Photo by ekelly80

During the lead-up to the holidays, there are usually a number of tasty giveaways and BOGO offers to be had around town — and this year is no exception.

>> In an early celebration of Thanksgiving, California Tortilla is giving away a free 4 oz. turkey chili all day today, along with a coupon for a free 8 oz. turkey chili that can be claimed at a later date.

>> Between 2-5 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday, Starbucks is offering a buy-one-get-one coupon for their holiday drinks, including the caramel brulee latte, peppermint mocha, peppermint white chocolate, mocha, peppermint hot chocolate, gingerbread latte, eggnog latte, caramel brulee frappuccino and peppermint mocha frappuccino.

>> On Friday, New York-import Crumbs Bake Shop will be giving away 1,000 free cupcakes at their new location at 604 11th Street NW.

>> Finally: free pancakes! The IHOP in Columbia Heights may be already open for business, but the restaurant will officially celebrate next Tuesday, November 23 — and as part of the festivities, will be giving away 1,500 short stacks of buttermilk pancakes. The line for pancakes will start forming at 6 a.m.