It's not just Mariah Carey defrosting that signals the start of the holiday season, but also the unveiling of festive menus at coffeehouses and fast food restaurants.

Hot on the heels of McDonald's new Christmas drinks menu comes Starbucks' 2026 seasonal offering from Nov. 5, which includes the return of festive classics as well as the Tiramisu Velvet lineup debut, an Apple Pomegranate Refresher, and new sandwiches and treats.

Also back is the Bearista cup, the bear-shaped glass tumbler that the brand says sold out in less than a day last year, causing disappointment among fans. A new Bearista Cake Pop, as well as Bearista-adorned merchandise, is coming too.

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Launches are happening on different dates over the coming weeks, so if you don't want to miss out on your favorite holiday beverage or limited-time merch, pay attention. Here's what's launching — and when.

What's on the Starbucks holiday drinks menu this year?

From Nov. 5, four seasonal favorites are back: the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte and Gingerbread Chai.

The same date will see the launch of the new Apple Pomegranate Refresher, which Starbucks bills as featuring "crisp apple flavors and popping pomegranate-flavored pearls." There will be a creamier alternative available: a Snowy Apple variation, made with coconut milk.

Starbucks is launching new tiramisu drinks for the 2026 holiday season. (Starbucks)

Also on Nov. 5, you'll be able to sample the new Tiramisu Velvet duo. A twist on the traditional Italian dessert, the Tiramisu Velvet Latte will be available hot or iced, and the Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew will finish off the collection. Both drinks are, according to Starbucks, topped with a velvet mascarpone cold foam and cocoa and coffee dusting.

When is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks' Red Cup Day is back on Nov. 17. Customers who purchase a qualifying handcrafted holiday beverage at participating Starbucks locations will receive a free, limited-edition reusable holiday cup, while supplies last.

The Bearista cup is back, as well as other merchandise

The Bearista Glass Cold Cup returns on Dec. 1, but only to select coffeehouses and while supplies last. The bear-shaped design once again features a green beanie-shaped lid and striped straw.

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Ahead of the launch, a new Surprise Box Edition is coming on Nov. 10, featuring a range of festive character glass cold cups. Customers will only know which festive character their box contains after purchase. Again, supplies are limited, so if you want to get your hands on one, we advise moving fast.

You won't know which festive character's in your Glass Bearista Cold Cup Surprise Box until you open it. (Starbucks)

Another glass cold cup to be aware of is the holiday tree design, which will be available to purchase from Nov. 5.

On the same date, drinkware featuring the Bearista motif will hit shelves, along with a miniature plus bear on a keychain and other matching accessories.

On Nov. 17, the Winter Wonderland line lands: a collection of drinkware in an icy blue and white color scheme. There's a quilted cold cup, iridescent water bottles and a snowglobe-topped mug, among other items.

There's a Bearista Cake Pop this year too

For the full bear moment, you can pair your Bearista cup with a new Bearista Cake Pop this holiday season. From Nov. 5, Starbucks will sell the new cake pop for a limited time. So it's another holiday menu item to get while you can.

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Other food items include two sandwiches: the new Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese and the Turkey & Stuffing Sandwich, which Starbucks says features a new recipe. A sweet treat trio — the Cranberry Bliss Bar, Snowman Cookie and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish — will all be returning.