Sonic taps Chad Michael Murray for nostalgic holiday campaign

Sonic is leaning into the nostalgia of classic holiday movies with its 2026 seasonal campaign, "'Tis the Season to SONIC," starring actor Chad Michael Murray.

The campaign features Murray playing multiple small-town characters, including a Christmas tree farmer, baker and local woodworker, while highlighting the traditions and familiar moments that bring communities together during the holidays, according to a news release.

"Sonic has always been more than a place to grab a meal or a drink, it's a familiar hometown spot where people come together to have a fun break in their day," Ryan Dickerson, chief marketing officer at Sonic, said in the release. "With 'Tis the Season to SONIC,' we're celebrating everything people love about coming home for the holidays. Chad brings the perfect mix of nostalgia, charm and humor to the story, while the Santa Slush Float gives everyone a new reason to make SONIC part of the season."

The campaign puts the new Santa Slush Float at the center of Sonic's winter menu. The limited-time drink combines merry cherry and sweet vanilla flavors in an icy slush layered with vanilla soft serve and topped with a cherry, served in a Santa-themed cup. The winter lineup menu is available at participating U.S. locations while supplies last.