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Coca-Cola United Holiday Caravan — The whole family can come out for holiday fun with Santa! (Jacob Blankenship / The Bama Buzz)

Part of what makes Alabama such a great place to live is how each city seems to go all out for holidays, especially Christmas! And while I would argue that this magic is widely due to the people that make up our state, it’s also because of fun traditions like downtown Mobile’s Lighting of the Tree, classic movies at The Alabama Theatre in Birmingham and the traveling Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan.

If you haven’t been able to see the caravan for yourself, I have good news! It’s making rounds all across central Alabama this November 19th through the 30th.

Keep reading for where you can see it, what to expect and a fun story about Coca-Cola’s unique ties to Santa Claus (yes, that Santa).

Do you know about the unique ties between Santa and Coca-Cola?

Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan — Thanks to Coca-Cola, we have the jolly old St. Nicholas that we all love. (Jacob Blankenship / The Bama Buzz)

Did you know that Coca-Cola reshaped the image of the Santa we know and love today?

In 1931, Coca-Cola worked with an artist named Haddon Sundblom to make Santa friendly, happy and extra jolly. With his big smile, red suit and white beard, this version of Santa became the perfect symbol of holiday cheer.

Sundblom’s paintings for Coca-Cola popularized the cheerful Santa featured in ads, posters and billboards. To this day, this image is a beloved part of Christmas traditions worldwide. You can find him not only on Coke products, but holiday cards and more advertising efforts across the world.

Get family pictures with Santa + more holiday fun

Claiming the victory of being everyone’s favorite Santa, Coke brings out all the stops every Christmas season, starting with the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan.

The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan brings magic across the country. The decked-out holiday truck is complete with festive activities, all the Coke products you can dream of and of course, Santa Claus himself.

The best part (other than its seven stops across the Greater Montgomery Area): It’s free!