Does the arrival of the Coca Cola truck at Ipswich’s Asda Whitehouse superstore today really mark the start of Christmas?

The Christmas Coca-Cola truck visited the Clacton Factory Outlets in 2014 (Image: Archant)

The red American-style lorry - as featured in Christmas adverts for the global fizzy drinks brand since 1995 - makes pit stops around the country each year, bringing festive cheer and free pop to fans, plus the opportunity for a selfie.

The truck visited the Cornhill in Ipswich back in 2012 and in 2014 it was at the Factory Village in Clacton. This year it will visit Ipswich’s Asda store on the Whitehouse Industrial Estate between 1pm and 9pm on Thursday, December 8 and neighbouring Norwich on Friday, December 9.

Looking back to 2014 when the Coca Cola truck came to Clacton (Image: Archant)

Visitors will have the chance to wander through an enchanted winter wonderland, before having their photo taken with the decorated lorry.

Free cans of Coke will be handed out and there will be a screening of a short Christmas animation once darkness falls.

The Coca Cola truck on the Cornhill, Ipswich in 2012 - photo by Georgina Gallant (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

For some, the first screening of the Coke advert, which is always set to the catchy ‘Holidays are coming’ jingle, signals the start of the Christmas countdown.

In recent years, others would argue it is the heartwarming John Lewis advert that gets them in the Christmas spirit.

However, the spectacle has caused some controversy with some opposed to the over-promotion of the sugary drink to young children.

Reacting to the news on Facebook, Rod Lucas said: “Thank you for the warning not to be in Ipswich on 8th December! The ‘holidays’ are not coming. We had those in the summer. It is CHRISTMAS that is coming, and without the help of a fizzy drink.”

What are your views? Will you be queuing up for a photo or avoiding town on December 8? Share your views below or email us with your comments.