Starbucks Red Cup Day 2026: Expected Date and How to Get the Free Reusable Cup

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2026?

Starbucks has not announced it yet. Red Cup Day has fallen on a Thursday in mid-November every recent year, about one week after the holiday menu launch:

The Starbucks holiday menu 2026 starts Thursday, November 5, and Starbucks says Red Cup Day returns "later this season." Social media posts also point to November 12, but nothing is official. Starbucks usually confirms the date only a week or two before. We'll update this page the moment it does.

How to get the free Starbucks red cup

Based on how Red Cup Day 2025 worked:

1. Go to a participating US Starbucks on Red Cup Day
2. Order a handcrafted holiday or fall drink
3. Get a free limited-edition reusable red cup, while supplies last

In 2025, Starbucks said it would give away more cups than in past years and added extra baristas. The cup was red with white illustrations of a cozy house and holiday decorations.

Tip: go early. Cups are only available while supplies last.

Bring the cup back for a discount

Starbucks gives a 10-cent discount when you bring a clean reusable cup, including your holiday cup, all year.

Do you need Starbucks Rewards?

Starbucks hasn't said Rewards is required. In 2025, the free cup came with a qualifying holiday or fall drink. Check the Starbucks app on the day for the exact rules.

More holiday drinks

• Starbucks holiday menu 2026: Tiramisu Velvet Latte, Apple Pomegranate Refresher and more, from November 5
• McDonald's holiday drinks 2026: Frosted Cranberry and Cookie Butter, from November 3
• Dunkin' holiday menu 2026: rumored November 4