Arsenal Christmas advert 2026: Colin Firth stars in ‘Twas the Season with a Fever Pitch twist – watch

6th November 2026

Arsenal have released their Christmas film for 2026 – and the narrator is Colin Firth, the actor who played the ultimate Gooner in Fever Pitch.

Called ‘Twas the Season, the advert starts like a Christmas story, with Firth telling a tale of excitement and gifts. But as fans pour onto the streets of Islington, it becomes clear the “Christmas” he is describing is Arsenal’s title-winning 2025/26 season.

Watch: ‘Twas the Season

The advert at a glance

Title‘Twas the Season

NarratorColin Firth

PlayersGabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, Alessia Russo

Made byArsenal’s in-house Creative Studio

Directed bySi&Ad (Academy Films)

Tagline“Gifts worth waiting all season for”

Fever Pitch – and a Love Actually nod

Firth played an obsessive Arsenal fan in the 1997 film Fever Pitch, set during the club’s 1988/89 title season – so the casting is a perfect fit. There is a nod to Love Actually too: in a café scene, Firth speaks Portuguese to Gabriel, Calafiori and Russo, echoing his character who learns Portuguese in the Christmas film. The players jokingly say they have no idea what he means.

The film recreates the crowds that filled Islington for May’s title celebrations, and ends at the stadium with fireworks and a giant ‘Twas the Season banner. Firth even wears the club’s new “Bruised Banana” Christmas jumper.

A 'Twas the Season banner outside the Emirates Stadium in Arsenal's Christmas advert — The film ends outside the Emirates with a giant ‘Twas the Season banner. Image: Arsenal

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What Gabriel said

“Christmas is about being together and showing thanks.”

Gabriel Magalhães, on what the club’s support means to him and his family (paraphrased)

What fans are saying

The film has already passed 140,000 views on YouTube in a day, and the comments are overwhelmingly emotional:

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From the comments

“This video does total justice to the way I feel about Arsenal right now.”

@prntube-v3y on YouTube

“That’s how you make a Christmas advert, John Lewis.”

@Stop_Pre-Ordering_Video_Games on YouTube

“Got me crying again. And I’m 70 years old. Funny old game.”

@donjohns4878 on YouTube

“Dear Santa, Champions League and Premiership trophies this season. COYG”

@BeatRoot14 on YouTube

“If Mark Strong was in it too, it would have been perfect.”

@saiwunpoon7358 on YouTube – a nod to Firth’s Fever Pitch co-star

Behind the scenes

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Shop the Arsenal Christmas collection

The club’s Christmas shop includes a Champions range, retro shirts and the Bruised Banana jumper from the film, available from Arsenal Direct. On Amazon, these are some of the newest Arsenal gifts:

Arsenal Annual 2027 by Official Arsenal annual, cover

Arsenal Annual 2027Official Arsenal annualThe new official annual, packed with player profiles, games, puzzles and exclusive facts – a classic stocking filler.View on Amazon ›

Arsenal F.C. Christmas Jumper (kids) by Arsenal F.C., cover

Arsenal F.C. Christmas Jumper (kids)Arsenal F.C.A warm, cosy Arsenal Christmas jumper for young Gooners aged 7 to 14.View on Amazon ›

Arsenal Premier League Winners 25/26 print by Sporting Moments, cover

Arsenal Premier League Winners 25/26 printSporting MomentsA commemorative print celebrating the 2025/26 title – fitting for the season this advert celebrates.View on Amazon ›