The Holiday Tradition Returns—With a Twist
Starbucks’ annual
Red Cup Day is back, and coffee lovers across the country are lining up for their chance to snag the coveted free reusable holiday cup. But this year, the celebration comes with a side of controversy as thousands of Starbucks workers plan strikes to protest working conditions and push for union recognition.
What Is Red Cup Day?
Every November, Starbucks launches its
Red Cup Day—a one-day event where customers who order a handcrafted holiday or fall beverage receive a free, limited-edition reusable red cup. The promotion is designed to kick off the holiday season and encourage sustainable habits by replacing single-use cups with festive, reusable ones.
This year’s Red Cup Day falls on
Thursday, November 13, 2025. The offer is available at participating stores nationwide, while supplies last. Drinks that qualify include popular favorites like
Peppermint Mocha,
Caramel Brulée Latte,
Chestnut Praline Latte, and even seasonal cold brews.
How to Get Your Free Red Cup
Getting your hands on the 2025 red cup is simple:
- Visit a participating Starbucks location on November 13.
- Order any size of a handcrafted holiday or fall beverage (hot, iced, or blended).
- Receive a free reusable red cup with your drink—while supplies last.
The cups are available for in-store, drive-thru, and mobile orders, but supplies are limited and often run out quickly, so early birds have the best shot.
Worker Strikes Cast a Shadow Over the Festivities
While customers are excited for their festive cups, thousands of Starbucks employees are using Red Cup Day to stage coordinated strikes at hundreds of stores nationwide. The action, organized by Starbucks Workers United, aims to draw attention to demands for better pay, improved working conditions, and union recognition.
In Michigan and other states, some stores may experience delays or closures due to the walkouts. Workers say Red Cup Day is one of the busiest days of the year, and striking now sends a powerful message to corporate leadership.
Why Red Cup Day Matters
For Starbucks, Red Cup Day is more than just a marketing stunt—it’s a way to build brand loyalty, drive holiday sales, and promote sustainability. The reusable cups have become collector’s items, with some fans lining up before dawn to ensure they don’t miss out.
But for workers, the day highlights ongoing tensions between staff and management. The strikes are part of a broader movement that’s swept through the coffee giant over the past two years, with hundreds of stores voting to unionize and demand change.
What’s Next for Starbucks and Its Fans?
If you’re planning to visit Starbucks for Red Cup Day, check ahead to see if your local store is affected by strikes. And if you score a cup, remember: it’s not just a festive accessory—it’s a symbol of both holiday cheer and the ongoing fight for fair treatment in America’s coffee shops.
Key Takeaways:
- Red Cup Day is November 13, 2025—free reusable cups with holiday drinks.
- Worker strikes may impact service at some locations.
- The event spotlights both Starbucks’ holiday spirit and labor tensions.
Sources
1. What is 'Red Cup Day' at Starbucks? Free cup, how it works, what qualifies, size, more
2. CBS News | Breaking news, top stories & today's latest headlines
3. Starbucks' Red Cup Day is here! What to know, where to get holiday cup in Louisville
4. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
5. Will a strike affect Starbucks' Red Cup Day? What to know in Michigan
