If you’re a coffee lover, it’s likely you’ve been counting down to the return of Starbucks’ iconic Red Cup Day, the unofficial kickoff to the holiday sipping season.
The good news is that it’s coming sooner than expected this year, and there are a few new perks and surprises brewing behind the scenes.
Whether you’re loyal to the Peppermint Mocha, can’t get enough of the Caramel Brulée Latte, or simply want to snag the coveted reusable red holiday cup, this one-day event is not to be missed.
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What is Red Cup Day?
Starbucks Red Cup Day is a fan-favorite annual event where customers receive a free, limited-edition reusable holiday cup with the purchase of a handcrafted holiday beverage. The offer is valid in stores while supplies last, and these collectible cups often go quickly.
The promotion began in 2018 and has since become a seasonal tradition, drawing long lines and early morning visits from customers eager to enjoy their favorite winter drinks with a festive twist.
While the red cups change designs each year, the goal remains the same: bring some cheer to your cup while encouraging the use of reusable drinkware.
When is Red Cup Day in 2025?
Mark your calendar: Red Cup Day 2025 falls on Thursday, November 13.
That’s one day earlier than last year’s event and a full two weeks ahead of Thanksgiving. This decision definitely positions Starbucks to get a head start on the busy holiday shopping season.
The earlier launch aligns with broader retail trends we’ve seen over the past few years, as brands compete to capture consumers’ attention (and wallets) ahead of Black Friday.
To participate, customers simply need to order a handcrafted holiday beverage, hot, iced, or blended in any size, and they’ll receive this year’s reusable red cup at no additional cost, while supplies last.
What’s on the Starbucks holiday menu?
The return of Red Cup Day also signals the full rollout of Starbucks’ holiday menu. Fan favorites are back, including:
- Peppermint Mocha
- Caramel Brulée Latte
- Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
- Iced Gingerbread Chai
The Chestnut Praline Latte and fan-favorite Eggnog Latte will return later in the season.
You’ll also find a festive lineup of seasonal bakery items, such as the Polar Bear Cake Pop, new Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread, and returning Snowman Cookie, Cranberry Bliss Bear and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish.
In addition to the returning stars, Starbucks has hinted at new twists on old favorites and potential exclusive merchandise drops tied to the red cup launch. The 2025 red cup design is said to feature a bold “modern nostalgia” theme, balancing tradition with a fresh look, but Starbucks is keeping full design details under wraps until the official release.
More than just a cup
Beyond the eye-catching holiday design, this year’s red cup rollout comes with a deeper push toward sustainability and digital convenience.
Starbucks continues its effort to reduce single-use cup waste and promote reusable drinkware. Last year, the red holiday cup qualified for the chain’s 10-cent discount and 25 bonus Stars in the Starbucks Rewards program when used on future orders. Hopefully, the same discount (or an even better one) will apply again this year.
Customers using the Starbucks app can now opt to bring in their own reusable cup and still order ahead which is a move that removes one of the biggest barriers to reuse.
Behind the scenes: Staffing and seasonal support
Red Cup Day is one of the busiest days of the year for Starbucks, and the company has taken steps to prepare accordingly.
In recent years, Starbucks has responded to employee feedback by boosting staffing levels, improving training programs and investing in wage increases and scheduling flexibility for baristas.
Ahead of the holiday season, the company shared that it is investing in seasonal employees nationwide and prioritizing appropriate staffing for the day of the event. This is part of a broader strategy to improve customer wait times and maintain high service levels during peak hours.
These efforts come on the heels of continued labor discussions and unionization efforts at some Starbucks locations. While the Red Cup Day promotion is primarily a consumer-facing campaign, it also highlights the tightrope Starbucks walks between meeting high seasonal demand and supporting its frontline workers.
Tips for scoring your free red holiday cup
Want to make sure you don’t miss out? Here are a few tips to help you snag your red cup:
- Go early. Cups are first come, first served and tend to run out by mid-morning at busy locations.
- Use the app. Order ahead on the Starbucks app to beat the line, but double-check that your store is participating.
- Know what qualifies. Only handcrafted holiday drinks (hot, iced, or blended) are eligible (brewed coffee and bottled beverages don’t count).
- Keep the cup. Bring it back for future visits to earn rewards and save on your drink.
Red Cup Day is more than just a freebie. It’s become a cultural moment for coffee lovers and a clever way for Starbucks to usher in the holiday season. With its earlier-than-ever launch date, expanded digital features, and commitment to sustainability, Red Cup Day offers something for loyal fans and first-timers alike.
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