December is a month of festive celebrations, and for U.S. consumers, it also brings a variety of seasonal promotions, daily deals, and birthday freebies from numerous restaurants and retailers. Based on information from multiple deal-focused websites and news sources, a range of offers are available throughout the month, from daily app-based deals to special holiday-themed discounts. This article compiles verified information on these promotions, focusing on food and beverage offers that are accessible to the general public, often requiring enrollment in a free rewards program or app.
Many of these offers are tied to national food holidays, which provide a thematic framework for promotions. For example, December 4 is National Cookie Day, and December 8 is National Brownie Day, with various eateries likely to feature related specials. Additionally, several chains are running month-long promotions or "12 Days of Deals" campaigns, which require checking a mobile app or website daily to access new offers. For individuals with December birthdays, there are also specific freebies available on or around the birthday date, typically requiring sign-up for a rewards program.
The following sections detail these opportunities, organized by promotion type and specific brand offers as reported in the source materials. It is important to note that all offers are subject to change, and participants should verify details directly with the brand or through their official channels, such as apps or websites, before attempting to redeem.
National Food Holiday Promotions
Several national food holidays in December are associated with freebies or discounts at participating restaurants and cafes. These offers are often announced in advance and are valid only on the specific holiday date.
- National Cookie Day (December 4): While the source material mentions this day as part of a festive season, it does not list specific brands or offers tied to it. Consumers are advised to check local bakeries and chain restaurants for potential cookie-related specials.
- National Brownie Day (December 8): Similar to National Cookie Day, the source material notes this holiday but does not provide specific details on participating brands or freebies.
- National Pastry Day (December 9): No specific offers are detailed in the provided materials.
- National Lager Day (December 10): No specific offers are detailed in the provided materials.
- National Cocoa Day (December 12): This day coincides with other promotions. The source material does not specify a national chain offering free cocoa, but it is a common day for such deals.
- National Gingerbread House Day (December 12): No specific offers are detailed in the provided materials.
- National Biscuits and Gravy Day (December 14): No specific offers are detailed in the provided materials.
- National Lemon Cupcake Day (December 15): No specific offers are detailed in the provided materials.
- National Maple Syrup Day (December 17): No specific offers are detailed in the provided materials.
- National Sangria Day (December 20): No specific offers are detailed in the provided materials.
- National French Fried Shrimp Day (December 21): The source material suggests that many spots offer specials like free shrimp appetizers or discounted platters, mentioning chains like Red Lobster or local seafood joints as potential places to look for deals.
- National Eggnog Day (December 24): Coffee chains like Starbucks are noted to often include eggnog lattes in their holiday promotions. Some smaller coffee shops may give away a free small cup of eggnog.
- National Pumpkin Pie Day (December 25): While most people enjoy pumpkin pie as part of a holiday meal, some bakeries and grocery stores may offer discounts or freebies on this day.
- National Fruitcake Day (December 27): Bakeries and specialty shops may offer free samples or discounts to mark the occasion.
- National Bacon Day (December 30): No specific offers are detailed in the provided materials.
Month-Long and Daily App-Based Deals
Several restaurant chains are offering promotions that run throughout December, with new deals often available daily through their mobile applications. These programs typically require free enrollment in a rewards program or app download.
- Casey's: Rewards members can get free offers with any in-store purchase. A new offer is available each day in the Casey's app through December 24.
- Circle K: Customers can enter a daily "Spin to Win" for a chance to win prizes, including free candy, coffee, or a $5,000 grand prize, through December 31.
- El Pollo Loco: Loco Rewards members can redeem exclusive food deals. A full list of deals is available on their site, ranging from BOGO (buy one, get one), high-value deals, and bonus points, through December 12. Upcoming promos include a discounted leg and thigh family meal, free caramel flan or churros, discounted chicken burrito bowls, bonus points, and buy one, get one quesadillas.
- Firehouse Subs: Offers are scheduled to start on December 12 and will run for two weeks, providing a series of offers.
- Shake Shack: All month long, customers can get free menu favorites with any $10 purchase using the code SHACKCHEER at checkout. The specific free item changes periodically:
- Now through December 7: Free Big Shack (new menu item).
- December 8-14: Free SmokeShack.
- December 15-20: Free Chicken Shack.
- December 21-31: Free ShackBurger.
- Additionally, starting December 8, Cris Crinkle Cut plushies are hidden in Shack locations across 15 cities. Fans who spot the character will win a year of free Crinkle Cuts.
- Tim Hortons: Running "12 Days of Deals" through December 24.
- Zaxbys: "12 Days of Saucemas" offers deals and giveaways for Zax Rewardz members each day through December 12.
Specific Restaurant Promotions and One-Day Offers
Beyond daily deals, several chains have announced specific promotions for December 2025.
- Baskin-Robbins: To celebrate the chain's 80th anniversary, guests can enjoy 80-cent scoops all day on December 7. The chain is also featuring seasonal treats, including a peppermint flavor of the month, a peppermint fudge cappy, and a new peppermint avalanche cake in a box.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: The restaurant is running its first-ever holiday campaign, "Hank the Halls," featuring a stop-motion short with Hank the flying buffalo and Santa. A limited run of Blind Boxes, featuring felt ornaments like a chicken wing or Santa, will be available on December 10 at 12 p.m. ET. The "Pick 6" promo gives guests the option to mix and match two entrees, two sides, and two fountain drinks starting at $19.99. A new entree option, Spicy Chicken Dippers served with B-Dubs Dip, is also available.
- Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf: Every Friday through December 12, customers can get a free hot chocolate with any beverage purchase as part of "Festive Fridays." The chain is also running a gift card promotion through January 12.
- Sonic: The source material mentions Sonic in the context of December promotions, but no specific details are provided in the available chunks.
December Birthday Freebies
Individuals celebrating a birthday in December can access freebies from over 40 restaurants and retailers. Most offers require signing up for the brand's free rewards program, often in advance of the birthday.
The following birthday freebies are available on the actual birthday date, as reported in the source material:
- California Pizza Kitchen: A free dessert is available when you sign up for the free CPK Rewards program.
- Chick-fil-A: Free rewards vary by tier. Members can receive a free cookie or brownie (base members) or a free entree (One Signature members).
- Chili's: Members of My Chili's Rewards can get a free dessert on their birthday.
Additional retailers and restaurants mentioned as offering birthday freebies include Ulta Beauty, McDonald’s, California Pizza Kitchen, and Nothing Bundt Cake (a free birthday bundt cake). The source material indicates that most of these offers require rewards program sign-up, which is typically free of charge.
How to Stay Updated on Freebies
To maximize opportunities for freebies and deals, consumers are encouraged to: * Download and regularly check the mobile apps of favorite restaurants and retailers, as many daily deals are exclusive to app users. * Sign up for free rewards programs in advance, especially for birthday-related offers. * Monitor deal-focused websites and news outlets for updated listings of seasonal promotions, as some offers may be announced with short notice. * Check official brand websites and social media channels for the most accurate and current information, as terms and conditions can change.
Conclusion
December 2025 offers a variety of freebies and promotions for U.S. consumers, centered around national food holidays, daily app-based deals, and birthday celebrations. Key opportunities include daily offers from chains like Casey's, Circle K, El Pollo Loco, and Shake Shack; one-day specials such as Baskin-Robbins' 80-cent scoops on December 7; and birthday freebies from brands like California Pizza Kitchen, Chick-fil-A, and Chili's. Most of these promotions require enrollment in a free rewards program or app. To access these deals, consumers should sign up for relevant programs, download official apps, and verify offer details directly with the brands, as promotions are subject to change.