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Starbucks Swanston Street Is Back — and It’s Pouring Christmas Early
Deck the halls (and your cup): a first look at Starbucks’ Holiday menu, prizes for best festive fits, and a meet-and-greet with Starbucks Santa.
Melbourne, your caffeine-forward Christmas has officially clocked on early. Starbucks 117 Swanston Street is back — freshly renovated, and throwing a festive celebration to prove it. From 7:30am on Saturday, November 1st, until Monday, November 3rd, the refurbished store will mark its grand reopening with an exclusive first taste of the Starbucks Holiday Menu ahead of the rest of Australia, complete with giveaways, prizes, and an appearance by Starbucks Santa himself.
Cue the first sip of a Peppermint Mocha, the scent of gingerbread in the air, and a queue of caffeine devotees in sequinned Santa hats. It’s Melbourne’s unofficial kick-off to the silly season — and this year, it’s got a latte more sparkle.
The Holiday Line-Up
Starbucks’ festive favourites are triumphantly returning: Gingerbread Latte, Toffee Crunch Latte, and the ever-nostalgic Peppermint Mocha. Each can be poured hot, iced, or blended into a Frappuccino® — ready to carry you through every office-party hangover and Christmas-shopping sprint.
New for 2025, there’s a Matcha Latte with festive cold foams and a Cold Brew topped with cold foams — perfect for those who prefer their cheer chilled. Sweet tooths are sorted too: the Gingerbread Donut, Gingerbread Cookies, and Matcha Donut all return alongside baguettes for a savoury reset between sugar highs.
And yes, the iconic Starbucks festive takeaway cups are back — this year wrapped in bold ribbon-and-bows designs that coffee fans wait all year to see.
Melbourne’s Exclusive First Look
On Saturday 1st November, Swanston Street will transform into Australia’s festive epicentre. Starbucks Santa will be on-site for photos and merry chaos, while the brand will hand out coveted cold cups, holiday mugs, and gift cards to the most festively dressed fans — think tinsel energy meets tasteful knits.
There’s even a Santa lucky dip loaded with merch and drink cards, so your odds of walking out with a treat are high. The only real decision: peppermint or gingerbread.
Sitchu Tip: Go early for limited merch, rally your crew in coordinated fits, and split the table — one orders the Peppermint Mocha, another the Gingerbread, someone brave takes the Matcha with festive foam. Rotate, taste, and snap the lot. Content and caffeine: sorted.
When the Rest of Australia Joins In
From Tuesday 4th November, the Starbucks Holiday Menu rolls out nationwide, with stores from Perth to the Gold Coast joining the celebration. Every store will embrace the sparkle — right down to the iconic Starbucks festive takeaway cups that double as collectors’ items for loyal fans.
Plan Your Visit
Where: Starbucks, 117 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD.
When: From 7:30am, Saturday 1st November (with special activities taking place that day only) until Monday 3rd November 2025.
Getting there: Steps from Swanston Street trams; a short stroll from Flinders Street Station.
Good to know: Giveaways are for opening day only — and while stocks last.
The Wrap-Up
More than a store reopening — it’s Melbourne’s festive flex. The city gets its first pour on the holiday season, but come Tuesday, 4th November, the cheer (and caffeine) goes nationwide. Whether you’re queuing for a selfie with Starbucks Santa or chasing your next peppermint hit closer to home, one thing’s clear: Christmas now comes with extra foam.
Ready to join the fun? Visit the newly reopened Starbucks 117 Swanston Street — because Christmas tastes better with whipped cream, a dash of peppermint, and your favourite people in tow. Find your nearest store here.
