McDonald’s Halloween Boo Bucket Collection Returns With 2 New Designs

Starting October 21, 2025, McDonald's rolled out five Halloween-themed buckets nationwide, with new cat and zombie designs joining their classic lineup.

Along with bringing back the ghost, pumpkin, and goblin favorites, the fast-food giant now includes two extra options. Kids can choose from fifteen different versions, since each style comes with three different faces.

Following complaints about the 2024 versions, McDonald's decided to go back to the basics. The 2025 buckets copy the popular 2023 design that customers loved.

Back in 1986, after testing them in '85, McDonald's launched three original designs: McPunk'n, McBoo, and McGoblin. Over time, these buckets got spookier - they could glow in the dark by 1990 and came with cookie-cutter tops in '92.

These Halloween pails haven't appeared every October. They skipped 1988, 1991, and disappeared for parts of the late '90s and 2000s. Special versions showed up with Scooby-Doo in 2012 and Monster High in 2013.

The battle for Halloween treats in fast food is heating up. Burger King dropped their Monster Menu with themed buckets October 13th. Meanwhile, Wendy's is serving up Frosty Frights Kids' Meals packed with Halloween toys.

"There's only one original bucket, it comes a Happy Meal," said McDonald's in a statement to Cincinnati.com.

These seasonal containers will replace regular Happy Meal boxes at participating locations while supplies last.

Following a broader trend, restaurants keep bringing back nostalgic items during Halloween season. These buckets often become year-round storage for many collectors.