The highly anticipated Starbucks for Life holiday game is back, and this year’s competition, dubbed the Merrython, features the most coveted prize of the season: the viral Bearista Cold Cup. Following a chaotic initial merchandise drop in November that saw the glass, bear shaped cup sell out instantly, Starbucks has strategically added 17,000 units of the collectible item as a prize in its annual game. The promotion, which runs from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, is exclusively available to Starbucks Rewards members.

The immediate impact of the Bearista Cup being introduced as a prize is a dramatic shift in how customers can acquire the item. Instead of camping outside stores and battling long lines a scenario that led to high resale prices and store arguments during the first release the cup is now an instant win prize only available through the mobile game. This digital lottery style approach aims to manage the immense demand and give loyal customers a fairer chance at winning. Starbucks has confirmed that 17,000 of the 20 ounce glass cups will be given away, with winners receiving the prize via shipping after the promotion concludes in January.

The strategic significance of the Starbucks for Life Merrython is centered on engaging Rewards members through an interactive experience. Players can log in on the Starbucks app or at starbucksforlife.com to participate in the game, which involves a 90 second virtual run through four featured cities: Seattle, Milan, Tokyo, and New York City. The primary way to earn chances to win the Bearista Cup along with the grand prizes of Starbucks for Life (free food or drink every day for 30 years) or Starbucks for a Year is through earning Prize Plays. Members get one free Prize Play and one sweepstakes entry each week.

Looking ahead, the future outlook for getting your hands on the Bearista Cup depends heavily on maximizing your daily and weekly plays. Participants can earn up to two additional Prize Plays per day by making a qualifying purchase using their Rewards account in a participating store. Additionally, players can earn bonus plays by completing specific Weekly Challenges, such as ordering certain holiday beverages or sending an eGift Card. For those who prefer not to make a purchase, Starbucks offers a no purchase alternate entry method online to secure a chance to win the coveted cup and other prizes, including Bonus Stars, free drinks, and gift cards, before the game ends in early January.