Classic ad ‘reinterpreted’ by ‘collaboration of human creativity’ and ‘advanced technology’.
The Coca-Cola Company has unveiled an AI-powered reimagining of its iconic 1995 “Holidays Are Coming” commercial, with the new version promoting Coke Zero, the sugar-free Coca-Cola variety. The updated 15-second ad spot, which debuts on TV today (November 14), features the legendary Coca-Cola Christmas truck spreading holiday cheer in snowy towns and delivering Coke Zero to delighted residents. Unlike previous versions, this ad does not depict Santa Claus’ face.
Coca-Cola has long used the “Holidays Are Coming” commercial as a festive tradition to launch its holiday season. Last year, Coca-Cola brought back the classic ad in a 30-second format, followed by a new spot, “The World Needs More Santas,” which premiered a week later. This year, “The World Needs More Santas” will return to remind viewers that one simple Christmas act can inspire the “inner Santa” in us all. The ad features a cover of “Anyone Can Be Santa” by British singer-songwriter Celeste.
To celebrate the ad’s legacy, Coca-Cola conducted research into consumers’ emotional responses to “Holidays Are Coming.” Behavioral psychologist Jo Hemmings noted that the ad’s impact “gets stronger over time” and that the familiarity “bridges the gap between past and present,” with 29% of viewers experiencing a sense of childhood nostalgia.
This year’s AI-driven reinterpretation is described as a product of “human creativity” and “advanced technology.” The original ad, which became a holiday staple, was created by agency WB Doner and remains an essential part of Coca-Cola’s Christmas marketing.
The ads coincide with Coca-Cola’s annual Christmas Truck Tour, which raises funds for the food charity FareShare. Coca-Cola aims to donate the equivalent of up to one million meals through FareShare this holiday season.
Florence Wheatley, brand manager at Coca-Cola, remarked, “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.”
The convergence of tech and brands 