Following the warm reception of their successful 2025 holiday collaboration, iconic claymation studio Aardman and luxury British fashion brand Barbour have reunited to bring viewers another dose of snowy stop-motion mayhem. The new campaign, released in November 2026, pairs the beloved stop-motion characters Wallace and Gromit with the timeless heritage of the Barbour brand, balancing classic British humor with seasonal warmth.
From the creative minds at Aardman, the new festive film is designed to celebrate the simple, enduring joy of giving and receiving a thoughtful gift at Christmas. The project weaves together core elements of British culture, traditional craftsmanship, enduring friendship, and festive humor into a narrative that feels instantly familiar to fans of the legendary animated duo.
Directed by Steve Harding-Hill, who also serves as the creative director for the project, this year’s festive film transports audiences directly back into the recognizable world of Wallace and Gromit. The story unfolds against a backdrop of meticulous Christmas preparations, snowy outdoor escapades, and—true to the characters’ roots—one of Wallace’s latest and most eccentric inventions. Together, these elements combine to create a quintessentially British festive tale that highlights both the charm of stop-motion animation and the practical utility of Barbour’s winter wear.
Reflecting on the collaboration, director Steve Harding-Hill shared his enthusiasm for the project. He noted that it had once again been an absolute joy to work alongside the team at Barbour. Harding-Hill expressed hope that audiences would thoroughly enjoy this year’s festive romp, which finds Wallace and Gromit heading out to enjoy the fresh air of a traditional Christmas Day stroll. Naturally, as is often the case with Wallace’s grand plans, their casual ramble goes entirely wrong, leaving it up to the resourceful Gromit—with a little help from Barbour—to step in and come to the rescue.
The campaign captures the meticulous craftsmanship that both Aardman and Barbour are renowned for, blending the tactile, handmade quality of clay animation with the rugged durability of classic British outerwear. Behind-the-scenes materials, including a dedicated making-of video released alongside the primary campaign film, offer viewers a rare glimpse into the painstaking stop-motion animation process required to bring Wallace, Gromit, and their snowy environment to life.
Promotional imagery from the release showcases the iconic characters navigating winter landscapes in Barbour apparel, alongside signature visual details that fans have come to expect from the Wallace and Gromit universe. These include whimsical mechanical gauges, inventive modes of winter transport, and the expressive, humorous character animation that has defined Aardman’s legacy for decades.
The production is led by director and creative director Steve Harding-Hill under the banner of Aardman, crafted specifically for the luxury brand Barbour. This latest installment further cements the creative partnership between the two British institutions, demonstrating how traditional stop-motion storytelling can continue to resonate with audiences during the holiday season.
