McDonald’s Halloween Boo Buckets Return October 21 With New Cat and Zombie Designs

McDonald’s Halloween Boo Buckets are officially coming back in 2025. The fast-food giant confirmed the seasonal Happy Meal pails will return on October 21, 2025, at participating locations across the United States while supplies last.

The limited-edition buckets, beloved since their debut in 1986, bring nostalgia for families and collectors. This year’s release combines classic faces with fresh characters, adding new excitement for Halloween fans.

New Designs and How to Get the McDonald’s Halloween Boo Buckets

McDonald’s revealed that the 2025 lineup will feature five different designs. The classics — Ghost (white), Pumpkin (orange), and Goblin (green) — are back. Two new characters join them: Zombie (red) and Cat (black). Each bucket comes with Halloween-themed stickers so kids can customize facial expressions.

The buckets will be randomly distributed with Happy Meals, whether customers choose a hamburger, cheeseburger, or Chicken McNuggets (4 or 6 pieces). McDonald’s stressed that supplies are limited and encouraged fans to visit early if they want the full set.

According to McDonald’s, “Halloween buckets are popping up everywhere … but there’s only one OG Halloween bucket, and it comes with a Happy Meal®. This year’s lineup features familiar frightful faces — plus two new ghoulie friends, Cat and Zombie. Each bucket has its own creepy, kooky and cute expressions, so you can collect them all.”

Past years have seen quick sell-outs, and collectors often share photos on social media as they try to complete the set. The company is also leaning into nostalgia marketing to build excitement and increase in-store visits during the Halloween season.

Why the Boo Buckets Keep Fans Coming Back

The Boo Buckets’ return is part of McDonald’s larger strategy to use retro products to drive seasonal buzz. Originally launched in 1986, the buckets became iconic Halloween keepsakes for many families. McDonald’s revived them in 2022 after a long break, continued in 2023 and 2024, and now expands the line in 2025.

This year’s addition of Cat and Zombie buckets shows the brand’s push to refresh a classic without losing its nostalgic charm. Social media has amplified the craze, with fans posting collections, swap requests, and creative uses for the buckets long after Halloween ends.

Other fast-food chains are trying to tap into the Halloween hype too. Burger King and other competitors have introduced spooky toys and themed meals, but McDonald’s still owns the nostalgic edge with its Boo Buckets tradition.

McDonald’s Halloween Boo Buckets 2025 bring back a classic seasonal collectible with new twists for fans and families. Expect high demand and limited availability — and plan to grab yours early.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When do McDonald’s Halloween Boo Buckets return?

They return on October 21, 2025, at participating McDonald’s locations while supplies last.

Q2: Which designs are in the 2025 Boo Buckets lineup?

Ghost (white), Pumpkin (orange), Goblin (green), plus new Cat (black) and Zombie (red) designs.

Q3: How can customers get a Boo Bucket?

Order a Happy Meal with a burger or Chicken McNuggets to receive one randomly, while supplies last.

Q4: Why do Boo Buckets matter to McDonald’s?

They create nostalgia, increase seasonal sales, and generate social media buzz as fans collect and share photos.

Q5: Will Boo Buckets stay in stock all October?

Unlikely. Past years sold out early, and McDonald’s warns availability is limited.