Every holiday menu item, by chain and by year
Which US restaurant chains put holiday on the menu, when each launch ran, and who got there first.
Key data
MenuLaunches has tracked 82 holiday menu launches across 17 US restaurant chains between 2026 and 2026, peaking in 2026-10. The chains that use it most are Starbucks, Dairy Queen, Sonic Drive-In, McDonald's.
- Launches
- 82
- Chains
- 17
- Years covered
- 2026–2026
- Peak month
- 2026-10
Launches by month
When chains actually put this on the menu.
- 826-09
- 7426-10
Who launched holiday first in 2026
Ordered by announce date.
| # | Chain | Item | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Watch | Tres Leches Treachery | September 15, 2026 |
| 2 | First Watch | Bacon of Betrayal | September 15, 2026 |
| 3 | First Watch | Traitor Tri-Fecta | September 15, 2026 |
| 4 | P.F. Chang's | Roasted Duck with Five-Spice Cherry Chutney | September 16, 2026 |
| 5 | P.F. Chang's | Dashi Risotto with Hokkaido Scallops | September 16, 2026 |
| 6 | P.F. Chang's | King Crab Gyoza Dumpling | September 16, 2026 |
| 7 | Krispy Kreme | Churro Doughnut Dots | September 21, 2026 |
| 8 | Krispy Kreme | Original Glazed Coffee Flavored Doughnut | September 23, 2026 |
| 9 | Nothing Bundt Cakes | OREO Dirt Cake | October 2, 2026 |
| 10 | Nothing Bundt Cakes | Pumpkin Spice | October 2, 2026 |
All launches
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Peppermint Mocha
A holiday espresso drink combining peppermint flavor with mocha, returning as part of Starbucks' holiday menu.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Caramel Brulée Latte
A holiday espresso drink with caramel brulée flavoring, returning as part of Starbucks' holiday menu.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Sugar Cookie Latte
A holiday espresso drink with sugar cookie flavoring, returning as part of Starbucks' holiday menu.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Gingerbread Chai
A holiday chai drink with gingerbread flavoring, returning as part of Starbucks' holiday menu.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Tiramisu Velvet Latte
A new espresso drink available hot and iced, featuring mascarpone cold foam with cocoa and coffee dusting inspired by tiramisu.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew
A new cold brew drink featuring mascarpone cold foam with cocoa and coffee dusting inspired by tiramisu.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Apple Pomegranate Refresher
A fruity refresher combining apple flavors with pomegranate-flavored pearls.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Snowy Apple
A creamier version of the Apple Pomegranate Refresher made with coconut milk.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
Dairy Queen · Peanut Butter Blossom Blizzard
A Blizzard flavor combining vanilla soft serve with peanut butter topping, Hershey's Mini Kisses, and Blondie Brownie pieces.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Dairy Queen · Peppermint Bark Blizzard
A returning holiday Blizzard flavor combining vanilla soft serve with peppermint bark pieces.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Sonic Drive-In · Smoked Gouda and Bacon Sonic Smasher
A burger made with hand-smashed Angus patties topped with smoked gouda, crispy bacon, and black pepper aioli, available in double or triple versions.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Sonic Drive-In · Santa Slush Float
A drink mixing cherry and sweet vanilla flavors with creamy vanilla soft serve, topped with a cherry and served in a Santa-themed cup.
SeasonalWhile supplies last$3.79
McDonald's · Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite
A dirty soda-inspired spin on Sprite infused with orange and cranberry flavors, topped with cold foam, and finished with cranberry sprinkles.
SeasonalWhile supplies last$4.99
McDonald's · Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer
Red Bull energy drink mixed with orange and cranberry flavors, topped with cold foam and cranberry sprinkles, available with classic Red Bull and Red Bull Zero.
SeasonalWhile supplies last$4.79
McDonald's · Cookie Butter Frappé
A coffee drink with cookie butter flavor, a caramel cookie crumb topping, and sweet vanilla whip, served as a frappé.
SeasonalWhile supplies last$4.19
McDonald's · Cookie Butter Latte
A steamy latte with cookie butter flavor, a caramel cookie crumb topping, and sweet vanilla whip.
SeasonalWhile supplies last$4.19
McDonald's · Cookie Butter Iced Coffee
A crisp iced coffee with cookie butter flavor, a caramel cookie crumb topping, and sweet vanilla whip.
SeasonalUntil Jan 18
Zaxby's · Honey Chipotle Sauce
A sauce made with honey, brown sugar, red chili and chipotle peppers, intended for pairing with Zaxbys Chicken Fingerz and Wings.
SeasonalUntil Jan 18
Zaxby's · Peppermint Cookies & Cream Shake
A hand-spun milkshake made with peppermint-flavored soft serve blended with cookies and cream pieces, topped with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and crushed cookies and cream pieces.
ReturningWhile supplies last$6.49
Arby's · Deep Fried Turkey Gobbler
A sandwich with a quarter pound of thick-sliced deep-fried turkey, crispy onion strings, melted Swiss cheese, stuffing, cranberry spread, and mayo on a toasted Artisan sub roll.
ReturningWhile supplies last$6.29
Arby's · Deep Fried Turkey Club
A sub sandwich with a quarter pound of sliced deep-fried turkey, mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon on a toasted sub bun.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Friendly's · Snowfall Burger
Big Beef Burger with white American cheese, Alfredo sauce and hardwood-smoked bacon on a Parmesan-dusted pretzel bun, served with golden fries.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Friendly's · Fireside Melt
White American cheese and Tillamook sharp yellow cheddar with grilled chicken, hardwood-smoked bacon, tomatoes and garlic aioli on grilled sourdough, paired with golden fries.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Friendly's · Snowball Fight Sundae
Vanilla ice cream and donut holes dusted with powdered sugar and topped with hot fudge drizzle, mini marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Friendly's · Peppermint Stick Fribble
Peppermint Stick ice cream drizzled with hot fudge and crowned with whipped cream and a cherry.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Friendly's · Jubilee Cake
A seasonal ice cream roll cake featuring layered chocolate chip and chocolate ice creams beneath fudge drizzle, almonds and chocolate candies, finished with a pink frosting border.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last$3.69
Whataburger · Sleigh Berry Whatafresher
A festive refresher combining tart cranberry, juicy citrus and real cranberry pieces, topped with a lightly sweet, creamy soft whip.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last$3.99
Whataburger · White Chocolate Raspberry Shake
A creamy vanilla shake blending sweet white chocolate and tart raspberry flavors, reminiscent of white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store · Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Fluffy buttermilk pancakes swirled with cinnamon filling and drizzled with sweet cream cheese icing, served with two eggs and a choice of thick-sliced bacon or smoked sausage.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store · Country Fried Turkey Sandwich
Hand-breaded turkey tenderloins topped with creamy herbed pan gravy, served with country sides, cranberry relish and choice of buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store · Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Breakfast
Cinnamon streusel bread dipped in signature batter, griddled golden brown and topped with cinnamon and cream cheese icings, served with two eggs and choice of bacon or smoked sausage.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store · Rich DIY Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, served with a variety of toppings guests can mix and match.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store · Cinnamon Swirl Latte
A sweet cinnamon-flavored latte, available hot or iced, topped with whipped cream, a drizzle of icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Caribou Coffee · Cookie Butter White Mocha
A hot espresso beverage combining cookie butter flavor with melted white chocolate, espresso and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and crumbled cookie butter cookies.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Caribou Coffee · Cookie Butter White Mocha Espresso Shaker
Fresh espresso and cookie butter flavor shaken over ice and finished with a splash of oatmilk.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Caribou Coffee · Cookie Butter White Mocha Caribou Cooler Blended Beverage
Blended coffee drink with Caribou Cooler mix, white chocolate, and cookie butter flavor, topped with whipped cream and crumbled cookie butter cookies.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Caribou Coffee · Ho Ho Mint Mocha
A beverage pairing real chocolate and espresso with a touch of mint, available as hot or iced mocha, blended Caribou Cooler, cold brew, nitro, espresso shaker, or hot chocolate.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Caribou Coffee · Spicy Mocha
A returning seasonal beverage combining ancho chile and cinnamon spices with real chocolate and milk, available hot, iced, blended, nitro or as an espresso shaker.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Caribou Coffee · Cranberry Dark Chocolate
A returning collection of beverages combining rich dark chocolate with bright, tart cranberry flavor, available as an espresso shaker, iced or hot crafted cold brew, or blended.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Caribou Coffee · Cranberry Energy Drink
A sparkling cranberry energy drink that can be customized with lemonade and coconutmilk cold foam topping.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Caribou Coffee · Warm Spice Morning Bun
A flaky, buttery pastry rolled in a warm spice blend with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, and ginger.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Caribou Coffee · Chocolate Truffle Brownie
A fudgy chocolate brownie topped with rich chocolate truffle ganache.
New permanentPermanent
Starbucks · Peppermint Mocha Nespresso Vertuo Pods
Peppermint mocha flavored coffee now available in Nespresso Vertuo pod format, a new form factor for this existing flavor at Starbucks.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Iced Espresso Peppermint Mocha
Ready-to-drink bottled iced espresso beverage in peppermint mocha flavor, sold refrigerated in grocery stores.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Frappuccino Chilled Coffee Drink, Peppermint Mocha
Ready-to-drink, single-serve bottled Frappuccino chilled coffee drink in peppermint mocha flavor.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Peppermint Mocha Dairy Creamer
Peppermint mocha flavored dairy creamer returning to store shelves for the holiday season.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Holiday Blend
Coffee blend with notes of maple and herbs, returning as K-Cups, Nespresso Vertuo pods, and ground coffee bags.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Hazelnut Cocoa
Hazelnut cocoa flavored coffee for at-home brewing, available as K-Cups and ground coffee.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Cold Brew Concentrate
Concentrated cold brew coffee with irish cream, vanilla, and chocolate flavors, prepared by adding water and ice.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Chestnut Praline Latte-Inspired Dairy Creamer
Dairy creamer inspired by the chestnut praline latte flavor, returning for the holiday season.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Sugar Cookie Latte Non-Dairy Creamer
Non-dairy creamer in sugar cookie latte flavor, returning for the holiday season.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Dutch Bros Coffee · Cherry Pie Chai
A chai drink with cherry flavor, topped with Soft Top and cinnamon sprinkles, returning after its original introduction through a Lonely Ghost partnership.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Dutch Bros Coffee · Pumpkin Pie Spice
A pumpkin-flavored beverage topped with pumpkin Soft Top and cinnamon Sprinks, available as a latte, mocha, breve, Freeze, or cold brew, hot or iced.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Tiramisu Velvet Latte
A latte available iced or hot, and also as a cold brew, topped with a Velvet Mascarpone Cold Foam and a dusting of cocoa and coffee.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew
A cold brew inspired by tiramisu, topped with mascarpone cold foam and finished with a cocoa and coffee dusting.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Apple Pomegranate Refresher
A refresher with a crisp apple flavor and popping pomegranate pearls; can also be ordered as a Snowy Apple Refresher with coconut milk added.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Snowy Apple
A creamy twist on the Apple Pomegranate Refresher that adds coconut milk.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Peppermint Mocha
A returning seasonal drink combining chocolate, coffee, and peppermint flavors.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Caramel Brulée Latte
A returning holiday espresso beverage flavored with caramel brulée.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Sugar Cookie Latte
A returning holiday espresso beverage flavored with sugar cookie.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Gingerbread Chai
A returning holiday chai beverage flavored with gingerbread.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese
A new grilled cheese sandwich with braised short rib, part of the Starbucks holiday food collection.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Bearista Cake Pop
A cake pop themed around the Bearista character, part of the holiday food lineup.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Turkey & Stuffing Sandwich
A sandwich with turkey and stuffing, returning with an updated recipe for the holiday menu.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Sugar Plum Cheese Danish
A cheese danish with sugar plum flavoring, returning for the holiday season.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Cranberry Bliss Bar
A cranberry-flavored dessert bar, returning for the holiday season.
ReturningWhile supplies last
Starbucks · Snowman Cookie
A snowman-shaped cookie, returning for the holiday season.
Limited-time offerEnded Oct 18
Nothing Bundt Cakes · German Chocolate
Signature Chocolate Chocolate Chip cake baked and filled with a German chocolate filling of toasted coconut and butter-roasted pecan pieces, finished with chocolate ganache frosting and a chocolate drizzle. Available in personal-sized Bundtlets.
SeasonalUntil Nov 29
Nothing Bundt Cakes · Pumpkin Spice
A returning fall favorite, this spiced pumpkin cake is finished with Nothing Bundt Cakes' signature cream cheese frosting. Available in all Bundt Cake sizes.
Limited-time offer11 days left
Nothing Bundt Cakes · OREO Dirt Cake
Chocolate Chocolate Chip cake baked with Oreo Cookie pieces crumbled on top and bottom, filled with chocolate pudding, and topped with a fruity gummy worm. Available in personal-sized Bundtlets.
Limited-time offerEnded Sep 29$5.00
Krispy Kreme · Original Glazed Coffee Flavored Doughnut
A doughnut combining Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed doughnut with coffee flavor, available for a limited time around National Coffee Day.
SeasonalWhile supplies last
Krispy Kreme · Churro Doughnut Dots
Poppable doughnut dots made with Krispy Kreme's signature dough, tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with a dulce de leche dipping sauce; eight dots per order.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
First Watch · Traitor Tri-Fecta
A breakfast menu item offered as part of First Watch's limited-time collaboration with The Traitors: New Blood, featuring a Traitors-inspired twist on breakfast favorites.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
First Watch · Bacon of Betrayal
A bacon-based breakfast item offered as part of First Watch's limited-time collaboration with The Traitors: New Blood, part of a Traitors-inspired menu.
Limited-time offerWhile supplies last
First Watch · Tres Leches Treachery
A tres leches-inspired breakfast item offered as part of First Watch's limited-time collaboration with The Traitors: New Blood.