Starbucks fans, rejoice! The annual Red Cup Day is almost here, and it’s one of the most exciting days of the year for coffee lovers everywhere. This unofficial holiday marks the start of the festive season at Starbucks, where you can snag a limited-edition reusable red holiday cup with the purchase of any select holiday-themed beverage. Whether you’re into hot lattes or chilled iced drinks, this is your chance to celebrate the holidays and score a little Starbucks swag.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Red Cup Day 2024—what it is, when it happens, how to get your cup, and why it’s such a big deal.
What is Red Cup Day?
Red Cup Day is a beloved annual tradition at Starbucks. It’s the day when Starbucks rewards its customers with a free reusable red cup, but there’s a catch: you have to order a specific holiday-themed beverage to earn it. This free cup comes with a purchase of select seasonal drinks and is available at participating Starbucks locations for a limited time. The red cup is the ultimate symbol of the holiday season at Starbucks, and many fans collect them year after year.
For Starbucks, Red Cup Day is more than just about getting free swag—it’s about celebrating the holiday season and connecting with customers over shared traditions. With its vibrant red design, the cup is a reminder of the warm, festive vibes that the holidays bring. It’s a tradition that has become almost as popular as the drinks themselves!
When is Red Cup Day in 2024?
This year, Red Cup Day will be on Thursday, November 14, 2024. That’s the day when Starbucks fans can finally get their hands on these iconic red cups. But remember—this giveaway is only while supplies last, so if you want to get yours, it’s best to act fast!
Starbucks often sees a rush of customers during this event, so make sure to plan accordingly. If you’re aiming to get the red cup at a specific time, try arriving early or placing an order online to avoid any disappointment.
How to Get Your Free Red Cup?
Getting your free red cup is simple, but there are a few steps to follow. Here’s how it works:
- Visit a Participating Starbucks: Red Cup Day only applies to participating locations, so make sure you’re going to a store that’s taking part in the promotion.
- Order a Holiday Beverage: You must purchase one of Starbucks’ select holiday drinks. These drinks are the only ones that come with the free red cup.
- While Supplies Last: The red cups are limited, so once they’re gone, they’re gone! Make sure you don’t miss out by heading to the store early.
- Pay and Get Your Cup: After purchasing your holiday beverage, you’ll receive your red cup. Keep in mind that the cup is only available with the purchase of a drink, so it’s not a freebie on its own.
Eligible Holiday-Themed Beverages
Not all Starbucks drinks are part of the Red Cup Day promotion. To earn your free cup, you’ll need to order one of the select holiday beverages. Here’s the full list of drinks that qualify:
- Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai Tea Latte
- Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
- Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Caramel Brulée Latte
- Chestnut Praline Latte
- Cran-Merry Orange Refresher
- Cran-Merry Lemonade Refresher
- Cran-Merry Drink
- Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
- Hot Chocolate
- Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint Mocha
- Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
- Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
- Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
- White Hot Chocolate
These drinks come in both hot and iced varieties, so whether you prefer a warm beverage to enjoy the season or a chilled drink, there’s something for everyone.
Hot and Iced Drink Options for Red Cup Day
The beauty of Red Cup Day is that it’s not limited to just one type of drink. You can get your holiday-themed beverage either hot or iced, depending on your mood or the weather. Hot drinks like the Peppermint Mocha or Caramel Brulée Latte are perfect for cozying up on a cold day, while iced versions of drinks like the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso or Peppermint Cold Brew are ideal for those who want to sip something cool yet festive.
So, whether you’re enjoying a steaming mug of Pumpkin Spice Latte or a refreshing Cran-Merry Lemonade Refresher, you’ll still get the free red cup.
The Red Cup Design: A Sneak Peek
This year’s Red Cup design is more than just a cute seasonal accessory. Starbucks has given its holiday cups a fresh look, drawing inspiration from the community and togetherness that the holiday season brings. The theme for 2024 is “Merrier Together,” which symbolizes how the holidays unite people. The cups feature a mix of cranberry red, signature Starbucks green, and white, creating a cozy yet vibrant vibe.
The designs this year feature some musical elements, like the sound of voices coming together, reflecting the spirit of celebration and community. You’ll find four different hot cup designs and one cold cup design, each designed to reflect the joys of the season.
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The Sustainable Side of Red Cup Day
Not only are these red cups adorable and festive, but they’re also eco-friendly. This year, Starbucks has made the red holiday cups using 95% recycled materials. Starbucks has been focusing on sustainability in recent years, and this reusable red cup is a great example of how they’re incorporating more environmentally-conscious practices into their products.
The cups are designed to be reused, which is great for both your wallet (with a discount on future orders) and the planet.
Starbucks App and Delivery Options
If you’re someone who loves convenience, you’ll be happy to know that you can still participate in Red Cup Day even if you’re not able to make it into the store. You can place an order through the Starbucks app or get your drink delivered to you via Starbucks delivery services. Simply order any of the eligible holiday beverages, and you’ll receive the red cup with your drink, just like if you were at the store.
This makes it easier than ever to enjoy the holiday cheer without leaving your house!
What Happens After Red Cup Day?
Even after Red Cup Day is over, there are still perks to bringing your red cup back to Starbucks. If you bring your reusable red cup on future visits, you’ll receive a $0.10 discount on your order. Plus, if you’re a Starbucks Rewards member, you’ll earn 25 Stars for bringing your red cup back. It’s a win-win!
More Ways to Get Involved with Starbucks Holiday Spirit
While Red Cup Day is the highlight of the holiday season at Starbucks, it’s far from the only festive offering. Starbucks rolls out other seasonal promotions, like special holiday drinks, exclusive merchandise, and themed events. Make sure to stay tuned for more announcements from Starbucks to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Why Starbucks’ Red Cup Day Matters
For Starbucks, Red Cup Day is not just a promotional event—it’s a celebration of the holidays and the sense of community that coffee brings. It’s a time when customers come together to enjoy seasonal beverages, create memories, and share in the joy of the season.
The event has become a staple of the Starbucks experience, and the red cup is now a symbol of the brand’s connection to its customers during the holiday season.
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Conclusion
Red Cup Day is one of the most anticipated days of the year for Starbucks fans, and for good reason! With the chance to snag a limited-edition reusable red cup with the purchase of a festive drink, it’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season. Just remember, the cups are limited, so be sure to act fast on Thursday, November 14th, 2024. Whether you’re sipping your favorite seasonal beverage in-store, on the app, or via delivery, don’t miss out on the free holiday swag!
FAQs
When does Red Cup Day start?
Red Cup Day 2024 will be on Thursday, November 14. It’s a one-day event, so mark your calendars!
Do I have to order a hot drink to get the red cup?
No! You can order any holiday beverage, whether hot or iced, to qualify for the red cup.
Can I get a red cup if I order through the Starbucks app or delivery?
Yes, you can! Red Cup Day is available for orders made via the app or delivery services as well.
What happens if the red cups run out before I can get one?
Unfortunately, the cups are only available while supplies last. If you miss out, keep an eye out for future promotions!
Can I use the red cup to get a discount on my next visit?
Yes! You’ll get a $0.10 discount when you bring the red cup back to Starbucks for a future order. Plus, you can earn 25 Starbucks Rewards Stars!