It’s official, the holidays have arrived at Starbucks as its annual “red cup day” has returned.
This year, the coffee chain is also giving away free reusable holiday cups to customers across the U.S. from Thursday, November 13.
The promotion offers a free limited-edition 2025 reusable red cup to customers who order a handcrafted holiday or fall beverage at participating Starbucks stores.
The offer applies to any size drink—hot, iced or blended—and is available while supplies last.
A Seasonal Tradition
Starbucks’ holiday cups have become a cultural marker of the winter season since the first version debuted in 1997.
While the cups have appeared in various colors and designs over the years, the early red-themed editions established the “red cup” as a recognizable annual symbol for many customers.
The promotion typically generates high foot traffic for the chain and has developed a following among collectors who look for each year’s design.
How To Get a Starbucks Red Cup
Disposable Starbucks red cups will be available in stores from November 13, but this year customers can also get hold of a limited edition reusable red cup to mark the season.
To receive the complimentary cup, customers must purchase one of Starbucks’ seasonal or fall handcrafted beverages. The eligible lineup includes:
- Peppermint Mocha
- Caramel Brulée Latte
- Sugar Cookie Latte
- Sugar Cookie Breve
- Gingerbread Chai
- Gingerbread Latte
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- White Hot Chocolate
- Hot Chocolate
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai
- Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte
- Pecan Oatmilk Cortado
- Holiday and Fall Cold Foams and Protein Cold Foams
The free cup is available through all ordering channels, including in-store, drive-thru, the Starbucks app, and delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats. As in previous years, availability may vary by location.
What the Recycled Starbucks Red Cup Looks Like
This year’s design, made with 95 percent recycled material, features hand-drawn artwork by Starbucks designer Yvonne Chan. The illustration is meant to evoke the contrast between the cold outdoors and the warmth of entering a café.
“The design is inspired by the little moment of magic you feel when you step into a Starbucks from the cold outside,” Chan said in a statement. “With the hand-drawn sketch, I tried to capture the feeling of something crafted by one person for another.”
This year’s seasonal merchandise has also been drawing attention beyond the drinkware giveaway. In recent days, Starbucks’ limited-edition glass “Bearista” cup—featuring a teddy-bear design—has sparked significant demand.
The item, released on November 6, sold out quickly at many locations and has already prompted a growing resale market.
Starbucks says customers who bring any clean reusable cup—including the 2025 red cup—will receive a 10-cent discount on their beverage. Starbucks Rewards members will also earn double stars on their full order when using a personal cup.
