Starbucks Bearista cup frenzy meets Hello Kitty collab as 2025 holiday menu launches: key dates, prices, and how to score yours

Starbucks kicked off the season on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, rolling out its holiday menu, new cup designs, and a wave of limited-edition merch headlined by the glass “Bearista” bear cup and a Hello Kitty collection. Early morning lines and near-instant sellouts showed demand is red-hot, with many stores confirming the bear cup cleared out within hours. Here’s everything shoppers are searching for—release dates, Red Cup Day 2025 timing, what’s on the menu, and where to find the bear cup.

Starbucks Bearista cup: price, availability, restocks

The viral Starbucks Bearista cup—a clear glass cold cup shaped like a teddy bear, topped with a green “beanie” dome lid—hit shelves at $29.95. Stores report same-day sellouts in many locations, and secondary listings have already spiked well above retail. Inventory varies by store; expect staggered replenishments as shipments land through November, but staff emphasize no holds or preorders and a strict first-come, first-served policy.

Tips to improve your odds

• Arrive at open: Most stores place limited holiday merch on shelves at opening.

• Ask about delivery days: Many cafés receive 1–3 shipments per week; timing differs locally.

• Check multiple stores: Urban/core stores sell out fastest; suburban locations sometimes restock midday.

• Buy in person: The Bearista cup is in-store only; online availability is not planned at this time.

Hello Kitty x Starbucks: what’s in the collab

Shoppers can find Hello Kitty–branded items sprinkled through the holiday lineup, including a clear tumbler, ceramic mug, travel cup, plush, and gift cards. The assortment is U.S. and Canada focused and released alongside the holiday menu beginning Nov. 6. Quantities are limited and selection varies by store; pieces may rotate as additional shipments arrive.

Red Cup Day 2025: date and how it works

Red Cup Day 2025 is Thursday, Nov. 13. Buy any handcrafted holiday drink and receive a free reusable red cup while supplies last. Historically, stores set daily caps for giveaways; once a café runs out, that location is done for the day. Arrive early and order a qualifying holiday beverage (hot, iced, or blended). Local availability may differ, and participation can vary.

Starbucks holiday menu 2025: new and returning drinks

Holiday beverages returned Nov. 6, with a mix of icons and newcomers designed for both hot and iced fans. Highlights include:

• Peppermint Mocha (returning favorite)

• Caramel Brulée Latte (returning)

• Iced Sugar Cookie Latte (returning)

• New: Iced Sugar Cookie Breve — a richer twist using half-and-half

• Iced Gingerbread Chai (returning)

• Chestnut Praline Latte (returning)

Bakery case standouts include the Snowman Cookie, Cranberry Bliss Bar, and a new Cinnamon Pull-Apart. As always, menus can vary by region and store size.

Key dates, times, and FAQs for Starbucks holiday shoppers

When does Starbucks release holiday drinks?
The 2025 holiday menu launched Thursday, Nov. 6.

When is Red Cup Day at Starbucks?
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, during store hours while supplies last.

What time should I go for merch like the Bearista cup?
Store open is your best bet. Ask partners about weekly delivery days to time follow-ups.

How much is the Starbucks Bearista bear cup?
$29.95 at participating stores. Limit per customer may apply; policies can vary.

Is the bear cup coming back if sold out?
Select locations expect additional shipments through November, but quantities are limited and not guaranteed. Treat every drop as limited.

Where can I find the Hello Kitty Starbucks items?
In participating U.S. and Canadian stores as part of the holiday merch wall. Selection varies; gift cards are widely available.

Quick shopper game plan

1. Map two or three nearby stores and arrive at opening.

2. Order a holiday beverage you’ll enjoy (this also sets you up for Red Cup Day on Nov. 13).

3. Scan the merch wall first for the Bearista cup and Hello Kitty items; check behind-featured displays where overflow sometimes sits.

4. Ask politely about upcoming deliveries and return on those days.

5. Avoid resale markups if you can; restocks do happen, just not everywhere.

Why demand is so high this year

The nostalgia factor of a teddy-bear design, the collectability of seasonal cups, and the cross-over appeal of Hello Kitty have created a perfect storm. Add in limited per-store allocations and social media virality, and the result is a rapid sell-through on day one. For fans, the next week is pivotal: Nov. 13 Red Cup Day draws crowds, and mid-month shipments often carry the second wave of merch.

The Starbucks Bearista cup and Hello Kitty collab are the hottest holiday collectibles in cafés right now. If you’re after the bear, shop early, check often, and plan around delivery days—and circle Nov. 13 for your free Red Cup with a qualifying holiday drink.