Coca-Cola Christmas 2024: Iconic truck parks up in Speke as it continues tour of UK and Ireland
THE Coca-Cola Christmas Truck will roll into Speke on Thursday as it continues its festive tour of the UK and Ireland.
The distinctive red lorry will park up at at the new Burger King opposite the New Mersey Retail Park from 12 noon to 8pm following its visit to Wakefield on Tuesday and prior to scheduled stops in Cork on Saturday and Limerick on Sunday.
As always, Coca-Cola only confirms truck stops a few days in advance so check back here for all the latest news and details of any new locations.
First launched in 1995, the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck became a household name after starring in the brand’s iconic "Holidays Are Coming" ad campaign. It has since become a beloved tradition, marking the start of the festive season.
Follow our Coca-Cola Christmas Truck live blog for the latest updates...
Where can you see the truck in Northern Ireland and Ireland?
- Saturday 7th December: Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork (2pm – 9pm)
- Sunday 8th December: Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick (2pm – 9pm)
Did somebody say free Coca-Cola?
Coca-Cola staff could be seen to be spreading the festive cheer, handing out ice-cold Coca-Cola Zero Sugar to visitors.
Don’t miss your chance to grab a refreshing drink and soak up the magical winter wonderland vibes!
We are still waiting to find out where the Coca-Cola truck is headed next so stay tuned…!
Giving back
For each visitor that steps into the Christmas Truck, Coca-Cola will donate the equivalent of a meal to someone in need through their partnership with FareShare.
Coca-Cola hopes to donate up to 1 million meals this festive season, spreading holiday cheer beyond the truck.
FareShare is a charity that works with the food industry to redistribute surplus food, preventing waste while ensuring it reaches those who need it most.
Which charities have Coca-Cola previously worked with?
Coca-Cola has partnered with several charities in the past, including homelessness charity Crisis and food bank charity FareShare.
In the past, Coca-Cola fans who visit the truck have been been able to sample festive treats at a pop-up winter market, take part in games and take “elfie selfies”.
Visitors have also been able to buy a special Coca-Cola that can be personalised with their name or a short phrase.
This year, Coca-Cola have once again partnered with FareShare.
Who founded Coca-Cola?
Dr John Stith Pemberton, a pharmacist from Georgia, was on a mission to create a new alcoholic medicine but after the temperance movement of 1886 – a social movement against the sale and consumption of alcohol – Pemberton began creating non-alcoholic versions of the French Wine Coca.
Following various experiments, Pemberton created a syrup with carbonated water instead of wine.
He then sold his drink as a fountain drink rather than medicine where it went for five cents a glass.
Thinking that the “two Cs would look well in advertising”, Pemberton’s partner Frank M. Robinson suggested calling the drink Coca-Cola.
Even the trademark today is written in Robinson’s unique handwriting.
Coca-Cola’s classic Christmas Santa
Many believe that Coca-Cola invented the modern image of Santa as an old man in a red and white suit, but historians believe this image was already common before the 1930s advert.
Love the Coca-Cola truck and want your own?
Corgi has teamed up with Coca-Cola to bring the magic of Christmas home with a of the iconic truck.
This is the perfect collector’s item for fans of the festive lorry and is available now for £119.99.
The reason for Coca-Cola’s red packaging
The iconic red branding of the bubbly beverage Coca-Cola has a riveting backstory, and it’s not what you think. It’s not tied to the renowned Coca-Cola adverts featuring Santa in a red coat.
This tale takes us back to the 1890s, when this fizzy delight was served straight from barrels in American pharmacies.
Back then, alcohol was subject to tax while soft drinks were exempted. To avoid any mix-up with barrels of booze by customs and tax officials, the Coca-Cola Company started painting its barrels red.
This distinctive colour eventually became synonymous with the company. In fact, they even christened their inaugural magazine ‘The Red Barrel’ in 1924.
At a glance: the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck tour 2024
Here are some of the latest updates on the tour.
- The truck kicked off its 2024 tour in London last Thursday with plenty more stops to come over the next four weeks.
- These include: Dublin, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre (November 30).
- Belfast, Custom House Square (December 1).
- Cork, Mahon Point Shopping Centre (December 7).
- Limerick, Crescent Shopping Centre (December 8).
- This year, Coca-Cola is working with food bank charity FareShare.
- For each visitor that steps into the Christmas Truck, Coca-Cola will donate the equivalent of a meal to someone in need through their partnership with FareShare.
Which charities have Coca-Cola previously worked with?
Coca-Cola has partnered with several charities in the past, including homelessness charity Crisis and food bank charity FareShare.
In the past, Coca-Cola fans who visit the truck have been been able to sample festive treats at a pop-up winter market, take part in games and take “elfie selfies”.
Visitors have also been able to buy a special Coca-Cola that can be personalised with their name or a short phrase.
This year, Coca-Cola have once again partnered with FareShare.
In pictures – London visit
Guest DJ Ashley James was on hand in London to bring some entertainment to the event.
What is the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck?
The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck is a festive, iconic red lorry that has become synonymous with the holiday season.
Known for its vibrant, eye-catching design and the cheerful “Holidays Are Coming” jingle, it travels across the UK, spreading Christmas cheer wherever it goes. Inside, visitors can enjoy free Coca-Cola, take part in festive activities, and snap a selfie in front of the truck’s sparkling lights.
The truck’s arrival marks the official start of the holiday season for many, offering a magical experience for fans of all ages.
What to expect?
Festive games & lucky dip:
Snap a picture with the iconic red lorry from the famous TV ad, then join in on the festive fun with games and a lucky dip, giving you the chance to win exclusive Coca-Cola merchandise!
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar:
Naturally, there’ll be plenty of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar to keep you refreshed as you enjoy the festivities. It’s the perfect drink to sip on as the holiday cheer builds around you.
Live entertainment:
Expect an array of live performances, from uplifting gospel choirs to energetic DJ sets, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The entertainment will keep the Christmas spirit flowing all day long.
Who founded Coca-Cola?
Dr John Stith Pemberton, a pharmacist from Georgia, was on a mission to create a new alcoholic medicine but after the temperance movement of 1886 – a social movement against the sale and consumption of alcohol – Pemberton began creating non-alcoholic versions of the French Wine Coca.
Following various experiments, Pemberton created a syrup with carbonated water instead of wine.
He then sold his drink as a fountain drink rather than medicine where it went for five cents a glass.
Thinking that the “two Cs would look well in advertising”, Pemberton’s partner Frank M. Robinson suggested calling the drink Coca-Cola.
Even the trademark today is written in Robinson’s unique handwriting.
Which charities have Coca-Cola previously worked with?
Coca-Cola has partnered with several charities in the past, including homelessness charity Crisis and food bank charity FareShare.
In the past, Coca-Cola fans who visit the truck have been been able to sample festive treats at a pop-up winter market, take part in games and take “elfie selfies”.
Visitors have also been able to buy a special Coca-Cola that can be personalised with their name or a short phrase.
This year, Coca-Cola have once again partnered with FareShare.
The reason for Coca-Cola’s red packaging
The iconic red branding of the bubbly beverage Coca-Cola has a riveting backstory, and it’s not what you think. It’s not tied to the renowned Coca-Cola adverts featuring Santa in a red coat.
This tale takes us back to the 1890s, when this fizzy delight was served straight from barrels in American pharmacies.
Back then, alcohol was subject to tax while soft drinks were exempted. To avoid any mix-up with barrels of booze by customs and tax officials, the Coca-Cola Company started painting its barrels red.
This distinctive colour eventually became synonymous with the company. In fact, they even christened their inaugural magazine ‘The Red Barrel’ in 1924.
Get into the festive spirit of the season
What happens when the truck stops in cities across the UK and Ireland? Well, you can talk to Santa and create your custom virtual snow globle or enter the promotion for your chance to win wonderful prizes. Plus lots more fun and games are on offer.
Coca-Cola spreads Christmas cheer
For many, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour or the much-loved Holidays Are Coming advert.
Florence Wheatley, marketing manager for Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: “Coca-Cola has and remains synonymous with Christmas, with many people eagerly awaiting the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour and Holidays Are Coming advert to create a little festive magic.
“This year, we’re delighted to continue our relationship with FareShare to support its mission to reduce hunger and surplus food waste.”
Coca-Cola angers fans with AI-generated Christmas advert
Coca-Cola has left fans divided with its new Christmas advert, which has taken a dramatic turn by replacing Santa Claus—and all humans—with AI-generated visuals.
The 15-second clip, soundtracked by the iconic Holidays Are Coming jingle, showcases the famous Coca-Cola trucks traveling through a small town. However, eagle-eyed viewers noticed that both the people and polar bears featured in the ad are entirely AI creations.
“They appear to have eliminated Santa from the adverts,” one disappointed fan wrote on X, summing up the reaction of many.
What if I miss it?
This year fans of the fizzy drink who won’t be able to see the truck in person don’t need to worry about missing out.
From November Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Original Taste customers will be able to scan a QR code on the pack for the chance to win one of hundreds of festive gifts.
Among the top prizes are pre-loaded £200 ‘Festive Feast’ gift cards.
The first Christmas song to mention Santa was written in 1864
The earliest Christmas song to describe the tale of Saint Nicholas, sometimes known as Santa Claus, was Up On The Housetop, per .
The well-known 1823 poem A Visit from Saint Nicholas by Clement Moore served as a major inspiration for Hanby’s song.
Where did the truck stop last year?
Last year the red vehicle made stops across the UK in many large cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Manchester.
It also made stops on the following dates:
- Crown Street, Glasgow, November 23
- Silverburn Shopping Centre, Glasgow, November 24
- Fort Kinnaird Shopping Centre, Edinburgh, November 25
- Metro Centre, Gateshead, November 26
- Leeds White Rose Shopping Centre, November 30
- Liverpool One, December 1
- Trafford Centre, Manchester, December 2
- Meadowhall Shopping Centre, December 3
This year, a whole new host of destinations are on the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck’s 2024 tour. While the full schedule is yet to be revealed, last year’s dates offer some idea of where the iconic red lorry might head next.
Which charities have Coca-Cola previously worked with?
Coca-Cola has partnered with several charities in the past, including homelessness charity Crisis and food bank charity FareShare.
In the past, Coca-Cola fans who visit the truck have been been able to sample festive treats at a pop-up winter market, take part in games and take “elfie selfies”.
Visitors have also been able to buy a special Coca-Cola that can be personalised with their name or a short phrase.
This year, Coca-Cola have once again partnered with FareShare.
Who founded Coca-Cola?
Dr John Stith Pemberton, a pharmacist from Georgia, was on a mission to create a new alcoholic medicine but after the temperance movement of 1886 – a social movement against the sale and consumption of alcohol – Pemberton began creating non-alcoholic versions of the French Wine Coca.
Following various experiments, Pemberton created a syrup with carbonated water instead of wine.
He then sold his drink as a fountain drink rather than medicine where it went for five cents a glass.
Thinking that the “two Cs would look well in advertising”, Pemberton’s partner Frank M. Robinson suggested calling the drink Coca-Cola.
Even the trademark today is written in Robinson’s unique handwriting.
Coca-Cola spreads Christmas cheer
For many, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour or the much-loved Holidays Are Coming advert.
Florence Wheatley, marketing manager for Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: “Coca-Cola has and remains synonymous with Christmas, with many people eagerly awaiting the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour and Holidays Are Coming advert to create a little festive magic.
“This year, we’re delighted to continue our relationship with FareShare to support its mission to reduce hunger and surplus food waste.”