10 Surprising Facts About Starbucks’ 2024 Holiday Menu You Need to Know

As Starbucks gears up for the holidays, fans eagerly await the return of beloved seasonal flavors and exciting new menu items. Leaked details hint at a blend of festive classics and innovative flavors, including cold foam options, arriving nationwide on November 7 to kick off the season.

Starbucks Unveils Festive 2024 Menu with Classic Favorites, New Flavors, and Secret Treats

As the festive season approaches, the anticipation for holiday celebrations grows, and at the world’s largest coffee chain, the holiday preparations are already well underway. Starbucks’ 2024 holiday menu, leaked online earlier in October, has sparked fans' excitement, conversations, and early holiday anticipation. According to Tasting Table, this year’s offerings promise to bring back customer favorites and introduce new flavors, including a range of innovative cold foam options, set to launch in stores on November 7. While awaiting the official release of these seasonal treats, Starbucks enthusiasts are reflecting on holiday offerings from years past, wondering what else might make a return.

Winter at Starbucks is more than just festive drinks; it’s an intricate process that brings seasonal joy to life, from menu creation to the iconic red cups’ design. This holiday season, Starbucks promises a mix of classic and new beverages, and fans can expect popular flavors like peppermint and chestnut, along with fresh introductions such as a salted pecan crunch. Additionally, “secret” menu items crafted by customers, like the Toasted Chestnut Praline Cold Brew and the Grinch Frappuccino, offer an insider’s twist on holiday flavors. These off-menu concoctions, inspired by customer creativity, add an extra layer to the holiday experience for those who know how to order them.

Starbucks also brings the holiday spirit to customers' homes through seasonal retail offerings. Products like the longstanding Christmas Blend, crafted with aged Sumatra beans and dark roast flavors, have brightened winter months since 1984. Meanwhile, the Holiday Blend, a medium roast with notes of maple and herbs and a selection of limited-edition peppermint mocha offerings, provides cozy flavors to enjoy at home.

Starbucks Brings Global Holiday Spirit with Festive Flavors, Iconic Red Cups, and Charitable Giving

Throughout North America, Starbucks locations offer the same festive drink lineup, with exceptions in unique places like airports or grocery stores. However, international Starbucks stores feature regionally inspired holiday flavors that reflect local traditions, such as the Apple Joy Latte in China and the Chestnut Mont Blanc Oatmilk Latte in Asia-Pacific.

Nothing signals the season's arrival more than Starbucks’ iconic red cups. Since 1979, these colorful holiday symbols have evolved, initially appearing in vibrant shades before settling into the recognizable candy-apple red in 1999. Each year’s cup design has its festive flair, while red remains a constant, symbolizing holiday warmth.

While the red cups are celebrated as seasonal icons, they have also sparked occasional debate, particularly the minimalist red cup design in 2015. This ignited a social media discussion over the absence of holiday symbols. Nonetheless, Starbucks continues prioritizing inclusivity, aiming for holiday designs that welcome customers from all backgrounds.

Beyond seasonal drinks and decorations, Starbucks extends its commitment to holiday giving through charity initiatives. The company supports local communities yearly with toy drives and partners with organizations like Toys for Tots. Campaigns such as "You Vote, We Give" allow customers to participate in directing charitable donations, illustrating Starbucks' dedication to spreading holiday cheer in meaningful ways.