Based on McDonald’s UK’s confirmed Happy Meal promotions and press coverage, October 2026. Promotion dates and stock can change — check the McDonald’s UK app for the latest. Last updated October 2026.
Halloween at McDonald’s UK has become one of the highlights of the autumn calendar — and 2026 is no exception. This year’s spooky season comes with Halloween-themed Happy Meal toys, in-restaurant character visits, and the usual question: is McDonald’s open on Halloween itself?
Here’s everything confirmed for Halloween 2026.
The Halloween 2026 Happy Meal: Build-A-Bear Workshop
The current Happy Meal promotion is a collaboration with Build-A-Bear Workshop, launched on 22 September 2026 across the UK. Every Happy Meal box includes one of 12 collectible furry-friend bag clips — mini plush heads that clip onto bags, keys and backpacks, with stickers in the box for customisation.
Crucially for spooky season, four of the 12 designs are Halloween-inspired:
| Halloween design | What it is |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin teddy | Classic teddy in pumpkin get-up |
| Frankenstein axolotl | The viral axolotl, monster-style |
| Black cat | Spooky-season staple |
| Bat | For maximum Halloween energy |
The other eight designs include classic Build-A-Bear teddies, colourful axolotls and the bunny character Pawlette, reimagined as limited-edition keyrings.
Alongside the toys, there’s an exclusive Build-A-Bear Workshop book, “The Big Talent Show”, a digital dress-up game where kids can virtually style their bear, and character meet-and-greets at selected restaurants during the promotion. Spend £25 at a Build-A-Bear Workshop store and you’ll also get a £5-off voucher for a UK Happy Meal.
As with all Happy Meal toys, they’re allocated randomly and you can’t choose which one you get — and it’s while stocks last.
What McDonald’s did for past Halloweens
McDonald’s UK has form when it comes to spooky-season Happy Meals:
- 2025 — Care Bears Halloween. Nine plush Care Bears, each given a Halloween makeover (think Cheer Bear meets ghost), launched 15 October, plus an exclusive Care Bears storybook written for the campaign and in-restaurant character visits.
- 2023 — Halloween Squishmallows. Six limited-edition spooky Squishmallows — including a spider, a bat, a skeleton cat and a werewolf — available until 31 October.
The pattern is clear: expect a Halloween-flavoured Happy Meal every October, usually running through half-term — see our October half-term family guide for the full breakdown of toys, dates and deals.
What about the US Halloween “Boo Buckets”?
Bad news for collectors: the famous American Halloween Boo Buckets — Happy Meals served in pumpkin, witch and ghost buckets — are not available in the UK. McDonald’s UK has previously confirmed these are US-only, and there’s no sign of that changing for 2026. If you see them on social media, they’re across the pond.
Is McDonald’s open on Halloween 2026?
Yes. Halloween (Saturday 31 October 2026) is not a bank holiday in the UK, so McDonald’s restaurants open normal hours. Drive-thrus, dine-in and McDelivery via Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo all run as usual — handy if you need to fuel up between trick-or-treat rounds.
A few restaurants may run Halloween decorations or themed activity sheets for kids, but that’s at the individual restaurant’s discretion.
Quick answers
When does the Halloween Happy Meal end?
The Build-A-Bear promotion launched 22 September and typically runs for several weeks — expect it to cover the Halloween period, but toys are while stocks last, so the Halloween designs could go first.
Can I choose which toy I get?
No — Happy Meal toys are allocated randomly. Staff can’t pick specific designs for you.
Are the toys free?
They’re included in the price of a Happy Meal (around £3–£4 depending on location). You can’t normally buy the toy on its own.
Is McDonald’s doing anything else for Halloween 2026?
Beyond the Happy Meal, watch the MyMcDonald’s Rewards app through October — McDonald’s often drops bonus-point offers and limited-time menu items around seasonal events.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Halloween Happy Meal toys for 2026?
Four Halloween-inspired Build-A-Bear bag clips: a pumpkin teddy, a Frankenstein axolotl, a black cat and a bat — part of a 12-design collection running from 22 September.
Is McDonald’s open on 31 October 2026?
Yes — normal opening hours. Halloween isn’t a UK bank holiday.
Does the UK get Halloween Boo Buckets?
No. They’re a US-only promotion and McDonald’s UK has confirmed they aren’t coming here.
Until when can I get the spooky toys?
While stocks last. Popular designs tend to run out, so earlier in the promotion is safer.
Can I book a McDonald’s birthday party for a Halloween birthday?
Some UK restaurants still host birthday parties — here’s how they work in the UK.
This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by McDonald’s. Prices are approximate and vary by restaurant.
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