Why Coffee Brands Sell More Cups Than Drinks at Christmas

It’s that time of year again: the holidays creep closer, the air turns colder, and your social feeds fill up with photos of people holding brightly colored cups with snowflakes and reindeer on them. You’re not here for another listicle of ‘best seasonal lattes.’ You want to know why every coffee chain suddenly becomes a gift shop — and which of those holiday cups, mugs, and yes, even slippers, are actually worth the hype.

Every December, major coffee brands like Starbucks and Costa roll out limited-edition holiday cups, often accompanied by themed drinks and, increasingly, offbeat accessories. This year, Costa went a step further with festive-themed slippers. The real draw? The collectible containers, not necessarily the drinks inside.

The Annual Christmas Cup Craze

As the holidays approach, global coffee chains launch seasonal promotions centered around themed hot drinks and desserts. But the most anticipated items aren’t the beverages — they’re the cups. Year after year, coffee shops temporarily transform into accessory retailers, with festive cups as the main event.

Starbucks: The Cup Collector’s Favorite

Starbucks is the undisputed leader in holiday cup mania. Its Christmas-themed plastic, ceramic, and insulated tumblers consistently sell out — and resell for double or more on platforms like Taobao. In 2015, the brand released a now-iconic series of holiday cups, and the tradition continues every year with new designs. Fans eagerly await the release, often lining up or hunting online for the limited stock.

Costa: Early to the Game with Paper and More

This year, Costa jumped the gun by two months, switching to Christmas-themed paper cups as early as November. The bright, festive designs delighted customers, who quickly turned the cups into makeshift photo props thanks to a social media campaign encouraging users to share selfies with their drinks. The paper cups may be disposable, but Costa listened to fans and released three matching ceramic versions for keepsakes.

Costa’s Unexpected Holiday Accessory: Slippers

Not stopping at cups, Costa’s marketing team identified a “pain point” — sore feet from holiday shopping — and launched a line of soft, festive-themed slippers. Marketed as the perfect way to unwind after a long day of shopping, the slippers are meant to be paired with a warm drink at home. Available exclusively at UK-based Costa locations, they’ve become an unusual but talked-about holiday offering.

Why Do Coffee Brands Sell Cups Instead of Just Coffee?

Holiday cups function as both marketing tools and seasonal merchandise. They generate buzz, encourage social sharing, and create a sense of urgency through limited availability. For many customers, these cups have become collectibles — part of an annual tradition that’s as much about the container as the coffee inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Starbucks Christmas cups sell out every year?

Yes. Starbucks’ holiday-themed cups, especially limited-edition plastic, ceramic, and insulated versions, often sell out quickly. Many fans turn to resale platforms where prices can be more than double the in-store cost.

When does Costa start selling Christmas cups?

In 2023, Costa began selling its Christmas-themed paper cups in November, two months earlier than usual. The brand also later released matching ceramic cups for those wanting a reusable option.

What other products does Costa sell for Christmas?

Besides cups, Costa launched festive-themed slippers in the UK for the 2023 season. The cozy slippers are marketed as a way to relax after holiday shopping and are available in select Costa stores nationwide.

Are Starbucks Christmas cups reusable?

Starbucks offers a range of reusable holiday cups each year, including ceramic and insulated tumblers. The brand also encourages customers to bring in their own reusable cups year-round.

Why do coffee brands focus so much on holiday cups?

Holiday cups generate excitement, encourage social media sharing, and tap into the tradition of collecting. They serve as both promotional tools and seasonal merchandise that enhance brand engagement during the holidays.

Where can I buy Costa’s Christmas slippers?

Costa’s festive slippers are available at participating locations across the UK. They are not available online and are promoted as a holiday in-store exclusive.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Holiday Brewing

For your holiday cup — whether it’s red, green, or ceramic — try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright citrus and floral notes, or their Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit. Both single origins shine as espresso or filter and pair beautifully with a festive mood. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.