The jolly, rotund figure of Santa Claus in a red suit is a staple of Christmas imagery. While Santa's figure existed before, Coca-Cola played a pivotal role in popularizing and solidifying this modern ...

Coca-Cola began using Santa Claus in advertisements in the 1910s and 1920s. With plans to keep using Santa, Coke hired an artist to create a new exclusive version of the famous Christmas character.

Then in 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to draw Santa Claus for its ad campaigns, and the company says he used Moore’s poem as his primary inspiration.

Then in 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to draw Santa Claus for its ad campaigns, and the company says he used Moore’s poem as his primary inspiration.

Coca-Cola first began using a version of Santa Claus Coca-Cola says was more reminiscent of Nast’s in advertisements in the 1920s, the company says. Then in 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned artist ...

Coca-Cola says it received plenty of questions from consumers through the years. “One year, Santa’s large belt was backwards (perhaps because Sundblom was painting via a mirror).

In 1930, artist Fred Mizen painted a Santa drinking a bottle of Coca-Cola in a department store, an image that was reproduced in print ads for the 1930s Christmas season. Such was his success ...