Few brands have shaped the global idea of Christmas as profoundly as Coca-Cola. From the creation of the modern red-suited Santa image to the glowing red holiday trucks that signal the season is here, Coca-Cola Christmas ads have become more than advertising — they’re a cultural tradition.
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In 2025, Coca-Cola continues that legacy with a fresh rendition of its most beloved campaign:
“Holidays Are Coming.”
In this guide, we explore Coca-Cola’s Christmas advertising legacy, break down the 2025 advert, discuss its cultural significance, analyse creative elements, and compare it to wider holiday advertising trends — from Amazon Christmas ads to emerging seasonal formats like Christmas health ads, New Year food ads, and New Year resolution ads.
The Origins of Coca-Cola Christmas Ads: How It All Began
Coca-Cola’s festive advertising roots stretch back to the early 1930s, when illustrator Haddon Sundblom created the iconic, cheerful Santa Claus for the brand. Before this, Santa’s portrayal varied widely — sometimes tall and slender, sometimes elf-like. Sundblom’s warm, round, red-suited Santa became the global standard.
Key milestones in the early era:
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1931: Coca-Cola commissions its first Santa illustration
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1940s–1960s: Coca-Cola ads spread across magazines, billboards, TV
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1980s–1990s: The “Holidays Are Coming” trucks debut and become legendary
This foundation established Coca-Cola as a permanent part of holiday storytelling — not just in the US but globally.
Evolution of Coca-Cola Christmas Ads Over the Decades
Here’s a simplified timeline capturing how Coca-Cola’s festive ads evolved:
| Decade | Key Campaign | Theme | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s | Sundblom Santa | Warmth & kindness | Standardized modern Santa look |
| 1950s | Family & gifting | Togetherness | Reinforced family holiday imagery |
| 1980s | “Holidays Are Coming” | Magic & anticipation | Became a global Christmas signal |
| 1990s | Polar Bears | Whimsy & innocence | Broadened holiday characters |
| 2010s | Share a Coke | Community & connection | Personalisation era |
| 2020s | Digital & AI-enhanced ads | Innovation & nostalgia blend | Modern reinterpretations of classics |
Unlike short-term campaigns from most brands, Coca-Cola builds ongoing tradition.
Why Coca-Cola Christmas Ads Became Cultural Icons
Coca-Cola’s Christmas ads succeed because they blend:
Nostalgia
The jingles, imagery, and style evoke decades of shared memory.
Emotional Universality
Themes of family, kindness, celebration, and magic resonate across countries and cultures.
Consistent Branding
The Coca-Cola red, the truck lights, and the Santa imagery never waver.
Music that Creates Anticipation
“Holidays Are Coming” remains one of the world’s most recognizable ad jingles — many consider it the official start of Christmas.
Global Reach
While many brands release localised ads, Coca-Cola publishes campaigns viewed worldwide — similar to the reach of Amazon Christmas ads, which also lean on universal emotional narratives.
Coca-Cola Christmas Ad 2025: “Holidays Are Coming” — Full Breakdown
The 2025 advert revives the classic Christmas truck aesthetic with a modern, atmospheric twist. The familiar tune plays prominently, reinforcing nostalgia as a key emotional anchor.
Transcript Highlights
The iconic jingle repeats:
“Holidays are coming… Holidays are coming…”
Drums, chimes, and orchestral warmth fill the soundtrack.
The visuals (implied through music and tradition, as no dialogue is present) typically feature:
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Snow-covered towns
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Families gathering
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Brightly lit Coca-Cola trucks driving through night landscapes
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Warm smiles, shared drinks, festive lighting
Coca-Cola keeps the messaging simple:
Christmas is here. Let’s celebrate together.
Creative & Production Analysis
1. Visual Style
Coca-Cola’s ad uses:
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Deep reds against winter blues
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Warm lighting from string lights and truck headlights
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Snowflakes to create a nostalgic, timeless “Christmas card” aesthetic
2. Music as a Storytelling Tool
The jingle is the narrative.
Unlike complex supermarket ads, Coca-Cola does not rely on dialogue or characters — the sound alone triggers emotion.
3. Symbolism of the Coca-Cola Trucks
The trucks represent:
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Coming together
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Community celebration
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Holiday magic “arriving”
4. Minimalism Done Right
The advert proves that you don’t always need:
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A story arc
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Comedy
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Celebrities
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Special effects
Sometimes, heritage is the message.
Coca-Cola Christmas Ads vs Other Seasonal Campaigns
Amazon Christmas Ads
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Amazon focuses on sentimental, human storytelling.
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Coca-Cola leans into global nostalgia and iconic imagery.
Christmas Health Ads
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Christmas health ads often focus on wellbeing, mindfulness, or care.
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Coca-Cola instead focuses on magic, joy, and celebration.
Supermarket Christmas Ads
Supermarkets target family gatherings and food, often tying into New Year food ads.
Coca-Cola doesn’t shift strategy — it uses timeless, emotion-first branding that transcends trends.
How Coca-Cola’s Messaging Extends into New Year Advertising Trends
Though primarily associated with Christmas, Coca-Cola’s themes also align with broader January advertising landscapes:
1. New Year Resolution Ads
Motivation, connection, and positivity easily align with New Year messaging.
2. New Year Food Ads
Coca-Cola is often positioned during holiday meals, celebrations, and gatherings, extending relevance into New Year feasts.
3. New Year Lifestyle Shifts
Even when consumers lean toward health-centred messaging in January, Coca-Cola stays present as a symbol of celebration and togetherness.
Lessons Brands Can Learn from Coca-Cola Christmas Ads
- Consistency builds tradition
- Emotional simplicity outperforms high-budget complexity
- Visual nostalgia creates cultural connection
- Music can define a holiday generation
- Global storytelling can still feel personal
Other brands, from Amazon Christmas ads to wellness-focused Christmas health ads, often draw inspiration from Coca-Cola’s universally resonant approach.
FAQs About Coca-Cola Christmas Ads
When did Coca-Cola start making Christmas ads?
The tradition began in the 1930s with the creation of the modern Santa Claus artwork.
What makes the “Holidays Are Coming” ad iconic?
Its nostalgic music, glowing red trucks, and emotional simplicity signal the start of Christmas for many viewers.
What is the Coca-Cola Christmas Ad 2025 about?
The 2025 ad revives the classic “Holidays Are Coming” theme, using music and festive visuals to announce the season’s arrival.
Does Coca-Cola change its Christmas ads each year?
Yes, but it frequently returns to its most beloved formats — trucks, Santa, and emotional holiday storytelling.
Why do Coca-Cola Christmas ads work so well globally?
They use universal themes — family, joy, nostalgia — and consistent visuals recognised worldwide.
Conclusion
Coca-Cola Christmas ads remain one of the most enduring traditions in global advertising. While countless brands compete for attention — from Amazon Christmas ads to festive health campaigns and New Year food ads— Coca-Cola continues to win hearts with timeless cues: glowing trucks, warm music, and a simple reminder that “the holidays are here.”
In an era of evolving holiday messaging, the brand stays anchored in memory, emotion, and consistency — proving that sometimes, the simplest message is the most powerful.
