Starbucks has officially flipped the seasonal switch: the brand’s holiday cups are back, and they’re bringing a fresh burst of cheer to coffee runs everywhere. The return has become an annual pop culture marker—right up there with festive playlists and must-watch holiday specials—and this year’s collection leans into cozy textures, bold color, and a playful new collectible that’s already turning heads.
“This year’s designs feature a cheerful color palette with warm coffeehouse textures and flowing ribbons—inviting all to linger in a space that feels authentically Starbucks. On the back of each cup is a little tag perfect for writing a message,” the company says of the new lineup. It’s a tactile, graphic refresh that aims to make every latte feel a little more like a wrapped gift.
“There is something unmistakably magical about that moment the cups arrive—it’s as if the season officially begins,” adds Starbucks Creative Director Kristy Cameron. It’s a sentiment that tracks with how fans have embraced the drop in recent years, turning the first sighting of a red cup or a limited design into a social media ritual that signals the start of the holidays.
Cameron notes that the creative team looked inward for inspiration this time around. “The return to the coffeehouse and getting back to our roots really inspired us,” she says, pointing to the brand’s emphasis on warmth, community, and the shared rhythms of the café as guiding principles for the look and feel.
That ethos is echoed by Bridget Searcy, Associate Creative Director for Starbucks Holiday: “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 the festivities ahead.” The visual shift—from everyday palettes to spirited reds and greens—remains one of Starbucks’ most instantly recognizable seasonal cues.
A Festive Design With A Personal Touch
Beyond the bold colors and ribbon motifs, the small details define the 2024 collection’s charm. Each cup features a tiny writable tag on the back—designed for a quick note, a seasonal greeting, or a personal touch to a coffee delivery. It’s a simple addition that taps into the nostalgia of handwritten cards and holiday gift tags, reimagined for a modern coffee moment.
The broader design language leans into “warm coffeehouse textures,” which translates to patterns and finishes that evoke the cozy look and feel of the café itself. Paired with “flowing ribbons,” this season’s art situates the cups somewhere between festive décor and classic wrapping paper—bright, celebratory, and unmistakably seasonal. It’s a look meant to be instantly photogenic in a way that encourages fans to share, swap, and collect.
While the cups remain the star of the show, the design also complements the seasonal menu, functioning as a colorful backdrop for returning favorites and new sips alike. That balance—practical vessel, collectible object, and cultural signal—continues to be the secret sauce behind the brand’s holiday rollout.
Cold Cups Wrap Up In Ribbons
Not everyone switches to hot drinks when the temperature drops, and Starbucks is meeting iced loyalists where they are. This year’s cold cups are wrapped in red and green ribbons, a striking treatment that turns iced orders into festive showpieces. Whether it’s an Iced Peppermint Latte or your go-to cold brew, the updated design keeps the holiday feel intact even when the drink is on the rocks.
It’s a smart design play that has become a signature of Starbucks’ seasonal approach: keep the visual language cohesive across formats so the holiday story reads the same whether it’s a to-go cup, a reusable tumbler, or limited-edition merchandise. The ribbon wrap instantly ties the cold line to the broader collection while highlighting the brand’s most recognizable colors.
The continuation of icy-friendly designs also reflects how coffee culture has evolved. Iced orders are a year-round habit for many, and the holiday look ensures those drinks get the same seasonal spotlight as their steamier counterparts.
Limited-Edition ‘Bearista’ Is Already A Fan Favorite
Headlining the merch this season is an adorable curveball: a bear-shaped cold cup that’s quickly becoming a must-grab. Dubbed the “bearista,” the playful design nods to Starbucks’ barista roots with a lovable twist, and early reaction has been enthusiastic to say the least. The company confirms the bearista is available for a limited time only—so expect interest from collectors and casual fans alike as the frenzy builds.
The bearista slots neatly into the brand’s tradition of seasonal one-offs that inspire lines, swaps, and spirited hunts across stores. It’s the kind of drop that fuels the culture around Starbucks’ holiday program, turning a useful piece of drinkware into an event all its own.
As always with limited runs, availability may vary by location, and quantities are finite. For fans hoping to snag the bearista or specific cup styles, checking in with local stores early is the safest bet.
For Starbucks, the annual return of holiday cups is more than a design refresh—it’s a signal flare for the season and a bridge back to the communal rhythms of the café. From the ribbon-wrapped cold cups to the writeable tags and the headline-grabbing bearista, this year’s collection finds fresh ways to package tradition without losing the familiar warmth that keeps fans coming back.
Whether you’re picking up a round for the office, dropping off a surprise for a friend, or kicking off a weekend movie marathon, the cups are built to be part of the moment. And if history is any indication, they’ll be showing up everywhere holiday cheer does—one ribbon-wrapped sip at a time.
