Starbucks sets Red Cup Day 2026 for Nov. 17
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The gist
Starbucks will give a free reusable holiday cup with a holiday drink purchase on Nov. 17.
The cups sell out fast, and the qualifying-drink list isn't out yet.
Background
Starbucks is the coffee chain that runs Red Cup Day, an annual tradition held each November since 2018 in which customers get a free limited-edition reusable holiday cup with the purchase of a handcrafted holiday beverage. The giveaway is known for cups selling out almost instantly. This year's date, Nov. 17, was confirmed in late October and early November reports, and it coincides with the launch of the Winter Wonderland Drinkware collection.
How it unfolded
- Nov 13, 2025Red Cup Day 2025 took place; customers who ordered a handcrafted holiday or fall beverage at participating stores got a free limited-edition reusable red cup, any size, while supplies last.
- Oct 29, 2026Starbucks revealed details of Red Cup Day 2026, confirming it falls on Nov. 17.
- Nov 2, 2026Reports confirmed the date as Tuesday, Nov. 17, with a free limited-edition reusable red holiday cup with an eligible handcrafted holiday drink, while supplies last.
- Nov 4, 2026Starbucks unveiled its 2026 holiday cup designs and said it would share more Red Cup Day details closer to the day.
- Nov 5, 2026The Starbucks holiday menu, drinkware and merchandise hit stores and the online shop.
- Nov 17, 2026Red Cup Day 2026: customers receive a collectible, reusable holiday cup with the purchase of a holiday beverage; the Winter Wonderland collection also launches.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Starbucks says it will share more details about this year's Red Cup Day as the date gets closer.
- Caution
- Taste of Home notes the cups sell out almost instantly and that Starbucks will likely publish the full list of qualifying drinks closer to the date.
Still unverified
The complete list of qualifying drinks for Red Cup Day 2026 has not been published; Taste of Home says Starbucks will likely share it as the date gets closer. Starbucks has not yet shared full details of this year's promotion.