Now that we’re well into November, the holiday festivities have just begun! As the temperature decreases, it’s time to get ready for the most beautiful time of the year, and what better way to do that than celebrating at your favorite coffee place? That’s right, we have finally entered the time when Starbucks starts rolling out the iconic holiday cups and the reusable red cup, and honestly, they’re always right on time!
Starbucks began its holiday cup tradition in 1997, 26 years after the company was officially launched. The holiday cups were meant to help customers celebrate the holidays with their vibrant holiday cups, which is precisely what they did. The first cup designed in 1997 was a two-toned purple cup that customers could use to get in the holiday spirit; it wasn’t until two years later, in 1999, that Starbucks switched to the classic red cups, and so the journey of red holiday cups began.
What made the Starbucks holiday cups so special were the different designs they displayed every year. Whether there were minor or major changes, customers could always look forward to a new design that would definitely get them in the holiday spirit. As the years went on, the colorful designs continuously improved! In 2022, Starbucks’ creative designer Gary Jacobson stated that the cups have a special effect on customers for the holiday season and that each year is different. “I think that’s why they have become part of many people’s holiday traditions. They invite people in because each new design captures a moment in time with its own unique take on the holidays,” he said.
So when did the iconic red holiday cup return in 2023? The holiday cups returned to stores on Nov. 2 this year! There are four different holiday hot cups. The timing this year makes a ton of sense, since the holiday cups returned to stores on Nov. 3 in 2022. Considering Nov. 1 is the worldwide unofficial transition from scary to cheery, that timing was just right for me.
As for the reusable red cup? It’s finally time! On Nov. 15, announced Red Cup Day takes place on Nov. 16 this year! Customers who purchase any size of a holiday drink will get a free limited-edition reusable red cup. If you bring the cup back to Starbucks for a refill, you get 10 cents off your drink and 25 Stars for Rewards members. Yes, please! This year, the cup has a festive twinkling design, which is sure to give you some holiday cheer every time you sip.
So, here’s how to get your free reusable red cup. On Nov. 16, head to your nearest Starbucks and order any size holiday drink, and you will receive a free reusable red holiday cup! Don’t have time to wait in line? No worries, you can order any size holiday drink through the drive-thru, on the Starbucks app, or via delivery, and you will still receive your iconic holiday cup.
The holidays at Starbucks are finally here, and I can’t wait to get my red cup!