Coca-Cola and Christmas have been merrily linked for almost a century. Our modern vision of Santa Claus is due, in no small part, to Coke illustrator Haddon Sundblom’s 1930s depictions of Santa as the jolly, rosy-cheeked, round-bellied, father-figure we all know and love today.
The Coke Christmas story is no less powerful in Sri Lanka, where, this year, as part of its Real Magic global brand philosophy and platform, Coke invites everyone to celebrate the real magic of humanity by refreshing its trademark promise – to unite and uplift people all over the world. Coke is looking to celebrate community and inclusion this Christmas using the ‘Real Magic’ brand platform, which it launched in September 2021 as part of a drive to change the way it communicates with consumers.
Sharing his thoughts on the season, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Sri Lanka (Pvt) Limited, Pankaj Sinha said, “This is a special year for all at Coca-Cola, and it is the 60th Christmas for Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka. This is also the first Christmas for Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka, under the Real Magic brand philosophy, and, as always, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve. We’re thrilled to be introducing new ways for families and fans to interact with Coca-Cola this holiday season. “
Taking a cue from the famous global Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan, Sri Lanka will see its own unique Christmas Caravan visiting major Colombo retail and trade locations over 25 days with a joyful array of exciting activities for adults and children including a digital Spin-The-Wheel with fantastic prizes to reward every purchase of a pack of Coke, a real-life Santa Claus for that magical picture moment, and carolers to rouse shoppers’ Christmas spirit.
With Coke celebrating 60 years in Sri Lanka this year, this season will also showcase an installation of 11 hand painted Coke bottles that have been curated to share Coca-Cola’s journey in the pearl of the Indian Ocean. These bottles have been painted by some top Sri Lankan artists.
Christmas is a time of giving, sharing and joy, and this year, through another edition of Coca-Cola’s “12 days of kindness” campaign, customers can nominate someone they know who is less fortunate with 12 lucky winners standing the chance to win festive hampers worth Rs 10,000 each. Nominations can be placed at the Christmas Caravan.
The residents of Colombo will also see Coke form little hubs at some of our favorite malls and cinemas including the One Galle Face Mall, the Food Studio, and Scope Cinemas with promotions and activities like the digital Spin-The-Wheel designed to boost Christmas cheer.
As we navigate these times, Coke’s mission is simple – to refresh and uplift people – and that is what makes its message so universal; so real and so magical. Join us this season as we build a truly magical Sri Lankan Christmas.