Starbucks' Holiday Coffee Cups and Limited Editions

Each winter, coffee drinkers around the world look forward to one thing more than just the seasonal drinks — the arrival of Starbucks’ iconic holiday cups. Whether you're standing in line for a Peppermint Mocha or just grabbing your usual, those festive red-and-green designs signal the start of the season. But what exactly is new this year in Starbucks’ holiday lineup?

This year, Starbucks has unveiled its global holiday packaging collection, featuring festive paper cups available in all markets, alongside special-edition Starbucks VIA instant coffee and ground coffee blends. In addition, four exclusive collectible cups are being offered only in Japan.

What’s Included in Starbucks’ Global Holiday Packaging

Starbucks’ global design team rolled out a unified holiday packaging update last week. The most visible element is the holiday-themed paper cup, now a staple in every Starbucks store worldwide during the festive season. These cups are joined by specially designed Starbucks VIA instant coffee and ground coffee products, all wrapped in seasonal graphics.

Limited-Edition Collectible Cups in Japan

For collectors and fans in Japan, Starbucks has gone a step further. Four unique, collectible holiday cups are available exclusively in Japanese stores. These limited-edition items are part of the brand’s tradition of offering region-specific holiday merchandise, and they’re already generating attention among coffee enthusiasts and design fans alike.

The Tradition Behind Starbucks Holiday Cups

The release of seasonal coffee cups has become an annual tradition for Starbucks, often kicking off the holiday shopping and coffee seasons. Over the years, these cups have evolved from simple red designs to more elaborate, minimalist, or themed illustrations. The holiday packaging is one of the most anticipated elements of Starbucks’ seasonal calendar, both for regular customers and design followers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Starbucks locations get the holiday cups?

Yes, the holiday-themed paper cups are available in all Starbucks stores globally as part of the standard holiday packaging launch. This includes both company-operated and licensed locations.

What’s new in Starbucks’ holiday packaging this year?

This year’s global update includes new holiday-designed paper cups, plus special holiday editions of Starbucks VIA instant coffee and ground coffee. The exact designs may vary slightly by market, but the festive theme is consistent worldwide.

Are the collector cups available worldwide?

No, the four collectible holiday cups are exclusive to Japan. They are not part of the global rollout and are only available in Japanese Starbucks stores.

Does Starbucks still release a plain red cup?

The article does not specify whether a classic plain red cup is included in this year’s lineup. Historically, Starbucks has alternated between themed designs and solid red cups, but the current global design update emphasizes festive patterns.

What other holiday coffee products does Starbucks offer?

Beyond cups, Starbucks offers seasonal drinks like Peppermint Mocha and Pumpkin Spice Latte, as well as holiday-themed VIA instant coffee and ground coffee blends. Specific offerings may vary by region.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffees for Holiday Brewing

Pair your Starbucks holiday cup with a custom brew from FrontStreet Coffee. Try the Ethiopia Humbera for bright citrus and floral notes, or the Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit tones — both shine as pour-over picks. For something richer, the PWN Golden Mandheling delivers deep chocolate and cinnamon warmth, perfect with a splash of holiday cream. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.