John Travolta has brought excitement to the holiday season by embracing his iconic role in the new John Travolta Grease Santa ad. The renowned actor returns as Danny Zuko, blending his memorable 1978 musical character with the jolly image of Santa Claus for a new Capital One commercial that debuted Thursday during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC.
This festive advertisement showcases Travolta leading Santa’s workshop, donning the famous red suit and preparing his elves for their annual Christmas delivery. In a clear nod to his Grease days, Travolta bursts into the upbeat number “Greased Lightnin’” as preparations take place, filling the scene with high energy and nostalgia. The commercial opens with Travolta greeting everyone in true Santa fashion, strolling past a sleigh reminiscent of a customized automobile, capturing the audience’s attention with both holiday cheer and classic Grease flair.
Memorable Musical Performance in an Unexpected Setting
The ad goes beyond typical holiday fare by weaving in the familiar rhythms and the spirit of Grease. Travolta, now 71, engages the elves and viewers alike with his enthusiastic performance. As he inspects the vehicle-inspired sleigh, he exclaims,
“Why, this sleigh could be frost-o-matic. Tinsel-matic!”
—John Travolta as Santa Claus. Seconds later, he energizes the workshop with the exclamation, “It’s Greased Lightnin’!” setting the stage for a full-out musical sequence.
With backup dancers joining in, Travolta shows he still has the signature moves, moving under, around, and even on top of the extravagant sleigh. The performance recalls his energetic presence from the original Grease film, blending festive fun with a sense of retro cool. The scene culminates with the souped-up sleigh launching out of Santa’s garage, led by reindeer, in a nod to both the classic film and the wonder of holiday magic.
Promotional Teasers and Positive Fan Reception
Capital One built anticipation for Travolta’s return as Santa ahead of the commercial’s official drop. Earlier in the week, a teaser posted to Instagram showed Travolta working beneath the custom sleigh, paired with the playful question,
“Guess who’s coming to sleigh the holidays?”
—Capital One Instagram Teaser.
The response from fans has been filled with excitement and appreciation for the blend of nostalgic movie magic and seasonal joy. In the wake of the commercial, viewers praised Travolta’s charisma in the role:
“John Travolta always has been and always will be the greatest [Santa Claus] ever. He still has the best moves.”
—Fan Comment. Another enthusiast expressed holiday wishes directly to the star, writing,
“You make Santa even more special, and your presence makes the world better. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, John!”
—Fan Comment.
Continuing Grease Legacy Beyond the Holidays
This is not the only time Travolta has stepped back into his Danny Zuko persona recently. Earlier in 2025, he surprised fans at a Hollywood Bowl sing-along screening of Grease in Los Angeles, delighting the audience by referencing one of the film’s most beloved jokes:
“I thought you were going back to Australia!”
—John Travolta at Hollywood Bowl. These appearances strengthen Travolta’s lasting connection to both his character and the generations of fans who cherish the film’s musical legacy.
By uniting the worlds of Grease and the holiday season, the John Travolta Grease Santa ad taps into shared nostalgia while showcasing Travolta’s continued appeal and performance energy. As the ad continues to capture attention, its impact on holiday commercials is sure to be felt, combining the enchantment of Santa Claus, the legacy of Danny Zuko, and the spirit of spreading cheer. This creative approach sets a new bar for festive advertisements, ensuring that Travolta’s version of Santa Claus leaves a lasting mark on both fans of the classic film and those celebrating the holidays alike.
