The Coca-Cola truck is a new Christmas tradition that Finns have warmed to in recent years, with the distinctive big rig making stops at cities around the country.
It’s part of a global marketing effort by the drinks company, which sees the trucks visit hundreds of locations and raise money for local charities.
In 2018 the truck crossed over the Arctic Circle for the first time when it paid a visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
This year, the brightly coloured truck will be calling at Vantaa (7.12); Kouvola (9.12); Joensuu (10.12); Tuuri (12.12); Seinäjoki (13.12); Turku (14.12); Kirkkonummi (16.12) and Äänekoski (17.12).
The truck is illuminated with thousands of Christmas lights, and visitors get a free soda. There’s also the chance to play games and win prizes, while giving to the Ronald McDonald charity at the same time.
And for the first time, the truck is also going back to its roots in Åland as well, when it stops in Mariehamn on 21st December.
Coca-Cola’s jolly Santa Claus, with red robes and white beard and used in advertising campaigns since the early 1930s, was created by illustrator Haddon Sundblom, whose father emigrated from Åland to the USA.
