Every fall brings the long-awaited return of the Starbucks holiday menu. New festive beverages, must-have cups, and bakery items have coffee lovers running to stores once the lineup is announced in early November.
But that’s not the only way the fan-favorite coffee chain celebrates the holiday season. As Starbucks’ fans know, mid-November also means that it’s time for Red Cup Day, when you can score a free, reusable cup. This year’s Starbucks Red Cup Day is Thursday, November 13, 2025, which means that it’s finally here!
If you’re not familiar with this coffee-centered celebration, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about Starbucks Red Cup Day. One pro tip: Plan ahead and get there early to make sure you can snag your 2025 cup!
Related: I Tried All of the Starbucks 2025 Holiday Drinks & Treats and Found a New Favorite
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What Is Starbucks Red Cup Day?
Starbucks Red Cup Day is the one day each year when customers can get a free, reusable red cup with the purchase of any holiday handcrafted beverage while supplies last. The cups are limited-edition, usually holiday-themed and feature a new design every year.
This year’s red cup has a hand-drawn illustration by designer Yvonne Chan of what looks like a Starbucks coffeehouse decked out for the holidays with a wreath, lights and snow. “The design is inspired by the little moment of magic you feel when you step into a Starbucks from the cold outside,” shared Chan in a Starbucks News post.
Related: Starbucks’ Sold Out $30 Bearista Cup Is Already Selling for $300+ Online
When Is Red Cup Day at Starbucks 2025?
This year’s Red Cup Day at Starbucks is on Thursday, November 13, 2025. There’s always a lot of fan excitement leading up to the announcement of the date, and coffee fans mark their calendars to make sure they don’t miss out.
Are the Red Cups at Starbucks Free?
The limited-edition, reusable holiday red cups at Starbucks are free with the purchase of any holiday beverage. While your typical holiday drink order would come in a disposable cup, on November 13th, it will come in a reusable red cup for no extra charge, whie supplies last.
How Can I Get a Free Holiday Cup on Red Cup Day?
Customers who order a holiday beverage at participating Starbucks locations in the U.S. and Canada on November 13 will receive a free 2025 limited-edition reusable red cup while supplies last. No catch!
The best part is that this year, Starbucks is giving away more cups than in previous years. That means you have a better chance of getting one before they run out. Starbucks also said the stores will be staffed with extra baristas on Red Cup Day to greet and serve the anticipated extra customers.
What Drinks Are Eligible for Red Cup Day?
The purchase of any handcrafted holiday or fall beverage will get you a free cup at Starbucks on Red Cup Day. The full list of eligible drinks can be found below:
- 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
(Note that Starbucks Christmas Blend and Starbucks Reserve Christmas brewed coffee are not included in this offer.)
Do You Get a Discount at Starbucks if You Use a Reusable Cup?
This really is a gift that keeps on giving. Customers who bring their reusable red cup (or any reusable cup) to use for future Starbucks visits will receive a 10-cent discount on their beverage purchase, plus double stars on their order if they’re Rewards Members.
Related: Starbucks’ New DIY Drinks Are Coming to Grocery Stores
Courtesy Korin Miller
What Else Can You Get at Starbucks for the Holidays?
Red Cup Day gives you a good excuse to try one of Starbucks’ new holiday drinks, which include fan favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte and Caramel Brulee Latte, as well as new festive cold foams and an Iced Gingerbread Chai. The bakery is also stacked with fun treats, including the Snowman Cookie, Cinnamon Pull-Apart bread and adorable polar bear cake pops.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago or New York (or have plans to visit one this season), you’re in for even more holiday goodies. Try the new Caramel Miso Hot Cocoa or the Caramel Brulee Eggnog Latte, a fun twist on one of the classic holiday beverages.
Wanting something…stronger? Starbucks Reserve Roasteries are also serving Eggnog Espresso Martinis and Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martinis for the holidays. Pair any beverage with one of their new holiday cookies, Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Cake, Pistachio Raspberry Tart or one of the four flavors in their new collection of artisanal croissants.
But that’s not all. Starbucks has recently released a variety of other cups and mugs available for purchase. The Bearista Cup is a particularly cute glass tumbler shaped like a bear (who is also a Starbucks barista). It’s sold out, though, as each location only got three cups, leaving Starbucks to issue an apology over the teddy bear fiasco. The Golden Poinsettia Mug and Red Ribbon Tumbler are also perfect additions to your holiday cup lineup.
And if you’re in the mood for some extra cuteness, Starbucks and Hello Kitty are collaborating this year. You can find a Hello Kitty boxed plush, a lidded mug, a stainless steel water bottle and tumbler and a special acrylic cold cup design as part of this partnership.
Related: The Genius Hack for Making Your Iced Coffee Taste Like a Holiday Starbucks Specialty Drink
