December Food Freebies Holiday Promotions And Special Offers For Savvy Shoppers

December brings not only festive celebrations but also an abundance of food-related freebies and promotional offers across the United States. From national food holidays to Christmas-inspired promotions, consumers can find numerous opportunities to enjoy complimentary treats and discounted items. This comprehensive guide details the available free food offers and promotional deals throughout December, helping shoppers maximize their savings during the holiday season.

December National Food Holidays with Freebies

December is filled with national food holidays that inspire restaurants, bakeries, and food brands to offer complimentary items and special promotions. These celebrations provide consumers with opportunities to enjoy free samples, discounted treats, and limited-time offers.

Early December Food Holidays

December 4 – National Cookie Day The holiday season is synonymous with cookies, and National Cookie Day makes it even sweeter for cookie enthusiasts. Popular bakery chains and restaurants participate in this celebration by offering free cookies to customers. In previous years, Subway has given away free cookies with any purchase. Great American Cookies has offered free cookies at some locations with no purchase necessary. Additionally, Insomnia Cookies has provided free cookie promotions or discounts through their mobile app. Local bakeries often join the celebration with their own giveaways, making it worthwhile to check neighborhood establishments for special offers.

December 5 – National Comfort Food Day This holiday celebrates hearty dishes that warm both the heart and soul, such as creamy mac and cheese and savory pot pies. Many restaurants and diners honor National Comfort Food Day by offering discounts or complimentary comfort food classics. Consumers are encouraged to check local establishments for specific deals, as participation varies by location. This day provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy favorite comfort foods without the usual expense.

December 8 – National Brownie Day Chocolate lovers have a special reason to celebrate on National Brownie Day, as various establishments offer free brownie samples and promotions. Killer Brownie Co. has provided online deals for free brownie samples in the past. Local bakeries frequently participate in this celebration by offering giveaways, often advertised on their social media pages. Consumers are advised to monitor local bakery announcements and online platforms to take advantage of these chocolatey treats.

December 9 – National Pastry Day National Pastry Day celebrates flaky, buttery delights including croissants, danishes, and other pastries. Many bakeries and cafes participate by offering free pastries or discounts. Chain establishments like Panera Bread and Krispy Kreme have been known to offer special promotions. Local cafes and bakeries often join the celebration, making it beneficial to check neighborhood establishments for deals. This day presents an ideal opportunity to pair a complimentary pastry with a favorite coffee beverage.

Mid-December Food Holidays

December 10 – National Lager Day Beer enthusiasts can raise a glass to National Lager Day, a celebration of crisp and refreshing lager varieties. Breweries, pubs, and restaurants often mark the occasion with special offers, including free samples and discounted pints. Some establishments feature limited-edition lagers specifically for this holiday. Local breweries typically host events, making it worthwhile to check with nearby breweries for special tastings or promotions.

December 12 – National Cocoa Day As winter temperatures drop, National Cocoa Day offers a warm and sweet escape. Cafes, bakeries, and grocery stores celebrate by offering free or discounted cups of hot cocoa, often with festive toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy canes. Coffee chains like Dunkin' and Starbucks have participated in previous years with special promotions. Local establishments frequently host cocoa-themed events, providing additional opportunities to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.

December 12 – National Gingerbread House Day This whimsical holiday inspires gingerbread-themed treats and activities. Coffee shops often offer gingerbread-flavored drinks and may include a free gingerbread cookie or mini house kit with purchase. Grocery stores like Whole Foods have hosted events where children can decorate gingerbread cookies for free. Local bakeries and specialty shops may also offer gingerbread house kits or complimentary gingerbread treats, making it a family-friendly celebration.

December 14 – National Biscuits and Gravy Day This comfort food classic takes center stage on National Biscuits and Gravy Day. Local diners and some chains have offered free or discounted biscuits and gravy with any meal. Cracker Barrel has participated in previous years with special breakfast promotions. The holiday provides an opportunity to enjoy this Southern comfort food favorite at no cost or with significant savings.

December 15 – National Lemon Cupcake Day While specific promotional details for this holiday are limited, bakeries and cafes often participate in National Lemon Cupcake Day with special offers. Some establishments provide complimentary lemon cupcakes with purchase or through loyalty programs. Local bakeries may advertise lemon cupcake specials on social media platforms, making it worthwhile to check neighborhood establishments for deals.

Late December Food Holidays

December 17 – National Maple Syrup Day This holiday celebrates the sweet, amber syrup that enhances pancakes, waffles, and other dishes. Restaurants and breakfast chains have offered complimentary maple syrup samples or special maple-flavored dishes on this day. Some establishments provide free mini bottles of maple syrup with breakfast purchases. Local diners and breakfast spots may feature maple syrup specials, making it an ideal time to enjoy this sweet treat.

December 20 – National Sangria Day Restaurants and bars often celebrate National Sangria Day by offering complimentary samples or discounted glasses of this fruity beverage. Spanish restaurants and establishments with wine programs typically participate with special sangria promotions. Some venues host tasting events featuring various sangria recipes, providing opportunities to sample different varieties without cost.

December 21 – National French Fried Shrimp Day Seafood restaurants and fast-food chains have honored this holiday with complimentary shrimp samples or special promotions. Some establishments offer free orders of french fried shrimp with qualifying purchases. Local seafood restaurants may feature shrimp-focused menus with discounted items, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy this seafood favorite.

December 24 – National Eggnog Day As Christmas approaches, National Eggnog Day offers a festive beverage celebration. Coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants have provided complimentary eggnog samples or special eggnog-flavored drinks. Some bakeries offer eggnog-flavored pastries with purchase. The holiday provides an opportunity to sample different eggnog varieties, from traditional recipes to creative twists.

December 25 – National Pumpkin Pie Day While Christmas Day is typically focused on holiday feasts, National Pumpkin Pie Day offers a reason to enjoy this seasonal dessert. Some bakeries and restaurants have offered complimentary slices of pumpkin pie with qualifying purchases. Grocery stores may provide pumpkin pie samples to customers, making it an opportunity to enjoy this autumn favorite during the holiday season.

December 27 – National Fruitcake Day This divisive holiday inspires various reactions, but some bakeries and specialty food stores have offered complimentary fruitcake samples. The day provides an opportunity for curious consumers to sample different fruitcake varieties without commitment. Local bakeries may feature fruitcake specials or promotions, making it worthwhile to check neighborhood establishments.

December 30 – National Bacon Day To conclude the month of food holidays, National Bacon Day offers a savory celebration. Restaurants and diners have provided complimentary bacon samples or special bacon-focused dishes. Some breakfast chains offer free bacon with qualifying purchases. The holiday provides an opportunity to enjoy this popular breakfast item at no cost or with significant savings.

12 Days of Christmas Food Promotions

Many restaurants and food establishments embrace the holiday spirit by offering promotions inspired by the "12 Days of Christmas" concept. These limited-time deals provide consumers with opportunities to enjoy complimentary food items, buy-one-get-one offers, and significant discounts.

Tim Hortons Holiday Deals

Tim Hortons has scheduled a series of holiday deals running from December 13 through December 24. These promotions include: - December 13: Buy-one-get-one-free espresso (any size) - December 14: 100 Tim Rewards bonus points with any donut or pack of Timbits order - December 15: Free four-pack of Timbits with $5 purchase - December 16: $1 medium Iced Capp - December 17: 50-cent doughnut with any purchase - December 18: $0.99 hot or iced coffee with an Omelette Bites purchase - December 19: $1.99 medium Iced Capp with any lunch sandwich - December 20: $3 medium Cold Brew - December 21: $4.99 for any hot breakfast sandwich and Dream Cookie - December 22: Spend $12, get $2 off - December 23: Buy-one-get-one-free holiday drinks (any size) - December 24: Buy-one-get-one-free holiday drinks (any size)

Additionally, Tim Hortons offers an ongoing promotion where customers can buy four medium drinks for $14.

Wendy's Holiday Offers

Wendy's has implemented in-app only buy-one-get-one-free food offers revealed daily from December 11 through December 22. These exclusive app-based deals provide additional savings opportunities for Wendy's loyalty program members. The daily rotating offers encourage frequent app usage and provide variety for customers seeking holiday meal options.

Whole Foods Market Holiday Selections

From December 13 through December 24, Whole Foods Market offers Prime members exclusive selections at a 35% discount, with non-Prime members receiving a 28% discount on specially crafted holiday items. The featured products include: - Cypress Grove Midnight Moon (Holland): A goat cheese aged for at least six months, introduced in 2002 - Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam (California): An original American cheese crafted from organic cow's milk - Uplands Pleasant Ridge Reserve (Wisconsin): An award-winning cheese produced only from May through November, echoing the alpine style of Beaufort d'Alpage

These premium cheese selections provide holiday shoppers with opportunities to enjoy gourmet products at reduced prices.

Shake Shack Holiday Burger Blitz

Shake Shack celebrates the season with its Holiday Burger Blitz, offering a free burger with a $10 minimum purchase from December 16 through December 24. The daily rotating free burger options include: - December 16: Free ShackBurger - December 17: Free SmokeShack - December 18: Free Avocado Bacon Burger - December 19: Free Cheeseburger - December 20: Free Black Truffle Burger - December 21: Free Bacon Cheeseburger - December 22: Free Avocado Bacon Burger - December 23: Free SmokeShack - December 24: Free ShackBurger

This promotion provides Shake Shack customers with the opportunity to try different burger varieties without additional cost.

Taco John's Holiday Deals

Taco John's has scheduled a series of holiday deals specifically for Bigger Bolder Rewards Members from December 12 through December 23. These member-exclusive offers include: - December 12: Free small Potato Olés with any purchase - December 13: Spend $14, get $2 off - December 14: Buy-one-get-one-free Breakfast Burritos (steak excluded) - December 15: Free Churro with $1 purchase - December 16: $2 off any Taco Salad - December 17: Taco Tuesday deals, Crispy Beef Tacos (vary by location) - December 18: $2 off any Queso Combo meal - December 19: $1 off any Breakfast Combo - December 20: Free Bean Burrito with $1 purchase - December 21: 20% off a purchase of $16 - December 22: $1 off a Boss Burrito or Bowl - December 23: Free Chicken Fiesta Taco with $3 purchase

These daily deals provide Taco John's rewards members with multiple opportunities to enjoy complimentary food items and significant discounts throughout the holiday season.

Other December Freebies

Beyond food holidays and Christmas-inspired promotions, several other December freebies and special offers are available to consumers.

Pet-Related Freebies

PetSmart offers a free pet photo with Santa on December 14-15. This holiday-themed promotion allows pet owners to capture festive memories with their furry companions at no cost. The event provides an opportunity for families to create lasting holiday memories with their pets.

Magazine Subscriptions

Various magazines offer complimentary digital subscriptions, providing consumers with free access to content across multiple interests. These include: - Harper's Magazine - GQ Magazine - LEGO® Life Magazine - Time Magazine Digital Subscription - Motor Trend Magazine Subscription - Travel + Leisure Magazine Subscription - Inc. Magazine Subscription - Architectural Digest Magazine Subscription - Art & Object Magazine Subscription - Conde Nast Traveler Magazine Subscription - Joyce Meyer Enjoying Everyday Life Magazine Subscription - Life Extension Magazine Subscription - Netflix Jr. Magazine Subscription - Cigar Aficionado Subscription - Elle Decor Magazine Subscription - ESSENCE Magazine Subscription - Fast Company Magazine Subscription - US Weekly Digital Magazine Subscription - Elle Magazine Subscription

These free subscriptions provide consumers with access to quality content without subscription fees.

Food-Related Freebies

Several food-related freebies are available throughout the year and may be particularly relevant during the holiday season: - Free Waffle House Waffle - Free Ritas Italian Ice on March 20, 2026 - Free Haagen-Dazs Cone Day in May 2026 - Free Comic Book Day on May 2, 2026

While some of these events occur in other months, they represent notable food-related freebies that consumers may wish to note for future reference.

How to Stay Updated on Freebies

To maximize opportunities for complimentary food items and promotional offers, consumers should employ several strategies to stay informed about available freebies:

1. Follow Brand Social Media: Many establishments announce freebies and special promotions through their social media platforms. Following favorite restaurants, bakeries, and food brands on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can provide real-time updates on available offers.

2. Sign Up for Email Newsletters: Subscribing to email newsletters from preferred establishments ensures direct communication about upcoming promotions and exclusive offers. Many brands provide special deals to email subscribers that may not be available through other channels.

3. Download Brand Apps: Several restaurant chains offer exclusive deals through their mobile applications. Apps like those from Tim Hortons, Wendy's, and Taco John's provide access to member-only promotions and digital coupons.

4. Check Local Establishment Websites: Local bakeries, diners, and specialty food stores often advertise freebies and special events on their websites. Regularly checking these websites can reveal opportunities for complimentary items in nearby locations.

5. Utilize Deal Aggregation Websites: Websites that specialize in compiling freebies and promotional offers can provide comprehensive listings of available deals. These platforms often categorize offers by location and type, making it easier to find relevant opportunities.

6. Join Loyalty Programs: Many restaurant and food establishment loyalty programs offer exclusive freebies and promotional deals to members. Enrolling in these programs can provide access to special offers and complimentary items throughout the year.

7. Monitor Local Community Boards: Community boards, both physical and digital, often feature announcements about local freebies and special events. Checking these regularly can reveal opportunities in nearby areas.

By employing these strategies, consumers can stay informed about available freebies and promotional offers, maximizing their opportunities to enjoy complimentary food items and significant discounts during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Conclusion

December offers numerous opportunities for consumers to enjoy complimentary food items and promotional offers across various categories. From national food holidays like National Cookie Day and National Cocoa Day to Christmas-inspired promotions like the Shake Shack Holiday Burger Blitz, the holiday season provides abundant chances to save money while enjoying favorite treats and trying new items.

Key takeaways for consumers seeking December freebies include: - Many restaurant chains and local establishments participate in national food holidays with complimentary items - 12 Days of Christmas promotions offer rotating deals and exclusive member offers - Pet owners can take advantage of free pet photos with Santa at PetSmart - Various magazines offer complimentary digital subscriptions - Staying informed through social media, email newsletters, and brand apps is essential for maximizing opportunities

By planning ahead and monitoring available promotions, consumers can make the most of December's abundance of food-related freebies and special offers, enhancing their holiday celebrations while saving money.

Sources

1. December National Food Holidays That Offer Freebies
2. Free and Discounted Food Options Inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas
3. Active Freebies Still Available