WATCH: Target’s ‘Hot Santa’ Ads Spark Viral Frenzy Featuring Brent Bailey
3 min read
Target’s latest holiday campaign has set social media ablaze, thanks to its unconventional take on Santa Claus. Departing from the traditional image of an elderly, jolly man, the brand introduced a younger, “hot” Santa played by actor and model Brent Bailey. Dubbed “Kris K” in the commercials, the charming version of Santa Claus has sparked widespread online discussion, with fans labeling him “Daddy Claus” and a “thirst trap.”
The campaign, which debuted on November 17, 2024, features three commercials showcasing Kris K as a Target employee with a love for the holidays that borders on obsession. From his perfectly coiffed silver hair to his witty dialogue and rugged good looks, this modern Santa has left audiences swooning.
A Modern Santa Claus for the Holidays
In the first commercial, titled Born to Be Kris, Kris K is seen leaving his North Pole-inspired home in a crimson Ford Bronco with the license plate “SLEIGH.” Set to the classic rock anthem Born to Be Wild, he drives to a Target store, exuding charisma and holiday cheer. Another ad, He’s Hot, But These Target Turkey Deals Are Hotter, features Kris playfully interacting with a shopper who finds herself distracted by his looks while marveling at Target’s Thanksgiving turkey deals.
The ads blend humor with heart, showing Kris K lifting a Christmas tree to “get in shape” and charming customers with his holiday spirit. The campaign’s YouTube tagline captures the character’s essence: “Meet Kris, our newest Target Team Member. He loves the holidays as much as the next guy—actually, way more than anyone we know.”
Social Media Reactions
The commercials quickly went viral, drawing mixed but passionate reactions online. Fans flooded social media with comments, calling Kris K the “hottest Santa ever” and joking about his appeal. “OMG @Target hot Santa,” one user exclaimed, while another quipped, “He must have gone through a med bed—sexy Santa!” Critics, however, accused the brand of leaning into thirst marketing, with one commenting, “Has Target gone unwoke with their new MAGA Chad Santa?”
target has the hottest santa i’ve ever seen in these commercials pic.twitter.com/qdcC6c8Ann
— ☽karl☾ (@selunescorpio) November 25, 2024
you all cannot be serious about that Target Santa
— court (@courthugs_) November 28, 2024
Target collaborated with Mythology and EssenceMedia.com to create the campaign, which is part of a larger holiday initiative titled Happier Holidays. Lisa Roath, Target’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, described Kris K as embodying the brand’s values: “joyful, helpful, and optimistic.” She added, “He has that witty edge, and he’s roguishly handsome. He represents our incredible team members, who are the heroes during the holidays and beyond.”
i need the santa from the bicep curling target commercial sooooo bad
— miss hot mess glamour ✨ (@audacityofagay) November 27, 2024
WHY IS TARGET MARKETING SANTA CLAUSE AS A SILVER FOX LIKE OMFG HES SO HOT??????😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
— Shaye🦇 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ (@midnightshaye) November 27, 2024
Brent Bailey’s Role as Kris K
Brent Bailey, the actor behind Kris K, is no stranger to holiday-themed roles. Known for his work in The Holiday Dating Guide and appearances in shows like The Lincoln Lawyer and Criminal Minds, Bailey embraced the role with enthusiasm. Sharing the ads on Instagram, he joked about the “weirdly hot” reception his character received, inviting fans to create their own captions.
With its bold reimagining of Santa Claus, Target’s campaign has captured the attention of holiday shoppers and social media alike, proving that even the most traditional symbols can get a modern, buzzworthy twist.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
