Starbucks Corporation commemorated the beginning of the holiday season with its 25th annual Red-Cup Day on Nov. 13 this year. All drink orders, no matter the size, were accompanied by a free, 2025 limited-edition, reusable red cup. This annual holiday tradition, majorly popularized by social media, has become a cultural phenomenon among many around the world.
Each year, a different design is placed on the cup along with its signature red color to signify the winter season. “Every year, my friends and I go to Starbucks on red cup day to get the reusable cups. It has become one of our favorite holiday traditions,” said sophomore Valeria Kontou. This year’s cup was created by the Starbucks team with hand-drawn illustrations by Starbucks designer Yvonne Chan. This year’s design is a depiction of a Starbucks location following a winter snowfall, decked out in holiday lights and wreaths, with workers and customers exchanging drinks and festive smiles in the warm store. “The red cup this year totally encapsulates the feeling of being freezing from walking to Starbucks and walking through the doors and being surrounded by warmth. I am obsessed,” explained sophomore Charliegh Seifert.
This year’s red cup is also made with 95% recycled materials, parallel to Starbucks’ sustainability promises. The red cup serves more purpose than just a festive drinking holder. After Nov. 13, customers could bring the cup back when purchasing a beverage and earn 10-cents off. In addition, Starbucks Rewards members can earn double stars on their entire order by using this cup. “I just found out about the reward benefits this year. I will definitely be bringing my cup back for points!” exclaimed sophomore Samantha Costanzo.
