

As of this year, Target operates 1,994 stores across the U.S., allowing the retailer to test regional pricing, logistics, and fulfillment strategies in real time.

Our Take: Is This 2025 Holiday Push a Home Run?

I think Target is sprinkling just enough magic to remind shoppers why it’s the holiday destination.

The mix of beloved characters, immersive in-store design, early deals, and real community giving feels like a well-balanced recipe.

It’s moving past just selling stuff and is now re-staking its claim as a place that brings people together.

Previously, Aldi launched the 10th installation of its Kevin the Carrot holiday series, bringing the mascot back this season for another heartwarming tale.