John Travolta has kicked off the holiday season with a nod to his John Travolta Grease Santa Claus persona, returning to his iconic role as Danny Zuko for a Capital One Christmas commercial. The ad debuted during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, where Travolta, now 71, appears in full Santa attire while performing “Greased Lightnin’,” a classic from the 1978 musical hit.
Classic Character Reimagined for Festive Campaign
Travolta’s transformation into Santa Claus draws on his legendary portrayal of the Grease character, Danny Zuko. In the new commercial, he dons a red suit and readies his team of elves for another holiday delivery. With the energy and style that made his original performance memorable, Travolta breaks into song just before the elves embark, reinvigorating the holiday spirit through music and dance.
Walking past a sleigh modelled after a classic car, Travolta exclaims his signature line from the ad: “Ho ho ho,” radiating festive cheer. The script continues with Travolta noting the sleigh’s imaginative features, followed by the quote,
“Why, this sleigh could be frost-o-matic. Tinsel-matic!”
—John Travolta, Actor. As the energy builds, he shouts, “It’s Greased Lightnin’!” before launching into a full rendition of the song, celebrating the spirited essence of both Santa and his Grease character.
Spectacle Features Song, Dance, and a Touch of Movie Magic
Accompanied by backup dancers, Travolta navigates beneath, around, and atop the festive sleigh, echoing the choreography fans remember from the original film. The musical sequence culminates with the sleek, customized sleigh heading out from Santa’s garage and taking to the sky, reindeer guiding its flight, bringing a cinematic flair to the holiday season.
Capital One’s campaign built anticipation for this return, teasing Travolta as Santa on social media earlier in the week. A video posted on Instagram showed Travolta working beneath the sleigh, posed alongside the playful prompt,
“Guess who’s coming to sleigh the holidays?”
—Capital One Marketing.
Fans Applaud Travolta’s Nostalgic Performance
Followers and viewers have expressed their excitement over Travolta’s festive portrayal. One fan’s praise was clear:
“John Travolta always has been and always will be the greatest [Santa Claus] ever. He still has the best moves.”
—Viewer, Social Media. Another admirer added heartfelt wishes,
“You make Santa even more special, and your presence makes the world better. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, John!”
—Fan, Social Media. These responses highlight the emotional connection audiences still feel toward Travolta’s memorable roles and dance skills.
Celebration of Grease’s Ongoing Cultural Impact
The new commercial builds upon a year in which Travolta has frequently revisited his Grease legacy. Earlier in 2025, he surprised fans at a Hollywood Bowl sing-along screening of the film, further showcasing his enduring connection to the Danny Zuko character. During his appearance, Travolta referenced the film with the line,
“I thought you were going back to Australia!”
—John Travolta, Actor, reinforcing the nostalgic resonance for longtime fans.
By participating in this seasonal campaign, Travolta not only celebrates his past roles but also infuses fresh spirit into holiday festivities. His performance not only underscores the staying power of Grease as a cultural milestone but also demonstrates his continued appeal across generations. As the festive ad airs nationwide, audiences can expect a blend of nostalgia, entertainment, and holiday magic to color the start of the season.
