The annual holiday tradition at Starbucks is back: Red Cup Day 2025 is scheduled, and fans across the U.S. are gearing up to grab that iconic reusable red cup. With a holiday-menu launch, festive drinks, limited-edition merchandise and the famed free-cup giveaway, this is one of the most anticipated fast-food/coffee chain events of the year. Whether you’re a regular Starbucks Rewards member or just curious how it works, here’s everything you need to know about the date, the freebie, how to claim it — and smart tips to make sure you don’t miss out.
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Official Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025.
- Holiday Menu Launch: Wednesday, November 6, 2025.
- Free Item: A reusable red holiday cup, given with purchase of a handcrafted holiday beverage (while supplies last).
- Eligible Channels: In-store, drive-thru, mobile app orders and delivery services at participating U.S. locations.
- Bonus Incentives: Many cups allow future discount (e.g., $0.10 off) and Starbucks Rewards members often get extra Stars when using their reusable cup.
What’s New for 2025
This year Starbucks is leaning into the holiday season with a robust lineup of menu items, swag, and a big behind-the-scenes staffing push:
- Starbucks confirmed the date via Instagram and announced it’s investing more in store staffing for the holiday rush.
- The holiday menu features returning favorites like Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte and Iced Gingerbread Chai — plus festive treats including the Polar Bear Cake Pop and Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread.
- Starbucks is also collaborating with Hello Kitty for a special holiday merchandise collection.
- Cup design may vary, but historically the red cup is reusable and made with ~95 % recycled materials in recent years.
How to Get Your Free Red Cup – Step by Step
Here’s what your readers should do to participate:
- Check your local Starbucks store. Ensure it’s participating (most are, but supplies can vary).
- Visit on Thursday, Nov. 13. That’s the official Red Cup Day for the U.S. in 2025.
- Order any handcrafted holiday beverage. Size doesn’t usually matter – hot, iced or blended holiday drink qualifies.
- The cup comes with your drink. No extra cost beyond the drink purchase. While supplies last.
- Use via any channel. In-store, drive-thru, Starbucks app order, or delivery (Uber Eats/DoorDash), depending on location.
- Bring the reusable cup back. In years past, bringing it back meant a small discount (e.g., $0.10 off) and extra Rewards Stars.
Why This Promotion Matters (For Starbucks & Consumers)
- “Red Cup Day” has proven to drive a significant spike in store visits and mobile orders for Starbucks. In 2024, the day saw a 42.4% uplift in visits compared to a typical Thursday.
- For customers, it’s more than just a free cup — it’s a seasonal ritual and collectibles opportunity. Many people plan to arrive early to ensure they get one.
- For Starbucks, it builds holiday buzz, drives loyalty (via Starbucks Rewards), and reinforces the holiday-season marketing calendar.
Smart Tips & Insider Tricks
- Arrive early. Some stores run out of cups before midday. Try early morning if possible.
- Use the Starbucks app. Even app orders (pickup or delivery) are eligible, if the store qualifies.
- Order one drink — don’t buy just for the cup. Keep the purpose legitimate — a holiday drink is required.
- Bring your reusable cup next time. The “free cup” essentially becomes a reusable vessel that earns you future benefits.
- Check local store announcements. Some locations may have quirks or supply constraints.
- Share the experience. Social media posts and hashtags help build buzz — ask your readers to tag their cup photos!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I get the free red cup more than once?
A: No. The offer happens once on the specified Red Cup Day and is “while supplies last.” Starbucks limits one per customer and per store policy.
Q: Which drinks qualify?
A: Typically any handcrafted holiday beverage from the seasonal menu. The official holiday menu for 2025 launches Nov. 6, so the eligible drinks list will be revealed around that time.
Q: Can I redeem the cup through delivery?
A: Yes — many locations include the free cup in app or delivery orders, but it depends on store participation and stock.
Q: Is the cup reusable?
A: Yes. It’s intended to be a reusable holiday cup and in previous years, Starbucks offered discounts or bonus Stars for using it again.
Ready to Sip, Save & Share?
Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 13, 2025 and set a reminder to visit Starbucks early on Red Cup Day. Whether you’re collecting the cup or simply hoping to enjoy a festive beverage, this is a holiday moment worth being part of. Take a peek at our Starbucks menu prices.
Want more fast-food & coffee deal guides? Here are three you might like:
- McDonald’s Monopoly Game 2025: Full Details, Prizes & How to Play
- Subway Launches Happy Gilmore Meal with Collectible Cups
References
- Starbucks Reveals Date for Red Cup Day 2025 — People (Oct 20 2025).
- Starbucks Holiday Menu Returns Nov. 6 — Starbucks Newsroom (Oct 6 2025).
- Get a FREE Reusable Cup on Starbucks Red Cup Day — The Krazy Coupon Lady.
- Starbucks Holiday Menu 2025: What’s on it? — Greenville Online (Oct 7 2025).
- Starbucks Holiday Menu Drops in Early November, plus Red Cup Day Will Return — Yahoo!/News (Oct 2025).
