Coca-Cola Christmas truck tracker 2023 — Route revealed as iconic festive tour heads to Portsmouth & Leeds tomorrow

Where is the Coca-Cola truck today?

Coca-Cola announced it will be in two, yes two, locations with its Christmas today.

The truck will be heading to both Essex and Leeds later this morning.

Here are the locations for today’s events:

• Lakeside, West Thurrock Way, Grays, Essex, RM20 2ZP
• Greene King, Lawnswood Arms, Otley Road, Adel, Leeds, LS16 7PH

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.

'Good fun' despite queues, visitors say

One Brit who attended one of Coca-Cola's Christmas events earlier this month enjoyed her time there, despite long queues.

Jo Stockwell, 46, and her daughter Kelsie, 17, took advantage of the free festive event, too.

Jo said: "We had to queue for about an hour, but it was all free, so you can’t complain.

“The queuing wasn’t enjoyable and my feet are numb, but when we got in there it was good fun.

“I’ve got snow from the snow globe in my hair, and it’ll be in my knickers and everywhere.”

Visitors fume after attending Coca-Cola Christmas truck

It's safe to say some visitors were less than impressed with Coca-Cola's visit to Wembley Park yesterday.

A tourist, who came away with mixed feelings about the event, told they thought the activities didn't live up to the hype.

She said: "Queuing only for the photos is probably your best option, as there are fewer people waiting on that side - the activities are not, in my opinion, worth the wait."

IN A FIZZ

'Not worth the wait', Coca-Cola fans fume after queuing for hour to see lorry

How do I keep track of the Coca-Cola truck tour route?

The itinerary for the Coca-Cola truck can be found on the drink’s official website.

Announcements about new dates and locations added to the truck’s schedule will also be posted right here!

Win a trip to Lapland

You can win a trip to Santa's fantastical home of Lapland through Coca-Cola this Christmas.

All you have to do is play the brand's Christmas game.

Simply buy a bottle of Coca-Cola to begin the game, other prizes include meals and merch.

Exact locations of today's stops

The Coca-Cola Christmas truck is heading to both Essex and West Yorkshire today.

But where exactly can you find the iconic festive events?

Here are the addresses:

• Lakeside, West Thurrock Way, Grays, Essex, RM20 2ZP
• Greene King, Lawnswood Arms, Otley Road, Adel, Leeds, LS16 7PH

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.

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.

The journey so far...

• Silverburn Shopping Centre, Glasgow: Friday 24th November, 12:00 - 20:00
• Fort Kinnaird Shopping Centre, Edinburgh: Saturday 25th November, 12:00 - 20:00
• Metrocentre, St. Michaels Way, Metrocentre, Gateshead NE11 9Y: Sunday 26th November, 11:00 - 17:00
• White Rose Shopping Centre, Dewsbury Road, Leeds, LS11 8LU: Thursday 30th November, 12:00 - 20:00
• Liverpool ONE, 5 Wall Street, Liverpool , L1 8JQ: Friday 1st December, 12:00 - 20:00
• The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA: Saturday 2nd December, 12:00 - 20:00
• Meadowhall Centre, The Management Suite 1 The Oasis, Sheffield S9 1E: Sunday 3rd December, 11:00 - 17:00
• Market Square, Wolverhampton , WV3 0NL: Thursday 7th December, 12:00 - 20:00
• Fosse Park Avenue, Leicester , LE19 1HY: Friday 8th December, 12:00 - 20:00
• Bullring, Moor St, Birmingham , B5 4BU: Saturday 9th December, 12:00 - 20:00
• Centre: MK, 33a Silbury Blvd, Milton Keynes , MK9 3ES: Sunday 10th December, 11:00 - 17:00
• Olympic Way Wembley Park, Wembley , London , HA9 0JT: Thursday 14th December, 12:00 - 20:00

Did Coca-Cola invent Santa’s famous red suit?

Santa has been featured in Coke adverts since the 1920s with a jolly fat man in a red coat.

And although many people believe Coca-Cola were the one to dress Santa in red, that iconic outfit dates back much further, many historians believe the colours were inspired by the Bishop of Myra in the 4th Century.

Father Christmas in his red robes dates back as far as 16th century in England during the reign of Henry VIII (though he occasionally wore green). But across the world Santa had been depicted as everything from a tall thin man to a tiny elf man.

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.

When Christmas was cancelled

A wave of ecclesiastical reform at the beginning of the 17th century altered how Christmas was observed in Europe, per the .

Christmas was cancelled as part of Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan armies’ campaign to purge England of decadence after seizing power in 1645.

Charles II was reinstated to the throne in response to popular demand, and the well-liked festival followed.

The English separatists known as the pilgrims, who immigrated to America in 1620, were even more orthodox Puritans than Cromwell.

Top 10 Christmas hits of 2022

One of the best things about Christmas is all the amazing music we get to listen to.

But what were the most popular Christmas songs of last year?

Well, according to OfficialCharts this is the top ten:

1. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU – MARIAH CAREY
2. LAST CHRISTMAS – WHAM!
3. FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK – POGUES FT KIRSTY MACCOLL
4. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE – SHAKIN’ STEVENS
5. DO THEY KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS – BAND AID
6. IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE – MICHAEL BUBLE
7. STEP INTO CHRISTMAS – ELTON JOHN
8. SANTA TELL ME – ARIANA GRANDE
9. I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERYDAY -WIZZARD
10. ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE – BRENDA LEE

Discover your inner Santa with Coca-Cola

Take Coca-Cola’s Christmas quiz to discover your inner Santa Claus.

The drink brand’s campaign this year is all about the world needing more Santas.

So, why not find out which kind of Santa you’d be with their quiz – .

When was the Coca-Cola truck first created?

The Coca-Cola truck has been an iconic part of our Christmas for as long as most of us can remember.

However, it was first seen in the brand’s 1995 advert and has been a staple ever since.

The brand create an annual advert which signals the start of the festive season for many of us.

What is Santa’s name?

Mr Claus goes by many names in many lands, what do you call him?

Father Christmas –  Father Christmas, as he is known in the UK, was inspired to spread the magic of Christmas by St. Nikolas of Myra.

Santa Claus – The popular name for Father Christmas comes from the Dutch “Sinter Klaas”.

St Nicholas – We are, of course, talking about St Nick here.

Kris Kringle – This is an Americanised version of the Austrian Christkind, meaning Christ-child.

Coca-Cola announces latest tour locations

Coca-Cola has announced the next two, yes two, Christmas truck tour locations.

The truck will be heading to both Essex and Leeds tomorrow, how exciting.

Here are the locations for tomorrow’s events:

• Lakeside, West Thurrock Way, Grays, Essex, RM20 2ZP
• Greene King, Lawnswood Arms, Otley Road, Adel, Leeds, LS16 7PH

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.

What charities have Coca-Cola previously worked with?

Coca-Cola has, however, 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.

‘More exciting elements added’

Florence Wheatley, Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Company, Great Britain, said: “Coca-Cola has been spreading Christmas cheer for decades and, this year, we’ve added even more exciting elements to make it as magical and merry as possible.

“Alongside the beloved return of the Truck Tour nationwide and the much loved ‘Holidays Are Coming’ advert, we have introduced new elements like the ‘World Needs More Santas’ TVC and an interactive Santa Quiz.

“We’re also thrilled to extend our partnership with Neighbourly, emphasising spreading kindness and making a positive impact across the UK.

“Together, we want to inspire year-round acts of goodwill and truly make a difference in all local communities.” 

What has Coca-Cola said about today’s stop?

The Coca-Cola Christmas truck is finally arriving in London today.

Ahead of its arrival in Wembley, Coca-Cola told us: “This year, the Truck Tour will be getting the people of Wembley and surrounding areas into the festive spirit with their new Snow Globe, which invites families to step into a Winter wonderland for the perfect holiday snapshot.

“Guests can also make a stop at the Ho-Ho-Hoop hut and participate in a game for the chance to win a selection of prizes including meal-inspired rewards and recycled Christmas tree decorations.

“Throughout the tour, visitors can also enjoy the Coca-Cola Christmas choir, as they perform a set of carols, filling the air with holiday magic.”

When Christmas was cancelled

A wave of ecclesiastical reform at the beginning of the 17th century altered how Christmas was observed in Europe, per the .

Christmas was cancelled as part of Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan armies’ campaign to purge England of decadence after seizing power in 1645.

Charles II was reinstated to the throne in response to popular demand, and the well-liked festival followed.

The English separatists known as the pilgrims, who immigrated to America in 1620, were even more orthodox Puritans than Cromwell.