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...
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…
Coca-Cola's Instagram account confirms next stop
This year, the Truck Tour will be getting the people of Wembley and surrounding areas into the festive spirit.
Those attending the event will be able to enter the Snow Globe, which invites families to step into a Winter wonderland for the perfect holiday snapshot.
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.
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.
Why are Coca-Cola cans red?
There’s a fascinating reason behind the scarlet branding that defines the fizzy drink – and it’s all about taxes.
It’s not, as many believe, tied to the famous Coca-Cola ads which saw Santa sporting a red coat for the first time.
It goes back much further than that, to the mid 1890s, when the drink was served out of barrels in US drug stores.
At the time alcohol was taxed while soft drinks were not so the Coca-Cola Company began painting its barrels red so that customs officials and tax officials could tell them apart from barrels of booze.
The colour then became the company’s signature shade and the company even named its first magazine The Red Barrel, in 1924.
Next stop revealed
The Coca-Cola truck will be arriving to London tomorrow!
The iconic tour will finally stop at Wembley Park where thousands can experience some Christmas fun.
Fans will be able to visit the truck from midday to 8pm.
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.
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."
When did the Coca-Cola truck tour first begin?
The Coca-Cola Christmas truck was first seen in the brand’s hugely popular 1995 advert.
The truck began touring the US in 2001 but didn’t start visiting the UK until 2010.
It has travelled the UK every year since.
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.
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
Can Belfast ticket holders still attend?
Coca-Cola was forced to reschedule the Belfast leg of its Christmas truck tour.
Due to be in the city last week, the Christmas event was pushed back until today.
Coca-Cola confirmed that everyone who purchased a ticket will have received an email about refunds/next steps.
Make sure to check your spam folder so you don't miss it.
Ten films to watch this Christmas
Here is a list of some great films to watch this festive season.
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- Elf
- Home Alone
- A Christmas Carol
- Die Hard
- Batman Returns
- Love Actually
- Polar Express
- The Harry Potter franchise
- Santa Claus
Belfast dates rescheduled after event cancelled due to dangerous weather
Coca-Cola was forced to cancel its Christmas truck's visit to Belfast last week due to dangerous weather.
However, the dates have now been rescheduled, Belfast Live reports.
Those who purchased tickets will now find the truck at Belfast's Titanic Quarter from today, December 13 to Friday, December 15.
A Coca-Cola spokesperson said: "The Coca-Cola Company has made every effort to find alternative dates to deliver the experience in Belfast this week. The company confirmed today that they have managed to secure alternative dates for the Coca-Cola Real Magic Experience with the scheduled events being made available to book by those who had tickets for the original dates.
"Due to the change in timing, the event will have to run at reduced capacity with limited tickets available to rebook as well as a change to the experience on site. However, attendees will still be provided with a very special photo opportunity with the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck."
Where is the truck today?
Today, the Coca-Cola Christmas truck is heading to Birmingham.
This is actually its second visit to Britain's second city this year, with it being found in the Bullring just four days ago.
This time, the exact location is - Morrisons, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9AH.
You can also find the truck in Belfast after its visit was pushed back due to dangerous weather.
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.”
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 be posted.
‘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.”
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.
‘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 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
The journey so far…
It’s been a tour to remember, but it isn’t over yet, so here are all the Coca-Cola Christmas truck stops so far:
- Glasgow (November 23 and 24)
- Edinburgh (November 25)
- Gateshead (November 26)
- Leeds (November 30)
- Dublin (November 30 to December 3)
- Liverpool (December 1)
- Sheffield (December 1)
- Manchester (December 2)
- Rushden (December 2)
- Sheffield (December 3)
- Baldock (December 3)
- Belfast (December 8 to 10)
- Basildon (December 8)
- Milton Keynes (December 10)
- Watford (December 10)
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…
Next stop revealed
The Coca-Cola truck will be arriving to London tomorrow!
The iconic tour will finally stop at Wembley Park where thousands can experience some Christmas fun.
Fans will be able to visit the truck from midday to 8pm.
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 – .