How to play Starbucks for Life has never been more relevant than this season. The 2025 holiday edition of the Merrython instant-win game just kicked off — and offers Starbucks Rewards members multiple chances to win everything from Bonus Stars and collectible merchandise to the ultimate prize: free Starbucks for decades. With thousands of instant-win prizes and sweepstakes entries available, now is the time to get familiar with every step before you click “Play.”
What Is the 2025 Starbucks for Life Merrython Game?
Each year, the coffee giant launches a limited-time promotion called “Starbucks for Life” — a game and sweepstakes available only to Starbucks Rewards members. This year’s version, known as Merrython, began on December 8, 2025. The game offers a layered mix of instant-win opportunities and sweepstakes entries. Players can earn “Prize Plays,” redeem them for instant prizes, or enter weekly draws for major rewards.
Grand prizes include a daily credit for one free food or beverage item for 30 years. Lesser—but still appealing—rewards include one-year credits, Bonus Stars, branded merch, gift cards, and limited-edition items such as the viral glass “Bearista” cup. Collectively, the prizes and variety in 2025 aim to draw in both casual Starbucks fans and serious Rewards devotees.
Step-by-Step: How to Play Starbucks for Life Right Now
Here’s a practical breakdown of how you can participate:
1. Ensure You Have a Starbucks Rewards Account
You need to be logged into your Starbucks Rewards account via the app or website. If you’re not yet enrolled, sign up. Registration is free and straightforward — just link your account to a payment method (or prepare to use the no-purchase entry method).
2. Access the Merrython Game
Open the Starbucks app or visit the promotion’s official site. After logging in, look for a holiday-themed gift box, banner, or button prompting you to start the game. Tap to begin.
3. Earn Prize Plays
Prize Plays are what you use to enter. You earn them in several ways:
- Making qualifying Starbucks purchases (using a linked payment method through the app).
- Completing designated activities — often weekly tasks or special in-app promotions.
- Signing in weekly to get base plays and sweepstakes entries.
- Using the no-purchase entry method if you prefer not to buy anything.
Prize Plays accumulate in your account and remain valid until redeemed or until the associated entry period ends.
4. Redeem Prize Plays for Instant Wins or Sweepstakes Entries
Each Prize Play gives you one chance to win instantly or to get a ticket into the sweepstakes draw. You redeem plays via the app or promotion website. Results are shown immediately: either you win a reward, or you see a “no-win” message. Instant wins include Bonus Stars, merchandise, or perhaps a sweepstakes ticket. Sweepstakes entries go into weekly drawings for top-tier prizes.
5. Use No-Purchase Entry if You Don’t Want to Buy
If you prefer not to spend anything, there’s a no-purchase option. Simply fill out the alternate entry form on the promotion site — providing your name and email — to get the same opportunity at Prize Plays. This keeps the contest accessible to all U.S. Rewards members.
What You Could Win: 2025 Prizes Overview
The 2025 prize pool includes:
- Grand Prize – “Starbucks for Life”
- Daily credit for one free Starbucks food or beverage for 30 years.
- First-Tier Prizes – “Starbucks for a Year”
- Daily credits for one free menu item for 365 days.
- Instant Win Prizes (common):
- Bonus Stars (used to redeem drinks or food),
- Gift cards,
- Holiday or collectible merchandise (like mugs, tumblers, or the much-hyped Bearista cup),
- Other branded items or small rewards.
- Seasonal Merchandise — including the “Bearista” Cup
- The 2025 holiday season has seen an unusually high allocation of Bearista cups. They are a hot commodity among fans and collectors, and this game offers a rare shot at winning one — without paying resale prices. Note: these are often limited to one per winner.
Entry Periods, Odds, and Restrictions
The Merrython promotion follows a structured schedule:
| Entry Period | Prize Draw Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 8–Dec 14 | Dec 15 | Entry plays earned this week count toward draw |
| Dec 15–Dec 21 | Dec 22 | Week-based plays and entries expire after draw |
| Dec 22–Dec 28 | Jan 5 | Final holiday-week push |
| Dec 29–Jan 4 | Jan 5 | Last chance for sweepstakes entries |
“Day” resets at Midnight PT (first day starts at 4:00 a.m. PT).
- You can earn daily Prize Plays from purchases or via the alternate entry option.
- Weekly account log-ins typically grant a base Prize Play and sweepstakes entry.
- Some weeks may include bonus plays.
Important restrictions:
- Sweepstakes prizes are limited to one per person.
- Some premium instant-win or merchandise prizes (like the Bearista cup) are capped at one per winner.
- Partner employees and baristas may be excluded from sweepstakes eligibility.
As with any sweepstakes, odds for grand prizes are very low. The bulk of wins tend to be smaller — Bonus Stars, merch, or modest rewards — but these still add value for regular Starbucks customers.
Tips and Best Practices to Maximize Your Gains
If you’re serious about playing:
- Log in weekly to collect base plays, even if you don’t make purchases.
- Use no-purchase entries if you don’t frequent Starbucks — this keeps your account active for draws.
- Space out your plays — use them as soon as you earn them to avoid expiration.
- Check your Starbucks app daily for new promotions or bonus tasks, which sometimes provide extra plays.
- Don’t count on big wins — treat potential prizes as fun bonuses. Most winners get smaller rewards like Bonus Stars or merch.
- Set expectations appropriately — 30-year credits are rare, but free drinks, gear, or Stars are neat perks.
Why 2025’s Edition Feels Extra Special
This year, the combination of expanded prize pools, seasonal hype, and collectible merchandise makes the promotion more exciting than usual. The “Bearista” glass cup — already a viral hit — is available via the game, giving fans a second shot at grabbing one without fighting store crowds or paying inflated resale prices.
The overall user experience has been streamlined: getting Prize Plays, redeeming them, seeing instant results — all within the app. Plus, the holiday timing aligns with Starbucks’ broader seasonal offerings, drawing more interest than typical promotions.
For longtime Starbucks customers or casual visitors seeking freebies, it strikes a balance between fun and value.
What to Know Before You Play
- You must have a valid Starbucks Rewards account.
- Prize Plays earned without purchase remain valid through the applicable entry period.
- Sweepstake winners will be notified via email linked to their account and must complete any required validation.
- Merchandise prizes may have shipping or redemption delays — be patient.
- Even credits are subject to Starbucks’ standard menu and redemption policies (non-alcoholic drinks or food, participating U.S. stores only).
Final Thoughts
With the 2025 “Starbucks for Life” Merrython game in full swing, now is the perfect time to sign up (or log in) and start collecting Prize Plays. Whether you’re hoping to sip coffee for decades or just win a Bearista cup or bonus Stars, every play counts.
Let us know below — what did you win so far? We’d love to hear your Starbucks for Life stories.