Every Starbucks Holiday Cup Design Since 1997

Adam Campbell-Schmitt
·3 min read

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Starbucks "red cups" — which actually started out purple.

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

We all have our benchmarks for when the "holiday season" actually starts, whether you're the kind of person who complains that Pumpkin Spice Lattes arrive in August or the kind of person who hums Christmas carols well before Halloween. But at Starbucks, the holiday vibe shift really kicks in come November when mochas can once again be peppermint-flavored and every hot drink is served in a colorful container.

For 25 years, Starbucks has rolled out festive holiday cups, often dubbed "red cups" by fans for the commonly-used (though not always present) traditional Christmas palate color. In fact, sometimes the cups can be too red, as was proved in 2015 when some detractors expressed their disappointment over a pattern-less, ombré design that apparently didn't ring in the season enough.

"Since their introduction in 1997, Starbucks red holiday cups have become an iconic symbol that signifies the arrival of the holidays," a Starbucks spokesperson told Food & Wine. "Starbucks designers often take inspiration from nostalgic seasonal memories to bring merry scenes to life. Since the very first year, the cups have taken on many designs and colors, with each year’s unique take on the holidays capturing a moment in time that invites our customers in to celebrate the season with us."

Here's a look back at the cups and themes from each year of Starbucks' holiday tradition...

1997

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Jewel-toned Hues"

1998

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Embrace the Warmth of the Holidays"

1999

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Whimsical Red Cup"

2000

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Coffeetown"

2001

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Wrapped Gifts"

2002

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Holiday Line Art"

2003

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Shimmering Stars & Snowflakes"

2004

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Evergreen Wreath"

2005

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Woodcut-style Drawings"

2006

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Paper Silhouettes"

2007

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Ice Skaters"

2008

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Moonlit Woodland"

2009

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Seasonal Ornaments"

2010

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Holiday Characters"

2011

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Merry Scenes"

2012

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Holiday Characters"

2013

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Coffee Cherries"

2014

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Let There Be Bright"

2015

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Red Ombré"

2016

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Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Hand-drawn Customer Creations"

2017

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Give Good"

2018

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Starbucks Christmas Blend"

2019

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Mini Moments of Joy"

2020

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Carry the Merry"

2021

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Wrapped in Wonder"

2022

<p>Courtesy of Starbucks</p>

Courtesy of Starbucks

Theme: "Wrapped Gifts"