Coca-Cola has delivered disappointing news for festive fans in Birmingham, confirming that its famous Christmas Truck Tour will not be stopping in the city this year. The beverage giant has stated that the 2025 tour officially concluded on Monday, December 22, dashing hopes of a last-minute festive appearance.
Tour Ends Without a Birmingham Stop
The iconic red truck, which hands out free drinks and hosts games, visited the Bullring in both 2023 and 2024. However, for the 2025 schedule, it toured other major UK cities including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester, and Liverpool, with Birmingham notably absent from the list. Coca-Cola had previously confirmed it would visit 15 locations this season, leading to local speculation that the city might be the final stop.
It now appears that a visit to a care home with Heart radio in early December may have counted as one of the official 15 stops. A spokesperson for Coca-Cola has now definitively told BirminghamLive that there will be no further tour dates for the remainder of 2025.
How the Tour Operates and Future Hopes
The brand is known for its surprise element, rarely announcing tour dates far in advance and often giving fans just a couple of days' notice via its social media channels. This year's route included locations like Hatfield, Epsom, and Camberley, focusing on areas outside of the largest metropolitan centres.
For Birmingham residents who see the truck's arrival as a marker of the Christmas season, the only option this year will be to watch its appearances on television advertisements, as many have done in the past. It is too early to confirm if the truck will return to Birmingham for the 2026 festive season.
What This Means for Birmingham
The absence of the tour marks a break in a recent tradition for the city, denying locals the chance to gather for the free festivities and photo opportunities it provides. All attention now turns to whether the city can secure a spot on the route for next year. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on this and other local shopping and culture news as it develops.
