Food chains are absolutely killing it with holiday shakes right now! I’m talking thick, creamy, festive drinks that basically taste like Christmas in a cup. Whether you’re team peppermint or more of an eggnog person, there’s something for everyone this season. Here’s the scoop (haha!) on what’s available right now and what makes each one worth the drive-thru wait.

The Shake Shack Situation Is Next Level

Can we take a minute to appreciate what Shake Shack is doing? They’ve got not one, not two, but THREE holiday shakes right now, and one of them is genuinely wild. 

Their Peppermint Bark Chocolate Shake is their second-ever crackable shake (inspired by that viral Dubai chocolate trend), and you literally crack through a white chocolate peppermint bark shell to get to the mint chocolate fudge blended with chocolate frozen custard inside. It’s interactive, it’s Instagram-worthy, and it tastes incredible.







Then there’s the Christmas Cookie Shake, which is a returning fan favorite for good reason. It’s made with sugar cookie frozen custard, topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles. Simple but satisfying, you know?





And if you want something a little different, their Sticky Toffee Pudding Shake brings British dessert vibes with sticky toffee pudding cake mixed into vanilla frozen custard with caramelized brown sugar, finished with whipped cream and toffee sauce. It’s rich, it’s decadent, and it’s definitely not your typical holiday shake.

Eggnog Lovers, This One’s for You

If you’re someone who starts counting down to eggnog season in like, July, you’re gonna want to hear about what Dairy Queen is serving up.





DQ just dropped their Holiday Nog Shake, and it’s everything you love about traditional eggnog but in frozen form. They blend their world-famous soft serve with eggnog-inspired syrup, top it with whipped cream, and finish it with a dusting of nutmeg. That little sprinkle of spice? It’s the warming touch that makes this feel like a cozy holiday hug.

Peppermint Everything 

Let’s be real, peppermint basically owns the holiday season. And this year? The options are plentiful and peppermintful.





Chick-fil-A brought back their Peppermint Chip Milkshake (available through January 3rd), which blends their Icedream with chunks of peppermint bark and tops it with whipped cream and a cherry. It’s refreshing without an overly minty flavor.









But wait, there’s more. Five Guys is offering Candy Cane Crunch as a mix-in option through January 5th, and here’s why this one’s genius: you can customize it however you want. Want to add chocolate? Go for it. Oreo? Sure. Coffee? Why not? With 10 free mix-ins available, you can basically create your dream holiday shake.







Stewart’s Shops has their Candy Cane Shake made with Peppermint Stick Ice Cream (the kind with red and green crushed mint candies), whipped cream, and peppermint sugar sprinkles. It’s straightforward, it’s classic, and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.





Sonic Drive-In is also in on the peppermint action with their Peppermint Brownie Bark Shake. This one brings together chocolate chunk brownie pieces with peppermint, so you’re getting that rich chocolate-mint combo that equals holiday perfection.

What About My Other Faves?

Now, if you’re wondering about other spots, here’s the deal: McDonald’s saves their shake game for St. Patrick’s Day with the Shamrock Shake (coming back February 10th, FYI). And Baskin-Robbins? They’re currently all-in on their Dubai Chocolate Collection with that viral pistachio chocolate situation, but don’t be surprised if they drop something more traditionally holiday-themed once December hits.

Jack in the Box may still get in on the action, last year around this time they announced the Noggy or Nice Shake which combined their vanilla shake with smooth eggnog flavors and a sprinkle of buttery Biscoff cookie crumbs. Will this one make a comeback or will JITB surprise us with something new? 

Whether you’re craving nostalgic eggnog flavors, refreshing peppermint, or something totally unique like that crackable Shake Shack situation, there’s a festive frozen treat calling your name. 

Related: Dunkin’ x Wicked Collab Features Pink and Green Everything! 🩷💚