McDonald’s has not yet announced its 2026 Christmas menu (as of early October 2026). Launch dates and items below are based on previous years’ patterns and reporting — check the McDonald’s UK app for confirmation. Prices and menu items can vary by restaurant. Last updated October 2026.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for McDonald’s fans: the Christmas menu is McDonald’s UK’s biggest annual event, and while the 2026 lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, history tells us exactly when to start watching. Looking for a present? See our guide to McDonald’s gift cards for Christmas 2026.
Here’s what we know, what last year’s menu looked like, and what’s likely to return.
When does the McDonald’s Christmas menu launch?
McDonald’s UK has launched its festive menu in the last week of November for the last several years:
| Year | Launch date | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Wednesday 26 November | The Grinch |
| 2024 | Wednesday 20 November | Festive classics |
| 2023 | Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Festive menu |
If the pattern holds, expect the 2026 Christmas menu to land around Wednesday 25 November 2026 — and to run for roughly six weeks, through early January.
McDonald’s usually teases the menu on social media a few days before launch, so keep an eye on their channels from mid-November.
What was on the 2025 Christmas menu?
Last year’s menu was Grinch-themed (“Grinchmas”), with 18 items. The big hitters:
Mains
- Big Tasty (single) meal — £7.99; Double Big Tasty meal — £9.49 (first time a double was offered in the UK, with optional bacon add-on)
- Cheesy Chicken Stack meal — £8.99 (crispy chicken fillet, cheese melt, chipotle salsa)
- The Grinch Big Mac / 9 McNuggets / McPlant meals — £9.09 each, with Grinched McShaker Fries and limited-edition mismatched Grinch socks
Sides & sharing
- <a href=”https://mcdonaldsmenuuk.com/mcdonalds-sauces-dips-uk-2026/”>Cheese Melt Dippers with rich tomato dip</a> — £2.79; sharing box — £7.09
- McShaker Fries (medium £2.19, large £2.99)
Desserts & drinks
- Mischief McFlurry — £2.49 (mini £1.89)
- Chocolate Brownie McFlurry — £2.49 (mini £1.89)
- Grumble Pie — £2.39 (apple, cranberry and custard in green pastry)
- Frozen Grinch Lemonade — £3.19
- Coconut Latte — £2.89; Coconut Hot Chocolate — £2.49
What might return in 2026?
Nothing is confirmed, but some items are near-certain based on how often they come back:
- Cheese Melt Dippers — the undisputed festive favourite; they’ve returned almost every Christmas for years.
- Big Tasty — back in 2025 with the new double option; a strong candidate again.
- A novelty McFlurry — McDonald’s always does at least one limited-edition festive McFlurry.
- A themed pie — the Grumble Pie followed a long line of seasonal pies.
Whether the Grinch theme returns for a second year is the big unknown — McDonald’s sometimes repeats a popular collaboration, sometimes moves on to something new.
How to be first in line
- Check the app from mid-November — the festive menu appears in the app before in-store posters go up.
- Go in week one — limited items like Cheese Melt Dippers regularly sell out at busy restaurants.
- Watch for the announcement — McDonald’s teases the menu on social media a few days early; that’s your cue.
The honest take
The Christmas menu is the one McDonald’s launch worth planning around — items sell out, and the best ones (Cheese Melt Dippers, we’re looking at you) never last the full six weeks. Bookmark this page: we’ll update it the moment the 2026 menu is announced.
This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with McDonald’s Corporation. Prices and availability are set by McDonald’s UK and can change — always confirm in the app before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
When does the McDonald’s Christmas menu 2026 start?
Not yet announced, but previous years launched in the last week of November — expect around 25 November 2026.
What was on last year’s Christmas menu?
The 2025 menu was Grinch-themed with 18 items including the Big Tasty, Cheesy Chicken Stack, Cheese Melt Dippers, Mischief McFlurry and Grumble Pie.
Will Cheese Melt Dippers return?
Almost certainly — they’ve been a festive staple for years, though McDonald’s hasn’t confirmed the 2026 lineup yet.
How long does the Christmas menu last?
Usually about six weeks, from late November into early January — but popular items sell out sooner.
How will I know when it’s announced?
McDonald’s teases it on social media a few days before launch, and it appears in the McDonald’s UK app first.
Coming from the World Menu Heist? See what’s on the McDonald’s UK menu in November before the Christmas menu lands.
Planning your festive budget? Our McDonald’s Festive Menu Prices 2026 UK guide breaks down expected prices for every seasonal item.