Every year, Starbucks coffeehouses around the globe undergo a festive transformation that marks the start of the holiday season. The annual event sees baristas swapping out standard menu boards for vibrant red versions and filling their baskets with the much-anticipated Christmas Blend. Since 1997, the beloved white cups have been replaced with brightly designed holiday cups, each representing a celebration of joy and tradition.
Under the creative leadership of Kristy Cameron, Starbucks’ creative director, this year’s holiday cup designs will make their debut alongside a delightful array of festive food and beverages on November 6. “There’s something unmistakably magical about that moment the cups arrive – it’s as if the season officially begins,” Cameron expressed.
The latest designs showcase a joyful color palette that embodies warm coffeehouse textures and flowing ribbons, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages customers to linger and enjoy the festive spirit. Each cup features a special tag on the back, providing the ideal space for customers to write personal messages.
“Our return to the coffeehouse and getting back to our roots really inspired us,” Cameron noted, highlighting a theme that resonates deeply with the brand’s identity.
This year, the playful ribbon design on the cups is inspired by the aprons worn by Starbucks baristas. The theme continues throughout the cafes, enhanced by boughs of evergreen garland and rich velvet ribbons. “We’ve dipped the stores in rich textures and a deep coffee cherry red, and Starbucks green,” Cameron elaborated. “We hope our coffeehouses feel warm and festive, a place where you want to come and sit with us a little while and enjoy the holidays together.”
Bridget Searcy, the associate creative director for Starbucks holiday, echoed this sentiment: “When I see the cups have turned red, and our coffeehouses have turned red, there’s a burst of energy and excitement for the season and gearing up for festivities you have ahead.”
This year’s holiday cup designs are varied and vibrant. The “Merry Apron Strings” design features green and red aprons tied in festive bows that seem to dance around the iconic Starbucks Siren. “Our green apron partners are the ambassadors of Starbucks — greeting our customers and bringing the joy,” Cameron said about the green version, while the red design celebrates the seasonal transition from green to red aprons, marking the beginning of the holiday festivities.
The “Coffeehouse Plaid” motif draws on a traditional holiday pattern, evoking feelings of warmth and celebration. Cameron described it as a design reminiscent of “little wrapped gifts for our customers,” with a cozy plaid that evokes the comfort of favorite holiday pajamas.
For those preferring cold beverages, Starbucks has introduced matching cold cups with the same cheerful ribbon patterns. These cups are designed to perfectly complement seasonal drinks, such as the Iced Sugar Cookie Latte or Cold Brew topped with festive cold foam.
As the company prepares to unveil its new holiday offerings, the excitement in the air signals not only the joy of the season but also the cherished rituals that come with it, reinforcing Starbucks’ commitment to creating a warm, inviting space for everyone to celebrate together.
