Coca-Cola has unveiled a modern version of its classic 'Holidays Are Coming' Christmas advert, created entirely using artificial intelligence. The 16-second commercial, which debuted earlier this week, retains the original's iconic tune and imagery of red lorries traversing a snowy town, but replaces live-action filming with AI-generated scenes.
The company stated that the AI approach offered an 'efficient' way to save time and money, while also allowing for a more diverse cast. Javier Meza, Coca-Cola's EU chief marketing officer, explained that the goal was to bring the advert 'into the present', and AI was explored as a solution to achieve that.
The original 1995 advert featured real actors and two-tonne trucks adorned with Christmas lights, with a young boy ringing a bell to signal their arrival. The new version includes similar elements, such as jubilant onlookers and polar bears, but none of the people or scenes are real. Instead, they were generated by AI.
Meza noted that the company considers it a 'privilege' that the original advert has become part of people's lives. A Coca-Cola spokesman added that the venture into AI-generated storytelling demonstrates the brand's commitment to innovation while staying true to its core values of spreading happiness.
The advert arrives as Lidl has launched its own red truck tour, offering a budget-friendly alternative with a 15-tonne Freeway cola vehicle visiting nine UK cities to distribute gifts and food samples.
