CE DESK 
Discover how Coca-Cola’s 1930s advertising transformed Santa Claus into the jolly red-suited icon recognized worldwide, blending art, marketing, and festive spirit.
The Coca-Cola red Santa Claus is one of the most enduring examples of branding shaping global culture. Before the 1930s, Santa Claus appeared in many forms—sometimes tall and thin, sometimes wearing robes of blue, green, or brown. It was Coca-Cola’s advertising campaign that gave him the familiar red suit, white beard, and joyful personality known today.
In 1931, artist Haddon Sundblom created a series of illustrations for Coca-Cola’s Christmas ads, portraying Santa as warm, plump, and full of life—often enjoying a bottle of Coke during his gift deliveries. These images resonated deeply with audiences, blending holiday cheer with relatable humanity.
Over time, Sundblom’s version became the definitive image of Santa Claus across the world, appearing on everything from greeting cards to store displays. Through this creative vision, Coca-Cola didn’t just sell a drink—it helped shape a cultural icon, forever linking the color red with Christmas joy.
