McDonald’s Boo Buckets 2025: All Five Designs, What’s Inside, and How to Get Them Fast

McDonald’s Boo Buckets Return: The 2025 Lineup and What’s Inside

It’s official: McDonald’s Boo Buckets are back for Halloween 2025, and fans have more to hunt for than ever before. The return of these iconic collectibles is stirring up memories for longtime fans and igniting excitement among new generations. But what’s changed this year, and how can you score one before they vanish? Let’s dig into the story behind the buckets—and why people care so much.

Five Spooky Designs: What Makes This Year Special?

This season, McDonald’s is rolling out five distinct Boo Bucket designs, each with its own character and charm. The classic trio—Ghost, Pumpkin, and Goblin—have made their annual comeback, joined by two newcomers: Cat and Zombie. These playful pails aren’t just for holding fries and nuggets; they’ve become a symbol of nostalgia and Halloween spirit.

Each Boo Bucket features a different spooky face, from the mischievous Goblin to the friendly Ghost. The new Cat and Zombie designs add a twist for collectors, with their quirky expressions and vibrant colors. As in previous years, the buckets come with Halloween-themed sticker sheets, allowing kids (and adults) to customize their own mini cauldrons. Whether you’re hoping to use yours for trick-or-treating or just want a keepsake from the season, there’s a design for everyone.

How to Get a Boo Bucket: Timing, Locations, and Tips

The Boo Buckets are available with Happy Meals starting Tuesday, October 21, at participating McDonald’s locations across the United States. But, as history shows, supplies won’t last forever. The limited-edition buckets often sell out quickly, especially in high-traffic restaurants. If you’re hoping to snag all five designs, you’ll need a bit of strategy—and maybe some luck.

Here’s how to maximize your chances:

• Visit early in the promotion, as popular designs tend to disappear first.
• Check the McDonald’s app for location-specific deals and availability.
• Don’t hesitate to ask staff which designs are in stock before ordering.

For those seeking extra value, McDonald’s is running seasonal deals through their app. For instance, fans can grab a $2 McCrispy sandwich on November 9 (National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day), or enjoy $1 ten-piece Chicken McNuggets between November 4 and December 2. And for loyal customers, the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program remains a way to earn points toward future free food—a detail not to overlook if you’re planning multiple visits.

The Boo Bucket Phenomenon: Nostalgia Meets New Collectors

So why do Boo Buckets spark such a frenzy every October? The answer lies in their history. First introduced in 1986 as McPunk’n, McBoo, and McGoblin, the original buckets featured orange plastic and classic jack-o-lantern faces. Over the years, McDonald’s has refreshed the lineup with new colors, characters, and even playful monster designs. After a six-year hiatus, the buckets made their triumphant return in 2022, and have been a seasonal staple since.

For longtime collectors, each bucket is a time capsule—a piece of childhood brought back to life. For newcomers, they’re a fun and functional way to celebrate Halloween, whether as a treat pail or a quirky decoration. And with social media amplifying their popularity, demand has only grown. In fact, McDonald’s playfully addressed copycat products in its 2025 announcement, reminding fans that “imitation is the most BOO-tiful form of flattery,” but there’s “only one OG Halloween bucket.”

Beyond the Buckets: McDonald’s Halloween Promotions

The excitement around Boo Buckets isn’t happening in isolation. McDonald’s is layering its Halloween promotions with other offers, hoping to draw families and collectors alike. One major tie-in is the annual MONOPOLY game, which began October 6. Customers can “peel and play” for prizes ranging from free food to big-ticket items like a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited or even a $1 million cash prize. The game runs while supplies last, with bonus in-app gameplay available through November 2.

Other seasonal perks include Free Fries Fridays (free medium fries with any $1 minimum purchase) and exclusive app-only deals. These offers are designed to build loyalty—and, for many, justify repeat visits in pursuit of every Boo Bucket design.

McDonald’s by the Numbers: A Global Fast Food Giant

As the Boo Bucket craze sweeps the nation, it’s worth remembering the scale of McDonald’s reach. With 13,598 restaurants across 54 U.S. states, and more than 36,000 locations worldwide, the chain’s seasonal promotions have an enormous audience. The story began in 1954, when Ray Kroc visited a small, efficient burger joint in San Bernardino, California, run by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald. Impressed by their streamlined operation, Kroc launched McDonald’s System, Inc. in 1955, eventually acquiring the exclusive rights to the brand.

Today, McDonald’s is synonymous with fast food—and, at least in October, with Boo Buckets. The company’s ability to blend nostalgia, marketing, and fun is a lesson in how brands can stay relevant across generations.

McDonald’s Boo Buckets are more than plastic pails—they’re a bridge between past and present, bringing together collectors, families, and fast-food fans in a uniquely American tradition. As Halloween approaches, these buckets remind us that sometimes, the simplest joys—a meal shared, a sticker placed, a memory rekindled—are the ones that last.