Coca-Cola Christmas truck tracker 2023 — Route revealed as iconic festive tour heads to Portsmouth & Leeds tomorrow
THE COCA-COLA Christmas truck is continuing its festive journey across the UK this week.
The truck will be heading for Portsmouth and Leeds on Saturday.
As with the other dates, the upcoming destinations will be free to attend all the stops apart from those in Belfast and Dublin, where visitors will need to book tickets in advance from Eventbrite.
Coca-Cola has teamed up with the Neighbourly Foundation, a charity which supports local communities.
Read our Coca-Cola Christmas truck tracker live blog below for the latest updates...
Where did the tour stop off in 2022?
In 2022, the tour stopped at the following locations:
- Kent
- Beckton
- Glasgow
- London
- Manchester
- Bristol
- Bradford
- Cardiff
- Leeds
- Wolverhampton
- Coventry
- Sheffield
- Leeds
- Watford
- Baldock
- East Leake
- Edinburgh
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.
Coca-Cola ‘synonymous’ with Christmas, brand chief claims
You can’t have Christmas without Coca-Cola, according to the company’s senior brand manager.
Speaking about this year’s Christmas truck tour, Laura Moon said: “Coca‑Cola has always been synonymous with Christmas, particularly the iconic Truck Tour and Holidays Are Coming advert. This year, the magic of Christmas is needed more than ever, and we are excited to bring back our famous truck tour to fans nationwide.
“We’re also extremely pleased to continue our relationship with FareShare and for every person that visits the Truck Tour, we’ll donate the equivalent of a meal on their behalf, supporting those most in need this festive season.”
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.
Local man launched petition to bring the Coca-Cola Christmas truck to town
The Coca-Cola Christmas truck can’t visit every town, inevitably leaving some Brits disappointed.
Last year, locals in Lancashire and Cumbria fumed over being skipped six years in a row and others in Scotland vented about the limited number of stops.
But in 2017, student David Marks took it one step further by launching a petition to get the truck to stop in Plymouth.
Online, he wrote: “Why has Plymouth been forgotten? I’m disgusted. We are [a] city and should not be forgotten.”
David said he would contact his local MP and his petition received fewer than 100 signatures.
Not quite the mass movement he’d hoped for…
What are the names of Santa’s reindeer?
Santa originally had eight reindeer.
But in 1939 Rudolph came onto the scene to make nine.
The little reindeer helping Santa make his journey are called:
- Dasher
- Dancer
- Prancer
- Vixen
- Comet
- Cupid
- Donner
- Blitzen
- Rudolph
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.
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.
Why is the Coca-Cola truck famous?
The Coca-Cola Christmas truck was first seen in the brand’s hugely popular 1995 advert.
The 60-second clip features the now-iconic Holidays Are Coming song, which is still synonymous with Coca-Cola to this day.
The truck began touring the US in 2001 but didn’t start visiting the UK until 2010.
When was the first ‘Holidays Are Coming’ ad launched?
The Coca-Cola Christmas truck was first seen in the brand’s hugely popular 1995 advert.
The 60-second clip features the now-iconic Holidays Are Coming song, which is still synonymous with Coca-Cola to this day.
The truck began touring the US in 2001 but didn’t start visiting the UK until 2010.
How to find today’s truck stop
The exact address of the Wembley Park Christmas truck stop is – Wembley Park, Olympic Way Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0WS
To get there via public transport, head to the Wembley Park underground station on the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines.
You could also head to Wembley Stadium station via national rail.
Where is the truck today?
The Coca-Cola truck arrived in London today!
The iconic tour finally stoped at Wembley Park where thousands can experience some Christmas fun.
Fans can visit the truck from midday to 8pm.
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.
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.
Coca-Cola hints at next location
Coca-Cola's official Instagram account has asked fans were they think the truck might be heading next.
Could an announcement be on the way soon?
Well, in the meantime, head over to Wembley Park in London to see the iconic Christmas event.
What can you do at today's Wembley Christmas truck stop?
There are a slew of activities for people attending today's event.
Coca-Cola offers a range of interactive experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in festive fun.
Guests will be welcomed by a walk-in, snow-filled bauble, inviting families to step into a winter wonderland for the perfect holiday snapshot.
Those attending the event will also have an opportunity to win a selection of prizes including meal-inspired rewards and recycled Christmas tree decorations.
Not long now...
Just 30 minutes until the Coca-Cola Christmas truck opens to the public in Wembley Park.
Its first London visit of the year, this proves to be a festive occasion you won't want to miss.
You can head to Wembley Park, Olympic Way Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0WS from 12pm to see the truck.
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 truck ‘banned’ in county by health chief
The Coca-Cola Christmas truck has been “banned” in Cumbria, leaving locals heartbroken.
The truck is well into its tour, which began on November 23, and some Brits have branded the decision to ban the truck “ridiculous”.
Director of public health, Colin Cox, said the sugary drink was “without a doubt” part of the region’s childhood obesity problem.
Mr Cox said he “stands by” comments made in 2017 when he lambasted the company’s use of the festive season to promote the fizzy beverage.
What are the names of Santa’s reindeer?
Santa originally had eight reindeer.
But in 1939 Rudolph came onto the scene to make nine.
The little reindeer helping Santa make his journey are called:
- Dasher
- Dancer
- Prancer
- Vixen
- Comet
- Cupid
- Donner
- Blitzen
- Rudolph
Best time to do your Christmas shopping at every supermarket revealed
It's that time of year, so when should you do your Christmas shop?
You'll usually score a decent discount when supermarkets add yellow labels to products nearly at their sell-by date.
And you might be wondering when the best time to visit your favourite grocer is to pick them up.
So we spoke to Richard Price, director at online supermarket Britsuperstore, who gave us an expert insight into when you should get your shop done:
‘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.”
How to find today's truck stop
The exact address of the Wembley Park Christmas truck stop is - Wembley Park, Olympic Way Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0WS
To get there via public transport, head to the Wembley Park underground station on the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines.
You could also head to Wembley Stadium station via national rail.
Fans fume at Coca-Cola over ‘worst invention of year’
Fizzy drink fans have slammed Coca-Cola over what they are calling the “worst invention of year.”
Most bottles of fizzy drinks now come with a cap attached – in a bid to help recycling efforts.
“Sprite Zero is my new favourite soft drink,” said one beverage buff, “only tarnished by the bloody awful attached caps, now found on all Coca-Cola products.”
