The Shaun the Sheep crew accompanies Wallace and Gromit on a snow-covered Christmas outing in Barbour’s 2026 Christmas short. The film pairs the Aardman characters in a continuation of last year’s Wallace-and-Gromit-led advert, keeping its cast and concept rather than starting afresh.
Barbour’s festive campaign marks its second consecutive year working with Aardman Animations and the claymation pair. For this outing, Wallace has invented a walking machine with many feet, intended to improve their walk through a winter wonderland. His plans don’t work out quite as intended, though. Familiar with what can happen around his inventor-owner’s machines, Gromit has brought a gift that’s more dependable.
The arrival of Shaun the Sheep’s crew adds to an established dynamic: Wallace embraces machinery, while Gromit prepares for the practicalities. In its source article, Nerdist admires the film’s warmth and heart, finding pleasure in its animation and Christmas spirit despite its purpose as an advert. The writer objects to Christmas creeping in just after Halloween and giving Thanksgiving little space, yet welcomes this film as an exception to the festive season’s early-November start.
In a statement, Barbour’s Global Marketing Director, Jamie McCall, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our creative partnership with Aardman. Barbour and Aardman share a distinctly British heritage, a passion for craftsmanship and an appreciation for the attention to detail that make something truly special, ”
“Wallace & Gromit resonate across generations, bringing such warmth, charm and humour, making them the perfect characters to celebrate Barbour’s iconic tartan this festive season. This year’s film beautifully captures the joy of giving, the magic of Christmas and those little moments that bring people together. Even when things don’t exactly go to plan, but everything works out wonderfully in the end!”
Viewers can also return to the partnership’s previous adventure. Available to watch alongside this year’s film, last year’s Christmas short offers another example of the cozy storytelling that Nerdist’s writer appreciates in the commercials.
The campaign extends to accessories, too: Aardman’s announcement describes a limited-edition capsule collection from Barbour for humans and dogs. Knitted scarves, hats, caps, tote bags, key fobs and a dog coat make up the range. The collection will be available in December through Barbour.com and selected retail stores.
