Starbucks has unveiled its festive offerings for 2026, announcing a new range of holiday cups as well as an exciting seasonal drink menu. The designs for this year’s cups draw inspiration from a beloved classic Christmas film, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE.
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The new holiday cup designs showcase a fusion of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. The colour scheme combines Starbucks’ signature green, red, and creamy white with a palette that features nostalgic shades, including pale mint green, antique gold, and rich cranberry. This year, a vintage-style green ribbon motif adds to the cups’ festive appearance, complemented by cheerful bow illustrations.
In addition to the striking visuals on the cups, two distinct designs with either red or white backgrounds have been introduced. One features a tree adorned with colourful flourishes and a charming twine garland. The other centres on a bow theme, incorporating graphic elements inspired by the holiday tree, garland, and twinkling stars. Furthermore, a cold cup variant is embellished with evergreen boughs and red bows, echoing a similar theme found on Starbucks’ pastry bags.
A notable addition to Starbucks’ holiday offerings this year is the introduction of a holiday “pup cup.” This 3.5-ounce item is inspired by an adorable beagle named Junie, marking Starbucks’ first foray into festive canine-themed cups. The company has a long history with its holiday cups, first launching them back in 1997. Initially the creation of a small group of employees, the designs now result from nearly two years of collaborative work, distributed across more than 40,000 outlets worldwide.
The holiday menu officially launched in Starbucks locations on November 5. Time-honoured favourites are making a return, including the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte, and Gingerbread Chai. Joining these classics are new concoctions, notably the Tiramisu Velvet line and an Apple Pomegranate Refresher.
The Tiramisu Velvet Latte, available both hot and iced, features a velvety mascarpone cold foam, dusted with cocoa and coffee for an indulgent experience. Meanwhile, the Apple Pomegranate Refresher is poised to offer a refreshing zing, blending apple flavours with pomegranate-flavoured pearls, and an alternative version called Snowy Apple adds a splash of coconut milk to enhance the seasonal taste.
Fans of Starbucks will also be pleased to hear that Red Cup Day—an annual tradition in which customers receive a reusable cup with the purchase of a holiday beverage—will return on November 17 this year. Additionally, the much-loved Bearista Glass Cold Cup, a staple in the holiday collection, will make its comeback on December 1.
As the holiday season approaches, Starbucks continues to position itself as a traditional part of the festive experience for many. The combination of nostalgic designs and innovative drinks is sure to attract customers looking to embrace the joy of the season while enjoying their favourite beverages. With the 2026 holiday campaign, Starbucks aims to celebrate the spirit of the holidays, providing a delightful blend of old and new that reflects the warmth and cheer of this special time of year.
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