A Holiday Tale In Motion: Inside Airbnb’s ‘santastrophe’ Animation

Dive into the artistry behind Airbnb’s ‘Santastrophe,’ a festive animation masterpiece blending 2D and 3D animation and motion design.

Airbnb’s latest holiday campaign, “Santastrophe,” takes viewers on a whimsical journey through the trials of Santa Claus as he navigates the unexpected challenges of delivering gifts to a hotel. Premiered during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, this festive animation is a delightful collaboration between Airbnb’s in-house creative team and the acclaimed design studio BUCK.

At its heart, “Santastrophe” is a masterclass in animation and motion design, blending storytelling, miniature craftsmanship, and technical artistry to create a world that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The campaign showcases how choosing an Airbnb can add an extra layer of joy to holiday travels, presenting this narrative with humor and charm.

Crafting a Miniature Wonderland

BUCK’s approach to the visuals drew inspiration from their earlier work with Airbnb in 2022. The team constructed a tiny, detailed world featuring real-life Airbnb listings, complete with meticulously crafted furniture and decor. The attention to detail extends to Santa’s wardrobe—his red coat features gold stitching subtly shaped like the Airbnb logo, a clever nod to the brand’s identity.

This miniature world unfolds in a seamless blend of 2D and 3D animation. The campaign’s narrative starts with rhyming verse inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” and ends with the lively beats of Run-D.M.C.’s “Christmas in Hollis.” This juxtaposition of old and new adds depth and vibrancy to the storytelling.

Motion Design that Moves

Behind the scenes, BUCK’s creative team executed a complex workflow to bring “Santastrophe” to life. Storyboards by artists such as Ruoyu Wen and Deco Daviola set the visual tone, while the 3D animation supervised by Tyler Lancaster gave depth to the characters and settings. Technical Director Jens Lindgren ensured the smooth integration of dynamic effects, while Michele Herrera’s compositing and lighting brought the final frames to life.

Reaching Global Audiences

The campaign doesn’t stop at online and social media platforms. “Santastrophe” will play before blockbusters like Wicked and Gladiator 2 at AMC theaters across the U.S. through December. It will also reach seven international markets in five languages, ensuring that Santa’s misadventures resonate with a global audience.

This campaign is a testament to the power of collaborative design and storytelling. By combining playful animation with a clear brand message, Airbnb and BUCK have created a holiday ad that entertains while subtly reinforcing the value of choosing an Airbnb for your next trip.

For a closer look at BUCK’s portfolio, visit their official site.

Animation and motion design

Stills

Credits

• Animation - BUCK
• Group Creative Director: Joe Mullen
• Creative Director: Andy Lyon
• Executive Producer: Kirsten Collabolletta
• Senior Producer: Fernanda Garcia Lopez
• Associate Producer: Laura Garcia Lopez
• Storyboard Artist: Ruoyu Wen, Matty Deans, Tucker Klein, Rodney Lambright, Deco Daviola, Khylin Woodrow, Harry Teitelman, Song E Kim
• Storyboard Editor: Heather Bartholomae, Lenny Mesina
• Art Director: Shannon Rollins
• Designer: Ben Nichols, Grace Park, Grace Poole, Joel Plosz, Matteo Berton, Matthew Kam, Mike Ellis, Rodney Lambright, Tuo Kan, Yukyung Lee, Carmel Gatchalian
• Concept Artist: Fernando Utreras, Stan Chan, Felipe Hansen, Dae-Han Y
• 2D Animator (Cel): Tinghe Yang, Junyi Xiao
• Head of 3D / 3D Supervisor: Alex Dingfelder
• Technical Director: Jens Lindgren
• 3D Animation Supervisor: Peter DeSalvo
• 3D Animation Director : Tyler Lancaster
• 3D Lead: Joshua Studebaker, Michele Herrera
• Modeler: Alfonso Petersen, Ash Samet, Chloe Tu, Danesh Taraporevala, Dave Soto, Eugene Goryachev, Paul Kim, Pedro Conti, Rui Huang, Tina Chao, Michele Herrera, Arvid Volz
• Rigging Supervisor: Ernesto Ruiz Velasco
• Rigger: Hernan Ares, Juan Carlos Barraza Mendoza, Regina Cicone
• 3D Animation Editor: Tyler Lancaster
• 3D Animator: Alvaro Michelena, Cesar Tafoya, Chris Meek, Hillary McCarthy, Ida Zhu, Josh Baum, Tommy Rodricks, May Lee
• Lighter: Glenn Suhy, Paul Hargrave, Sarah Chalek, Michele Herrera, Joshua Studebaker, Tina Chao, Rui Huang
• Compositor: Brinton Jaecks, Michele Herrera, Joshua Studebaker, Tina Chao, Eugene Goryachev, Sarah Chalek, Rui Huang, Paul Hargrave
• FX Artist: Adam Webber
• Cloth Simulation Artist: Hernan Ares, Ernesto Ruiz Velasco, Juan Carlos Barraza Mendoza, Regina Cicone
• Colorist: Ben Rohel
• Editor: David Vendette, Talia Mazzarella, Heather Bartholomae
• Color - Roast N Post
• Colorist: Sean Wells
• Producer: Crystal Villamayor