The McDonald's Christmas advert is the most festive of 2018

The ad features hungry reindeer looking for healthy treats

McDonald’s has unveiled its Christmas advert for 2018 - and it is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

In the ad, which some have called the most festive brand offering of the season, Santa and his reindeer are doling out presents on Christmas Eve.

At each stop, Santa gets to indulge on the treats left for him, while the reindeer get increasingly upset over the lack of treats left for them.

“Sorry guys, no carrots again,” Santa informs his forlorn present messengers - before coming up with a plan to make a quick stop at McDonald’s, where “Reindeer Treats” are being sold.

The end result is a sack full of carrots, very happy reindeer and hundreds of people praising the heartwarming advert.

With brands competing for the most festive ad of the Christmas season, it appears McDonald’s has been successful in taking the title this year.

“McDonald’s is officially my fav Christmas advert this year,” one person tweeted.

In the ad, reindeer look on as Santa indulges in mince pie (McDonald's)

The night is saved with 'Reindeer treats' from McDonald's (McDonald's)

Another said: “This is my all-time favourite Christmas advert, well done.”

Others compared the advert from the fast-food chain to the year’s less popular contenders - including John Lewis’ Elton John advert, and ads from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots and Marks & Spencer’s.

“The McDonald’s Christmas advert is actually 100x better than the John Lewis one this year,” a fan wrote on Twitter, while another said: “That poor reindeers’ little face is way more emotional than some Elton John montage!”

The 90-second commercial was created by Leo Burnett and ties into the company’s #ReindeerReady campaign.

In addition to reindeer-appropriate carrots sold over the Christmas period, consumers can visit a special website for the chance to win McDonald’s merchandise.

“Our new ‘Reindeer ready’ campaign aims to remind customers that we are there when they need us at this time of year - from a Christmas shopping coffee break to a pre-party burger or even a mid-present delivery carrot stop,” said Ben Fox, marketing director at McDonald’s. “From TV to out-of-home, social to in-store, we will make sure there is a little reindeer magic for everyone this Christmas.”