What Is Red Cup Day at Starbucks?.. Starbucks’ Red Cup Day is an annual event celebrated as the unofficial start of the holiday season, marked by the release of festive red-themed cups that replace the regular white ones. Dating back to 1997, the tradition has grown into a highly anticipated occasion among Starbucks fans worldwide. Each year, customers can receive a limited-edition reusable red cup with the purchase of select handcrafted seasonal beverages, available in stores, drive-thrus, and via mobile ordering.
In 2025, Red Cup Day falls on November 13, when Starbucks is giving away more reusable red cups than ever before, responding to increased consumer demand and shortages experienced in previous years. The festive cups come with vibrant holiday-themed designs, embodying the spirit of the season while promoting Starbucks’ broader commitment to sustainability and waste reduction. The company aims to cut single-use waste by 50% by 2030, and encouraging reusable cup use on Red Cup Day plays a central role in this goal.
Reminder: Starbucks Red Cup Day is Thursday November 13th. Get a Free 2025 limited-edition reusable red cup when you order any size handcrafted holiday or fall beverage – hot, iced or blended.
Full info here https://t.co/fM197N0Zcq pic.twitter.com/ITEWPDz2H4— HeavenlySteals (@HeavenlySteals) November 13, 2025
Starbucks‘ holiday promotions are often accompanied by seasonal drink launches, including favorites and new offerings, creating vibrant buzz both in-store and on social media. The excitement for Starbucks merchandise is palpable, coming on the heels of viral sellouts like the Glass Bearista Cold Cup, a teddy bear-shaped 20-ounce cold cup that sold out rapidly during the previous holiday season.
Red Cup Day is not just a marketing campaign but a cultural touchstone for many coffee lovers, signaling the transition into the festive period. It also plays a role in boosting store traffic during one of the busiest times of the year. Starbucks has also faced worker strikes on Red Cup Day in previous years, highlighting the day’s significance internally and externally.
Historically, Starbucks leveraged Red Cup Day to support charitable initiatives, including partnerships with Product Red to raise funds for HIV/AIDS research, and creative marketing efforts such as augmented reality features and interactive promotions have contributed to the campaign’s enduring popularity.
To participate on Red Cup Day, customers must purchase a holiday or fall handcrafted beverage, either hot, iced, or blended, though some items like Starbucks Reserve coffees are excluded. The promotion extends to delivery services like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, allowing broader access to the coveted reusable cups.
In essence, Starbucks Red Cup Day celebrates the seasonal spirit, encourages sustainability, and drives customer engagement with festive products and limited-time offers. It remains a much-loved annual tradition that signals the joy and warmth of the holiday season for millions of Starbucks enthusiasts around the globe.