For anyone who adores puppy-like drinkware or simply can’t resist seasonal drops by Starbucks, here’s a tip-off that you’re going to fall head over heels: Starbucks is introducing its holiday 2024 collection, with quite a stir already brewing about one inside the collection—the Bearista Cold Cup.
The cup, which is shaped like a teddy bear and has a small straw, is topped off with its own tiny green stocking cap that sports the Starbucks logo. Seriously. And yes, that’s real.
The capacity of the photogenic glass is 20 ounces and is meant for your favorite cold drink, cold brew, iced matcha, maybe even a holiday cocktail if the season gets you in the spirit. Priced at $29.95, it launches on Thursday, November 6, and let’s be honest: it probably won’t be there for long.
Why Is Everyone Talking about This Cup?
It does not get cuter than this; it is collectible. Every year, holiday cups have been issued by Starbucks for both fans and even casual shoppers who look forward to just what the holiday offerings are in terms of cups and tumblers. Some may appreciate designs, while others are hardcore collectors. The Bearista cup? Totally something that people will hunt down. Think of it as the holiday equivalent of a limited-edition sneaker drop, except it holds coffee.
In addition to the Bearista, Starbucks is releasing a whole holiday range of drinkware. A few of the highlights include:
- A white tumbler wrapped in gold ribbons—$21.95
- A festive puppy tumbler—$24.95
- Red Cup and mug-shaped ornaments — $12.95
Nothing goes wanting, with something for every taste (and budget), but it’s clearly the bear that steals the show.
Starbucks Holiday Menu: What Will Come Again?
What is a cute little cup without something delicious to fill it? As always, Starbucks has prepared to bring forth its lineup of favorite seasonal drinks, much anticipated by fans starting November 6:
- Peppermint Mocha (the Original of holiday drinks)
- Caramel Brulée Latte
- Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
- Cranberry Bliss Bar
- Sugar Plum Cheese Danish
- Classic Snowman Cookie
The Bearista cup is certainly safe for cold drinks and therefore is a natural accompaniment to all of the iced selections. But nobody is going to stop a person from pouring a hot chocolate into there if that’s what they want.
Cash Chalet
Speaking of bears and coffee… This Polar Bear likes to have his morning drink on the slopes of Cash Chalet. It’s a fun 5×3 slot with 25 paylines and a cozy, snow-covered theme. Our Bear and his Leopard will take you on a snow adventure filled with bonuses and rewards.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Game Highlights
- Layout: 5 reels, 3 rows, and 25 paylines
- Volatility: Medium — balanced for steady wins and big potential
- Top Prize: Up to 50,000x your bet per line
- Wild Symbol: The Bear – substitutes for all symbols except Coins and Scatters
- Scatter Symbol: The Chalet – your ticket to the Free Games feature
Free Games Feature
Land 3 Chalet Scatters on reels 1, 3, and 5 to trigger the Free Games bonus!
You’ll get to choose between two exciting modes:
- Big Symbols Mode
- 5 Free Games
- Reels 2, 3, and 4 merge into one giant reel showing Oversized Symbols
- Great for landing huge combos!
- Major Symbols Mode
- 8 Free Games
- Only high-paying symbols appear — no low-value ones cluttering the reels
- Perfect for those who prefer consistent, quality wins
Hold & Spin Feature
This is where things really heat up!
You can trigger it in two ways:
- During the Base Game, when 6 or more Coins appear anywhere
- During Free Games, if an Oversized Bonus symbol lands on the center reels
Once triggered, the game transforms:
- The board becomes 15 independent reels.
- Triggering Coins lock in place, and you get 3 Re-Spins.
- Each new Coin or Collect symbol resets your Re-Spins to 3.
- Collect Coins total up the values of all visible Coins and hold that sum until the feature ends.
- Fill horizontal rows with Coins to win Jackpots:
- 1 row = MINI Jackpot
- 2 rows = MINI + MINOR Jackpots
- 3 rows = MINI + MINOR + MAJOR Jackpots
Bonus Extras
- Bonus Bet: Boosts your odds of triggering Free Games or Hold & Spin
- Buy Feature: Skip the wait and purchase direct entry into your preferred bonus round
Pack your mittens and get ready for a frosty escape to the mountains in Cash Chalet! With plenty of ways to score cool (and warm!) rewards it makes for a cozy gaming experience.
In a Flash: How Did Starbucks Get This So Big?
From a one tiny little coffee shop in Seattle founded back in 1971 to becoming a global brand, Starbucks went through this in-between, never offering any lattes or frappuccinos, just beans, machines, and a little ambition.
It all changed after the company’s partnership with Howard Schultz in the late 80s. He thought about bringing Italian espresso bar culture to the U.S., and voilà! Today, there are over 35,000 Starbucks locations across the world.
And yes, the seasonal merchandise has now become much a part of the experience as the coffee itself.
Just Some Fun Facts to Know of for Cup Collectors
- Starbucks first introduced holiday cups in 1997.
- Some collectors own hundreds of tumblers, mugs, and cups.
- Certain rare cups resale for hundreds on sites like eBay.
- Fans queue up on launch day. Yes, even before the stores open.
For some, it’s a cute cup; for others, a little tradition that makes the season that much more special. And hey, with the way things are going in the world, more of us could use a little lighthearted fun, right?
How to Get the Bearista Cup
The Bearista cup will be available at Starbucks locations all across the U.S. on November 6. That’s when you’ll find it in store next to the new holiday merchandise and drinks, but, of course, there won’t be very many. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
If you have eyes on this one, don’t wait too long. Because these things move fast.
In the end, it could be a collector, casual coffee drinker, or a person who loves to even just have a bear moment; all these aspects make Bearista worth a check. It’s cheerful, giftable, and it’s bound to sell out.
But, even better, sipping from a bear-shaped cup while shopping for gifts or catching snowflakes is probably pretty on brand with the season.