The much-anticipated Starbucks free cup day is confirmed for Thursday, November 13, 2025 — and here’s everything U.S. customers need to know.
What is Starbucks Free Cup Day?
Also known as Red Cup Day, Starbucks’ free cup day is an annual holiday-season event in which the coffee chain gives away a free reusable holiday cup when a customer purchases a handcrafted holiday beverage. The reusable cup is typically a grande-size (16 oz) collectible drinkware piece that marks the beginning of the Starbucks holiday season.
Confirmed Date for 2025
- The official giveaway date is Thursday, November 13, 2025.
- The Starbucks holiday menu launches a week earlier on Wednesday, November 6, 2025.
- Customers can enjoy their first festive drinks starting November 6, but the free cup promotion happens only on November 13.
How to Get Your Free Cup
On Starbucks free cup day, customers can get their complimentary reusable holiday cup by:
- Purchasing any handcrafted holiday beverage (hot, iced, or blended) on November 13 at participating U.S. locations.
- Ordering through any channel — in-store, drive-thru, Starbucks app, or delivery services.
- Remember, cups are available while supplies last, so it’s best to visit early in the day.
- The free reusable holiday cup is a grande (16 oz) size.
What Holiday Drinks Qualify?
For 2025, Starbucks’ holiday drink lineup will include returning favorites and new festive beverages such as:
- Peppermint Mocha
- Caramel Brulée Latte
- Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
- Iced Gingerbread Chai
- Chestnut Praline Latte
- Eggnog Latte
Any handcrafted holiday-themed beverage typically qualifies for the free cup, whether hot, iced, or blended.
What the Free Cup Looks Like & Its Perks
The 2025 holiday cup collection will feature six new festive designs in classic red and green tones, along with plaid and ribbon patterns. The limited-edition reusable cup available on Starbucks free cup day will complement this year’s theme.
Past designs have been made with about 95% recycled materials, offering both environmental benefits and collector appeal. Additionally, customers who reuse their holiday cup on future visits often enjoy a small discount or earn Starbucks Stars toward rewards.
Tips & Things to Know
- Go early: Supplies are limited, and the free cups often run out within hours of store opening.
- Check eligibility: Most U.S. stores participate, but checking with your local Starbucks ensures you don’t miss out.
- Any size works: Tall, grande, or venti — all sizes qualify when purchasing a handcrafted holiday beverage.
- Bring your cup back: Using your reusable cup for future visits may earn small discounts or extra rewards.
- Be ready for crowds: Red Cup Day usually attracts large morning turnouts, especially at busy urban and suburban locations.
- Plan ahead: Ordering through the Starbucks app early in the morning can improve your chances of securing the free cup.
Why Fans Look Forward to It
For many customers, Starbucks free cup day marks the unofficial start of the holiday season. The event blends the excitement of holiday flavors with the fun of collecting the iconic red cup design. Over the years, these reusable cups have become a cultural favorite, signaling the transition from autumn drinks to the cozy, festive atmosphere of winter.
Many customers also appreciate Starbucks’ sustainability push through reusable cups, helping reduce single-use waste while giving coffee lovers a stylish way to enjoy their seasonal favorites. It’s a win-win for both brand loyalty and environmental awareness.
Quick Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, November 13, 2025 |
| What to purchase | Any handcrafted holiday beverage (any size, hot/iced/blended) |
| Eligible channels | In-store, drive-thru, Starbucks app, or delivery |
| Free item | One limited-edition reusable holiday cup (16 oz grande size) |
| Supplies | While supplies last — early arrival recommended |
| Holiday menu launch | November 6, 2025 |
| Re-use perks | Discount or Starbucks Stars when reused |
The Excitement Behind Starbucks Free Cup Day
Each year, this one-day promotion builds enormous buzz online, with Starbucks enthusiasts posting photos of their cups and drinks across social media. The tradition has grown beyond a marketing event into a shared seasonal celebration, uniting coffee drinkers across the country.
Collectors often keep multiple cups from different years, while others enjoy the practical side of reusing the cup throughout the holiday season. Starbucks free cup day serves as both a celebration of holiday flavors and a reminder of community and sustainability.
If you plan to join the fun this year, remember to mark November 13 on your calendar and arrive early to grab your free reusable holiday cup before it’s gone!