Hey, coffee lovers! The holiday season is just around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time for the much-anticipated Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024! Whether you’re a seasoned Starbucks aficionado or just love a good cup of festive cheer, we have all the details you need to make the most of this year’s celebration.
What Is the Starbucks Red Cup Event?
An unofficial holiday for coffee enthusiasts, the Starbucks Red Cup Event marks the return of festive joy in a cup. On Red Cup Day, Starbucks rewards customers who purchase select holiday beverages with a free limited-edition reusable red cup. This year’s cup is a stylish accessory and eco-friendly choice, made with 95% recycled materials.
When Is Red Cup Day 2024?
This year’s Red Cup Day is on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The event kicks off at participating Starbucks locations nationwide but remember—the cups are available while supplies last, so it’s best to get there early.
How to Get Your Free Reusable Red Cup at Starbucks today
Red Cup Day at Starbucks is on Thursday. You can get drinks by going inside, at the drive-thru, using the Starbucks app, or ordering with delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Step 1: Purchase a Holiday Beverage
To snag your free red cup, purchase one of Starbucks’ select holiday-themed beverages. These drinks are available hot, iced, or blended, and the size of your drink doesn’t affect your eligibility—you’ll receive a red cup no matter which size you choose.
Which drinks 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
Tip: Feeling adventurous? Try a new holiday drink you haven’t tasted before!
Step 2: Visit Participating Locations
You can order your qualifying beverage in several ways:
- In-Store: Walk into your local Starbucks and place your order.
- Drive-Thru: Prefer to stay in your car? No problem!
- Mobile App: Order ahead using the Starbucks app for quick pickup.
- Delivery: Even delivery orders are eligible on Red Cup Day!
Why the Reusable Red Cup Is a Must-Have
Eco-Friendly and Stylish Red Cup
This year’s red cup is crafted with 95% recycled materials, making it a chic and sustainable addition to your coffee routine. It’s a standard 16-ounce cup, perfect for most of your favorite beverages.
Perks of Using Your Red Cup
- $0.10 Discount: Bring back your reusable red cup (or any reusable cup) on future visits and enjoy a $0.10 discount on your drink.
- Starbucks Rewards Bonus: If you’re a Starbucks Rewards member, you’ll earn 25 Stars each time you use your reusable red cup. That’s a nice boost toward your next free drink!
I can’t tell you how often I’ve forgotten my reusable cup at home, but the Red Cup Event always gets me back into the habit. Not only do I feel good about reducing waste, but those extra Stars add up quickly!
The Impact of Red Cup Day
In previous years, the event has led to a substantial increase in in-store traffic:
- 2023: A 31.7% increase in visits compared to the previous five-week daily average.
- 2022 and 2021: Even higher jumps of 81% and 65%, respectively.
With nearly 40,200 Starbucks locations globally as of September 2023, including about 18,400 in North America, a lot of holiday cheer is being spread!
Last month, Starbucks excitedly revealed their adorable holiday-themed cup collection, featuring some fun new drinks inspired by “Wicked”! These limited-time beverages celebrate the enchanting characters of Glinda and Elphaba.
There’s something magical about the buzz in Starbucks stores on Red Cup Day. Strangers become friends as they discuss their favorite holiday drinks, and baristas often get into the festive spirit with holiday music and decorations.
Last year, I spoke with a fellow customer about the best way to customize a Peppermint Mocha. We ended up sharing our favorite holiday recipes and left with our red cups and a newfound friendship.
Tips for Making the Most of Red Cup Day
- Arrive Early: Supplies are limited, and the red cups are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Check Store Participation: While most locations are participating, confirming with your local store is a good idea.
- Customize Your Drink: Don’t be afraid to make your holiday beverage your own. Add an extra shot, switch up the milk, or sprinkle some cinnamon on top!
- Join Starbucks Rewards: If you’re not already a member, now’s the perfect time to join and start earning Stars.
- Be Patient and Kind: Baristas will be handling higher volumes of orders. A smile and a thank-you can go a long way.
Reusing Your Red Cup
Make your red cup a regular part of your Starbucks visits. Not only do you get a discount and earn extra Stars, but you’re also contributing to reducing single-use cup waste.
- Care Instructions: The cup is dishwasher safe but not microwave safe. Handwashing can help extend its life.
Gift Ideas
Consider grabbing an extra holiday beverage and a red cup for a friend or family member. It’s a thoughtful and festive gesture that can brighten someone’s day.
I surprised my coworker last year with a Peppermint Mocha and a red cup. She was thrilled; it became a fun tradition we plan to continue this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get more than one free red cup?
The promotion is limited to one free red cup per customer with the purchase of a qualifying holiday beverage while supplies last.
Do I have to order a specific size to get the red cup?
Nope! The size of your drink doesn’t affect your eligibility. Order the size that suits you best.
Is the red cup available outside of the U.S.?
Yes! Participating Starbucks locations across the U.S. and the U.K. are offering the reusable red cup, but availability may vary by country.
Can I use the red cup immediately for my drink?
Due to health and safety regulations, Starbucks may not allow you to use the red cup for the initial purchase, but you can return it on your next visit.
Share your Red Cup Day experiences on social media using the hashtag #RedCupDay. Whether it’s a photo of your festive beverage, your red cup collection, or a shoutout to your favorite barista, we’d love to see how you’re celebrating!
I love scrolling through the #RedCupDay hashtag to see everyone’s creative photos and drink ideas. It’s like a virtual holiday party!
Wrapping Up
The Starbucks Red Cup Event is such a fun tradition that brings coffee lovers together for the holidays! It’s not just about the free reusable cup—it’s a celebration filled with delicious seasonal drinks and awesome perks for reusing your cup. There’s so much to love and enjoy during this festive time!
So, set your alarms for Thursday, November 14, 2024,, and get ready to savor the season’s flavors. Don’t forget to bring your holiday spirit and maybe even make a new friend in line! Happy sipping, and here’s to a wonderful start to the holiday season!
