McDonald’s is brewing up something wickedly nostalgic this Halloween season, and fans are in for a treat. The fast-food giant’s beloved Halloween buckets, which sparked childhood memories, are making a triumphant return, this time with two brand-new spooky characters joining the mix. From bold colors to eerie new designs, these limited-edition pails are set to cast a spell on collectors once again. But which fresh faces are joining the frightful fun? Read on to find out before they vanish into the night.
McDonald’s sets a return date for its beloved Boo Buckets
McDonald’s is bringing back a fan-favorite Halloween tradition that’s sure to delight both kids and nostalgic adults. The beloved reusable Boo Buckets are officially returning to restaurants nationwide this month, starting October 21.
Anyone who orders a Happy Meal will get the chance to snag one of five festive bucket designs — three familiar favorites and two brand-new additions. Returning classics include the white ghost, orange jack-o’-lantern, and green goblin, now joined by two new “ghoulie friends”: a black cat and a red zombie.
These iconic plastic pails, perfect for collecting candy or displaying Halloween spirit, will be available for a limited time and only while supplies last at participating locations. “Halloween buckets are popping up everywhere like ghosts in the night — and hey, imitation is the most BOO-tiful form of flattery,” McDonald’s said in an October 1 press release. “But let’s be real: there’s only one OG Halloween bucket, and it comes with a Happy Meal.”
The fast-food chain added that each Boo Bucket “has its own creepy, kooky and cute expressions, so you can collect them all,” and that “fans can even dress up their pails with Halloween-themed stickers.”
How McDonald’s Boo Buckets became a Halloween tradition that won’t die
McDonald’s first introduced its now-iconic Boo Buckets in 1986, launching them as part of its Halloween Pumpkin Happy Meal promotion. The original trio — McPunk’n the jack-o’-lantern, McBoo the ghost, and McGoblin — quickly became beloved collectibles for kids eager to fill them with Halloween treats. For years, the buckets made recurring appearances around Halloween, often featuring refreshed colors or playful new designs. However, after their long run, McDonald’s quietly discontinued the Boo Buckets in 2016, leaving fans wondering if they’d ever return.
That question was answered six years later when the fast-food giant brought the Boo Buckets back in 2022, marking their first comeback since the hiatus. The return sparked a wave of nostalgia, and their popularity ensured another appearance in 2023, this time with an additional purple vampire bucket paying homage to classic McDonald’s Halloween designs. The buckets have since become an annual tradition once again, reappearing for 2024 and this year, 2025, with fresh faces and fun customization options.
Over the decades, Boo Buckets have made at least three major comebacks since their 2016 discontinuation, proving that even after nearly 40 years, McDonald’s Halloween magic never fades.
Fun ways to use your McDonald’s Boo Buckets
McDonald’s Boo Buckets are more than just nostalgic Halloween keepsakes — their playful, reusable design makes them perfect for year-round fun. Whether you’re decorating for spooky season or finding new uses around the house, these pails are as practical as they are charming. Here’s how to make the most of your collection:
Creative décor & ambiance
- Party favors or “Boo Baskets”: Hosting a Halloween gathering? Fill the buckets with candy, toys, or trinkets as take-home party favors, or surprise neighbors with “Boo Baskets” left on their doorstep.
- DIY luminaries: Give your Boo Buckets a haunting glow by adding battery-powered LED lights or glow sticks inside. Line them along your porch, steps, or windowsill to create a festive nighttime display.
- Custom centerpieces: Use the included stickers or add your own flair with paint, vinyl decals, or ribbon. Fill the buckets with dried corn, mini pumpkins, or pinecones for a quick, seasonal centerpiece.
Everyday uses & storage
- Organization: Keep things tidy by using Boo Buckets to store craft materials, crayons, LEGO bricks, or bathroom essentials like cotton balls. Their cheerful designs make storage both fun and functional.
- Planters: Add a touch of Halloween to your greenery by turning a bucket into a small planter. Just poke a drainage hole at the bottom and add soil and succulents or seasonal flowers.
- Beach pails: Don’t pack them away after October! These sturdy plastic buckets double as perfect beach toys for sandcastles and seashell collecting once summer rolls around.
Whether for décor, crafts, or storage, Boo Buckets bring a playful twist to everyday life, proving that McDonald’s Halloween magic lasts long after trick-or-treat season ends.
Source: Good Morning America