Life

Sbux Holiday Drinks Are Affordable Cups Of Joy

by Lucia Peters

They’re here! They’re here! They’re finally here! Starbucks’ holiday drinks are back for 2016! With their arrival, however, also comes a whole lot of questions, among which is this very, very important one: How much do Starbucks holiday drinks cost? The price varies a little bit depending on where you are, but the good news is that you can get your dose of holiday cheer for under $5 a pop in just about any location in the United States. Hoorah!

Starting Nov. 1 (which is, uh, today), the Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, Caramel Brulee Latte, and Chestnut Praline Latte all make their triumphant return to the mighty ‘Bux for the 2016 holiday season. While it’s true that the arrival of these winter-perfect beverages also marks the end of Pumpkin Spice Latte season, it’s hard to be too upset about it; in some ways, we can think of the PSL as a prelude to the joys of the holiday season. Also, Gingerbread Lattes are the best. Just sayin’.

But to answer our initial question, a 12-ounce Tall holiday drink of any variety ranges between about $4.25 and $4.75, depending on the market you’re in. If you live in a place with a higher cost of living (or if that’s just where you happen to be when you’re getting your Starbucks on), you can expect to pay on the higher end of the scale; similarly, if you’re in an area with a lower cost of living, odds are you’ll pay something closer to $4.25. I don’t tend to shell out for these suckers every day, myself; I reserve them for “sometimes treats,” which makes them that much more special.

What’s more, the occasional Peppermint Mocha isn’t the only way you can indulge your need for seasonal joy for cheap. Why not add these options to the list as well? And if you can partake in them while enjoying a Peppermint Mocha (or a Chestnut Praline Latte, or whatever your particular holiday pick of choice tends to be), all the better.

Build A Snowman

I mean, sure, it may not have snowed where you are yet — but it will eventually. Just you wait. Then you can get your Anna and Elsa on and warm up with a hot drink afterwards. Heck yes.

Go On A Holiday Light Tour

Whether or not this one clocks in at under $5 might depend on whether you do it while driving (hi there, gas prices), but if you can walk, it’s free, free, free!

Strap On Some Ice Skates

A lot of cities have cheap or free ice rinks that pop up in the winter; I literally have one across the street from me. Skate rental might cost extra, but you can always see if a friend has a pair you can borrow.

Hit Up The Library

Holiday books? Check. Holiday movies and music? Check. Holiday decorations? Check. Free? Check.

Break Out The Colored Pencils

Adult winter and holiday coloring books are definitely a thing. Because of course they are.

Do Some Baking

I’m not kidding when I say that I am capable of making gingerbread cookies at any time. If you’ve already gotten the whole “stock your pantry” thing out of the way, this one has basically already paid for itself. There is nothing better than a house scented lightly with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Make Some Paper Snowflakes

Want some fancy patterns? Here you go. Have fun, kids!

Starbucks holiday drinks will be available from Nov. 1 throughout the holiday season while supplies last. Grab ‘em while you can!

Images: Starbucks; Giphy (6); Amazon