LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix is giving long-overlooked Christmas birthdays their moment with a new holiday initiative designed to celebrate the hundreds of thousands of Americans who share their special day with December 25.
The grocer’s “Merry Birthday” campaign is based on new research showing how holiday commitments often overshadow winter birthdays.* According to Publix, 62% of people born during the holidays say their birthday celebrations are affected by seasonal activities — leaving many Christmas-Day celebrants sharing the spotlight with Santa instead of having their own special day.
“We know many people born on Christmas have faced years of shared celebrations and combined gifts,” said Mark Nielsen, Publix director of creative services. “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.”
A Heartfelt Holiday Ad Premiere
At the heart of the campaign is a new Christmas ad featuring Izzy, a young girl whose December 25 birthday is usually overlooked. With help from Publix — and a bit of Christmas magic — she finally gets the one thing she’s always wanted: a real birthday celebration of her own, complete with a “Merry Birthday” cake.
Created with agency FIG, the campaign debuts with a 90-second spot during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by a two-minute cinema film and 60-second ads running across broadcast and digital channels.
“Everyone knows someone with a Christmas birthday who gets lost in the holiday shuffle,” said Mark Figliulo, founder and creative chair at FIG. “We immediately saw an opportunity for Publix to shine a light on this birthday and make everyone feel celebrated.”
Cakes, Cards, and Community Deliveries
Publix has also brought the on-screen “Merry Birthday” cake into stores. Customers can order a two-tier version from the bakery or pick up a one-tier 9-inch mini version in-store or at publix.com.
Special Merry Birthday wrapping paper and cards will also be available to purchase online at 363green.com to further the celebrations.
In a gesture extending beyond the ad, Publix will deliver Merry Birthday cakes to families welcoming Christmas-Day babies at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, Tampa General Hospital, and additional locations in its operating footprint.
Year-Round Birthday Perks
Over 23,000 Club Publix members have Christmas birthdays, and all members get a free birthday treat — either a cake bar or Publix ice cream — by entering their phone number at checkout. Customers need to join Club Publix at least 10 days before their birthday to qualify.
Not a Club Publix member? Join at ClubPublix.com.
*Consumer Survey: “Does your birthday compete with holiday celebrations” (n=500) October 2025
