For some people, it does not feel like the holidays are here until they have that first Starbucks festive cup in their hands. Over the years, the Starbucks holiday cups and special menu offerings have signaled the arrival of the merriment. Read on for a look at what the coffee giant has in store for the upcoming holiday season.

’Tis the Season at Starbucks

The holidays are officially in full swing at Starbucks. As of Thursday, November 5, the festive cups and menu items are available at stores throughout the world.

According to a Starbucks press release, the coffee retailer leaned on “a classic holiday movie” for inspiration in creating this year’s cup designs. The company said that the color palette featured on the cups “brought together the old and the new, pairing iconic Starbucks green, red and creamy white with retro-feeling shades like pale mint green, antique gold and deep cranberry.”

The press release went on to detail that a green vintage ribbon is the dominant motif in this year’s design, paired with “cheerful bows” to complete the look. There are two designs with red or white backgrounds, highlighted by what the company called a tree “decked with flecks of color and swirls of twine garland.” Starbucks said that the bow-themed cup includes “graphic elements deconstructed from the holiday tree,” garland, and stars.

If warm beverages are not your preference, Starbucks also offers a cold cup that is adorned with red bows and evergreen boughs. This same design is also on the pastry bags that hold your favorite holiday sweet treat.

Starbucks is also proud to offer its first-ever holiday pup cup. Humans can bring their canine friends for a special 3.5-ounce whipped cream treat in a cup all decked out for the occasion. The holiday cup was inspired by a real beagle named Junie.

Based in Seattle, the company first launched its holiday cups in 1997. At that time, the cups were designed just a few months before their release. The design process has become much longer in the years since. The company noted that “today, the holiday cups are the culmination of nearly two years of work that show up in more than 40,000 locations around the world.”

What to Expect on the Starbucks Holiday Menu

The special holiday menu is also now available in coffee houses around the globe, featuring a mix of old favorites and new concoctions. Customers will be happy to see the return of the iconic Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte, and Gingerbread Chai.

Looking to expand your horizons? Customers can now try the new Apple Pomegranate Refresher, a drink that Starbucks describes as a “bright and refreshing pick-me-up,” with apple flavors and pomegranate-flavored pearls. Or choose the Snowy Apple version, featuring the addition of creamy coconut milk to the cold drink.

Starbucks is also rolling out a Tiramisu Velvet lineup to the holiday menu. This includes a hot or iced Tiramisu Velvet Latte and a Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew. These drinks boast a velvet mascarpone cold foam to elevate your merriment.

Feeling hungry? The iconic Cranberry Bliss Bar is back in stores, joining old favorites such as the Snowman Cookie and the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish. On the savory side, Starbucks is debuting two new savory sandwiches. Customers can choose between the Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese and the Turkey & Stuffing sandwich.

Red Cup Day and Holiday Merchandise

The company also confirmed that Red Cup Day will return on Tuesday, November 17. This annual tradition gifts guests a reusable cup with a purchase of any of its holiday beverages.

The storefronts will also feature a number of new holiday merchandise offerings. The Holiday Village collection pays homage to the company’s Seattle roots with various collectibles honoring the original Pike Place store, including tumblers, espresso cups, and cold cups. Debuting on November 17, the Winter Wonderland collection offers drinkware with “whimsical details and wintry textures.”

Lastly, Starbucks confirmed that the popular Bearista Glass Cold Cup will return to stores on Tuesday, December 1.

Looking for stories that inform and engage? From breaking headlines to fresh perspectives, WaveNewsToday has more to explore. Ride the wave of what’s next.