LAKELAND, FL., Nov. 26, 2025 — Publix today announced a holiday campaign in honor of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who celebrate their birthdays on Christmas Day.
Original research from Publix found that 62% of people with a birthday during the winter holidays say the season’s celebrations and commitments have interfered with their birthday* — meaning that nearly two-thirds of Christmas-born celebrants have spent birthdays sharing their spotlight with Santa. As part of its commitment to making things special, Publix has created this year’s Christmas campaign to help all those who have a birthday during the holiday season to be seen and appreciated — turning a shared occasion into a truly meaningful moment.
“We know many people born on Christmas have faced years of shared celebrations and combined gifts,” said Publix Director of Creative Services Mark Nielsen, “We wanted to change that by giving them a moment of recognition and joy. In a season overflowing with cookies, they deserve cake — and our bakeries have just what they need.”
Holiday ad campaign
The Merry Birthday campaign comes to life through a touching new Christmas ad, following the experience of Izzy, a young girl who was born on Christmas Day. Each year, she watches her friends get their own celebrations while hers is merged with one of the year’s busiest holidays. But this year, with help from Publix — and a little Christmas magic — Santa delivers her the one thing she’s always wanted: a true birthday celebration of her own, complete with a Merry Birthday cake. Publix’s cinematic storytelling captures the heart of the season, reminding viewers that even a single thoughtful gesture like a birthday cake on Christmas Day can make someone feel truly loved. Merry Birthday was created in partnership with creative agency of record FIG. The campaign debuts with a 90-second spot during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and continues through the end of December with a 2-minute cinema film and 60-second spots across broadcast TV and online video.
“Everyone knows someone with a Christmas birthday who gets lost in the holiday shuffle. We immediately saw an opportunity for Publix to shine a light on this birthday and make everyone feel celebrated,” said Mark Figliulo, Founder & Creative Chair, FIG. “We set a high bar for our new relationship and this campaign, bringing in an A-list production team known for some of the most acclaimed storytelling in film, advertising and culture to help tell this story.”
Offerings
Long known for its iconic bakery offerings, Publix has brought the Merry Birthday cake from the film to life in every Publix Bakery. The cake comes in two versions: a two-tier cake, available by special order, and a one-tier 9-inch mini version, available in-stores and online at publix.com.
Special Merry Birthday wrapping paper and cards will also be available to purchase online at 363green.com to further the celebrations.
Special delivery
Publix will also be delivering Merry Birthday cakes to families in its footprint who are welcoming new babies on Christmas this year, including at Florida’s Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and Tampa General Hospital.
Birthday celebrations
Year-round, Publix celebrates Club Publix members' birthdays with a free treat, including the more than 23,000 Club Publix members with a birthday on Christmas. Club Publix members can choose between a bar cake or Publix ice cream at their local Publix and redeem their perk at checkout by entering the phone number associated with their Club Publix account.
Not a Club Publix member? Join at ClubPublix.com. Customers must register as Club Publix members at least 10 days prior to their birthday to be eligible for their birthday perk on their birthday.
*Consumer Survey: “Does your birthday compete with holiday celebrations” (n=500) October 2025