Who created the Coca-Cola Santa Claus illustrations used in advertising from 1931?

Haddon Sundblom created the Coca-Cola Santa Claus illustrations used in advertising from 1931.

Coca-Cola commissioned Sundblom to depict Santa Claus as a warm, friendly, human-sized character for its Christmas advertising. His paintings showed Santa enjoying Coca-Cola while delivering presents, helping connect the beverage with seasonal hospitality and family celebrations.

Sundblom’s work did not invent Santa Claus or create the entire modern image from nothing. Earlier literature, illustrations, and advertising had already established many elements of Santa’s appearance. His Coca-Cola paintings helped popularize a particularly cheerful, robust version dressed in red and white.

A common misconception is that Coca-Cola invented Santa’s red suit. The company’s advertising strongly reinforced the familiar look, but red-clad depictions existed before Sundblom’s campaign. The illustrations nevertheless became one of the most influential examples of branded holiday advertising.