Halloween is about to get even more exciting at McDonald’s! The famous Boo Buckets are making their highly anticipated return on October 21, 2025. This year, fans of the spooky Happy Meal treat will see two brand-new designs added to the lineup: a mischievous Cat and a creepy Zombie.
These Halloween-themed pails have been a fan favorite since the 1980s, and their comeback every fall has become a nostalgic tradition for many families.
With fresh colors, customization stickers, and limited availability, the 2025 Boo Buckets are already creating a buzz among fans. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this year’s release.
What Are Boo Buckets?
The Boo Buckets were first introduced in 1986 as Halloween-themed Happy Meal containers shaped like little trick-or-treat pails. They were brightly colored, decorated with spooky faces, and reusable for collecting candy on Halloween night.
After being absent for several years, McDonald’s brought them back in recent years, each time updating the lineup with new faces and designs.
Over the decades, Boo Buckets have transformed into collectible items, with fans waiting eagerly every Halloween for their release.
2025 Boo Buckets: What’s New
This year, McDonald’s is expanding its Boo Bucket family with two new additions: Cat and Zombie. These join the returning classics: Ghost, Pumpkin, and Goblin.
Here’s a breakdown of the Boo Bucket details for 2025:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 21, 2025 |
| Availability | With Happy Meals, while supplies last |
| Classic Designs | Ghost, Pumpkin, Goblin |
| New Designs | Cat and Zombie |
| Colors | White, orange, green, black, and red (varies by design) |
| Extras | Halloween-themed stickers for decorating |
| Special Note | No lids included, handles carry McDonald’s branding |
Designs & Collectibility
The classic characters—Ghost, Pumpkin, and Goblin—are back to keep tradition alive. Meanwhile, the Cat design (in sleek black with glowing details) and the Zombie design (green with creepy features) add a fresh twist for collectors.
Fans who already own previous Boo Buckets are especially eager to add these two new characters to their shelves. With multiple color variations and fun stickers for personalization, each bucket becomes a unique Halloween keepsake.
Fan Reactions
Whenever McDonald’s announces Boo Buckets, fans rush to grab them before they sell out. Collectors often buy multiple Happy Meals to secure every design. However, there has also been some criticism:
- Some fans are disappointed that the buckets no longer come with lids, making them less practical for trick-or-treating.
- Others mention that the McDonald’s logo on the handles takes away from the nostalgic, old-school look.
Despite these concerns, the excitement far outweighs the complaints, and the Boo Buckets continue to generate huge demand every Halloween.
A Double Dose of Nostalgia: Monopoly Returns
Alongside Boo Buckets, McDonald’s is also bringing back its iconic Monopoly game this October. Starting October 6, 2025, customers can enjoy peel-off game pieces and digital entries for prizes like free food, subscriptions, vacations, and even a $1 million grand prize.
This combination of Boo Buckets + Monopoly is designed to maximize excitement, drawing in both families and longtime fans who love McDonald’s seasonal promotions.
Why Boo Buckets Matter
- Nostalgia Factor – They remind adults of their childhood while creating new memories for kids.
- Collectible Appeal – Each design is unique and only available for a short time.
- Seasonal Buzz – Limited runs create urgency, making fans eager to grab them before they’re gone.
- Marketing Power – Boo Buckets generate massive social media attention every Halloween.
McDonald’s has once again tapped into the power of nostalgia and seasonal fun with the return of the Boo Buckets. Launching on October 21, 2025, with two exciting new faces—Cat and Zombie—these collectible Happy Meal pails are expected to sell out quickly.
Despite small criticisms, Boo Buckets continue to be a beloved Halloween tradition, giving kids a fun way to celebrate and adults a chance to relive their childhood.
Pairing this launch with the return of the Monopoly game makes 2025 one of the most exciting fall seasons for McDonald’s fans.
FAQs
When do the 2025 Boo Buckets release?
The Boo Buckets will be available starting October 21, 2025, only while supplies last.
What new designs are included this year?
This year adds Cat and Zombie to the classic lineup of Ghost, Pumpkin, and Goblin.
Do the Boo Buckets come with lids?
No, the 2025 Boo Buckets do not include lids, though they do feature handles and Halloween-themed stickers.
