McDonald’s Halloween buckets release date and available locations

Adults who have the distinction of being kids in the ’80s or ’90s are sure to get a nostalgic rush with the return of McDonald’s Halloween Pails this year ⏤ but just when and where are they available?

Beginning in 1986, McDonald’s put its Happy Meals inside the Halloween Pails in lieu of a toy during spooky season. As The Krazy Coupon Lady recounted, the tradition stretched on into the 1990s with even more varieties becoming available as the years progressed. Not only were there buckets inspired by jack-o’-lanterns and with an orange color to them, but white ghost-inspired buckets and green witch or goblin-inspired buckets soon followed.

As McDonald’s USA noted in an official press release, the aforementioned buckets making an introduction this year are a monster, skeleton, mummy, and vampire — which are commonly referred to by the chain as “Boo Buckets.” The buckets this year come in four colors — white, orange, green, and purple, respectively — and include accompanying lids for eagle-eyed customers of all ages to enjoy this spooky season.

When and where can I get a McDonald’s Halloween bucket?

In terms of when you can get your hands on the Halloween Pails, they will be available with a Happy Meal order beginning at lunchtime on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023 and will be given out until supplies last (which will likely be Halloween night on Oct. 31). The buckets were officially brought back by the ever-popular fast-food chain last year after a lengthy and notable absence.

The introduction of the “Boo Buckets” initially kickstarted back in the ’80s, where the eye-popping treasures immediately became a Halloween fixture and enjoyable classic. Flash forward to now and it seems the nationwide craze is just as rampant as ever. As far as where the Halloween Pails will be available, you can find them nationwide at any of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. stores, according to the press release. McDonald’s has not officially announced whether they will be available in any country outside of the United States.