For the second year running, Coca-Cola turns to AI for iconic “Holidays Are Coming” Christmas ad

By Abimbola Mohammed

Remember the backlash Coca-Cola faced last year after releasing its AI-generated 2024 holiday ad? The “Holidays Are Coming” spot sparked widespread criticism from creative professionals and social media users alike. Yet, despite the controversy, the beverage giant continues to push boundaries rather than retreat.

This year, Coca-Cola has launched another AI-generated commercial for the 2025 holiday season, doubling down on its use of artificial intelligence for its iconic Christmas campaigns.

A New Spin on a Classic Tradition
This year’s version takes a different creative route. It features mostly animals, with the only human being Santa Claus himself, who appears at the end. Interestingly, the Santa imagery draws inspiration from the company’s original archival artwork, blending tradition with technology.

What’s in the New Ad?
The 60-second spot pays homage to Coca-Cola’s classic 1995 commercial, maintaining the original’s memorable rhythmic anthem and imagery of trucks traveling through snowy landscapes.

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The ad opens with Santa popping the cap off a Coke bottle, then follows the journey of illuminated delivery trucks as they wind through various terrains. Along the way, the trucks light up their surroundings and capture the attention of animals around the world—polar bears, penguins, puppies, rabbits, seals, and pandas—suggesting a global journey. Finally, the truck door swings open to reveal Santa Claus himself.

Notably, the Santa Claus imagery was generated exclusively from archival paintings by Haddon Sundblom, which Coca-Cola owns. Back in the 1930s, Sundblom created the original Coke ads for The Saturday Evening Post, establishing the modern image of Santa as a jolly, bearded man in a red-and-white suit.

Company Stands by Its Decision
Despite last year’s criticism, Coca-Cola executives continue to stand firmly by their decision. They believe the AI-generated ad meets both the company’s standards for Christmas advertising and the wider industry benchmarks.

In a statement, Islam ElDessouky, Global Vice President of Creative Strategy and Content at Coca-Cola, affirmed: “Building on last year’s campaign, this evolution truly embodies our commitment to inspiring human connection and uplifting moments, especially during the holiday season.”

Similarly, Pratik Thakar, Coca-Cola’s Global VP and Head of Generative AI, emphasized resilience in the face of public opinion. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he stated: “There will be people who criticize—we cannot keep everyone 100% happy. But if the majority of consumers see it in a positive way, it’s worth going forward.”

Blending Technology and Tradition
Through this bold decision, Coca-Cola once again showcases how it continues to merge innovation with nostalgia. By infusing artificial intelligence into its timeless Christmas tradition, the brand reinforces its ongoing pursuit of creativity while keeping its festive storytelling spirit alive.