By Guardian staff reporter
Publication Date: 2025-12-11 02:01:00
McDonald’s says it has removed an AI-generated Christmas ad in the Netherlands after it was criticized online.
The advert, titled “The Most Horrible Time of the Year”, shows scenes of Christmas chaos, with Santa Claus stuck in traffic and a Dutch cyclist laden with presents slipping in the snow. And the message? Retreat to a McDonald’s restaurant until January and survive the holidays.
But the generative AI advertising from the Dutch division of the Big Mac maker sparked strong criticism on social media.
“This commercial single-handedly ruined my Christmas spirit,” one user said. “Good riddance to AI weakness,” posted another.
McDonald’s Netherlands said in a statement on Wednesday: “The Christmas commercial was intended to show the stressful moments during the holidays in the Netherlands.
“However, based on social commentary and international media coverage, we note that for many guests this period is “the most wonderful time of the year.”
