Coca-Cola's new AI ad for Christmas falls flat as internet laments its lack of human touch

Coca-Cola, a brand synonymous with Christmas cheer, has been at the receiving end of the internet's brickbats after its AI-generated campaign for the festive season left many underwhelmed. 

The brand has consistently embodied warmth, nostalgia, and joy, from its iconic portrayal of Santa Claus to the glowing red Coca-Cola trucks rolling through snow-covered towns. However, this year’s AI-generated Christmas campaign has left many questioning whether technology has stripped the soul from one of the most beloved traditions in advertising.

The AI-generated ad attempted to recreate the magic of "Holidays Are Coming," but many found it lacking. Three AI studios—Secret Level, Silverside AI, and Wild Card—created the ad using advanced video-generation technology. However, people felt it lacked warmth, erupting with criticism on social media, labelling the ad “soulless” and “dystopian.”

Viewers lamented the absence of human artistry and emotional depth, with comments like, “Coca-Cola has always been about the magic of Christmas. You killed this magic.”

Yet, some defended the campaign as a necessary evolution, highlighting the cost-efficiency and creative possibilities of AI. “This is the future,” one user argued, “Human-made art will become a niche luxury.”

This Christmas, as the debate rages on, one thing is clear: nostalgia and emotion remain at the heart of what makes the holidays magical. And perhaps, in their next campaign, Coca-Cola will find a way to bring that magic back.

The iconic Santa Claus

Before 1931, Santa Claus was a figure of folklore, depicted in various ways—a tall, gaunt man, a mischievous elf, and even a slightly eerie character. It is widely held that Coca-Cola gave the world the Santa we cherish today. Commissioning illustrator Haddon Sundblom, the brand redefined Santa as a jolly, rosy-cheeked, and warm-hearted figure in a red suit. This version of Santa not only resonated deeply with audiences but also became a universal symbol of Christmas.

Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and aligned with Coca-Cola's red-and-white color scheme, Sundblom’s Santa brought a sense of magic and homeliness that perfectly mirrored the spirit of the holidays. It wasn’t just about selling a drink—it was about creating a feeling, a tradition, and a connection.

Setting the mood for Christmas

Coca-Cola’s Christmas ads have always been more than just advertisements; they’ve been cultural touchstones. Last year, Coca-Cola’s holiday commercial, titled “The World Needs More Santas,” struck a chord with audiences worldwide. The 1.48 min advertisement portrayed a city bustling with busy, cheerful Santa Clauses. They weren't just symbols of Christmas—they represented people spreading joy, giving gifts, and practicing kindness in everyday life.

The ad received widespread acclaim for its engaging narrative and emotional depth, reminding us that the magic of Christmas lies in generosity—not just during the holidays but throughout the year.

The 1995 "Holidays Are Coming" campaign, featuring a caravan of illuminated red trucks rolling into a snow-dusted town, set the gold standard for festive advertising. Accompanied by the iconic jingle, “Holidays are Coming,” this ad didn’t just announce the arrival of Coca-Cola—it signaled the start of the Christmas season itself.

Similarly, the 1993 "Northern Lights" ad introduced viewers to the whimsical world of animated polar bears, blending family-friendly charm with environmental consciousness. These ads didn’t just sell soda; they told stories that became part of people’s holiday traditions.

Even as the years went by, Coca-Cola continued to innovate without losing its heart. The 2006 "Happiness Factory" campaign transported viewers into a fantastical world inside a vending machine, while the 2014 "World’s Cup" ad celebrated unity through soccer, aligning with the festive spirit of togetherness.

Coca-Cola’s strength has always been its ability to evoke emotion and connection. From the groundbreaking “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” in 1971, which brought people together during turbulent times, to “Hey Kid, Catch!” in 1979, which delivered heartwarming storytelling, the brand has built its legacy on capturing the human spirit.