Every year, McDonald’s UK rolls out a limited-edition festive menu that sends fans into a frenzy — and every year, the first question everyone asks is the same: how much does it all cost?
Here’s the honest answer up front: McDonald’s has not yet announced its 2026 festive menu or its prices. The festive range is typically revealed in mid-November, with the menu launching around 20 November and running until early January.
But that doesn’t mean you’re going in blind. By looking at the 2024 and 2025 festive menus — which followed a very consistent pattern — we can build a realistic picture of what to expect and what you’ll likely pay. Think of this as your budgeting guide for the festive season.
Prices are approximate and vary by restaurant.
When Does the McDonald’s Festive Menu Launch in 2026?
Based on previous years, the McDonald’s UK festive menu almost always launches in the third week of November:
- 2024: launched 20 November, ran until 31 December
- 2023: launched mid-November
- 2022: launched mid-November
The pattern is remarkably consistent. Expect the 2026 festive menu to launch around 18–20 November 2026 and run for roughly six weeks, disappearing in early January 2027.
McDonald’s usually announces the full lineup about a week before launch, so keep an eye out in the second week of November. We’ll update this guide the moment the official 2026 menu drops.
For the full rundown of what’s typically on the festive menu, see our McDonald’s Christmas menu 2026 UK guide.
Expected Festive Menu Prices for 2026
The table below shows 2024’s confirmed festive prices alongside our 2026 expectations. Treat the 2026 column as an informed estimate — McDonald’s typically raises festive prices by 20–50p per item each year to account for inflation.
| Festive Item | 2024 Confirmed Price | 2026 Expected Price |
|---|---|---|
| Big Tasty (burger only) | £5.79 | £6.29–£6.49 |
| Big Tasty with Bacon (burger only) | £6.59 | £6.99–£7.29 |
| Big Tasty medium meal | £7.59 | £7.99–£8.29 |
| Big Tasty with Bacon medium meal | £8.39 | £8.79–£8.99 |
| Cheese Melt Dippers (4 pcs) | £2.49 | £2.79–£2.99 |
| Cheese Melt Dippers Sharebox | £6.79 | £7.29–£7.49 |
| Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry | £2.19 | £2.49–£2.69 |
| Terry’s Chocolate Orange Mini McFlurry | £1.59 | £1.79–£1.99 |
| Galaxy Caramel McFlurry | £2.19 | £2.49–£2.69 |
| Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie | £1.99 | £2.19–£2.39 |
| Galaxy Caramel Latte | £2.69 | £2.89–£2.99 |
| Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolate | £2.69 | £2.89–£2.99 |
Important: these 2026 figures are estimates, not confirmed prices. The actual menu may also include brand-new items we can’t predict — McDonald’s surprised everyone in 2024 with the Cheesy McCrispy (£5.99), a completely new festive burger nobody saw coming.
The Big Tasty: The Festive Headliner
If there’s one item that defines McDonald’s festive season, it’s the Big Tasty. This burger — a beef patty with Emmental cheese, onions, juicy tomatoes and smoky barbecue sauce in a toasted bun — has become a festive-season staple, returning almost every winter.
In 2024, the Big Tasty cost £5.79 on its own or £7.59 as a medium meal, with the bacon version at £6.59 / £8.39. For 2026, expect to pay roughly £6.29–£6.49 for the burger and £7.99–£8.29 for the meal.
Is it worth it? At those prices, the Big Tasty meal sits at the premium end of the McDonald’s menu — but it’s a limited-edition item you can’t get the rest of the year, which is exactly why it sells out in some locations.
Cheese Melt Dippers: The Cult Favourite
The Cheese Melt Dippers — crispy breaded Camembert dippers served with a rich tomato dip — are arguably the most beloved item on the festive menu. They’ve returned every year since their debut, and fans genuinely panic when they’re not available.
2024 pricing was £2.49 for a standard portion of four, or £6.79 for the sharing box. For 2026, budget around £2.79–£2.99 for the standard size and £7.29–£7.49 for the sharebox.
Money-saving tip: the sharebox works out cheaper per dipper than buying two standard portions — ideal if you’re sharing (or just really hungry).
Festive Desserts: McFlurries and Pies
The dessert side of the festive menu is where McDonald’s really leans into the season:
- Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry (£2.19 in 2024, expect £2.49–£2.69 in 2026) — soft-serve ice cream with Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces and chocolate sauce
- Galaxy Caramel McFlurry (£2.19 in 2024, expect £2.49–£2.69 in 2026) — the caramel alternative
- Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie (£1.99 in 2024, expect £2.19–£2.39 in 2026) — a crispy chocolate pastry with orange-flavoured ganache filling
We’ve covered these in more detail in our festive drinks and desserts guide.
Festive Hot Drinks
The Galaxy Caramel Latte and Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolate (both £2.69 in 2024) are the cosy corner of the festive menu — made with Galaxy Caramel flavour syrup, topped with caramel cream and Galaxy Chocolate stars. Expect £2.89–£2.99 in 2026.
These are genuinely good value compared to high-street coffee chains, where a seasonal latte can easily cost £4 or more.
How to Save Money on the Festive Menu
The festive menu is premium-priced, but there are ways to keep costs down:
- Use the McDonald’s app — exclusive deals and rewards points can knock pounds off festive orders
- Go for the sharebox — Cheese Melt Dippers work out cheaper per piece in the sharing size
- Skip the meal upgrade — buying the burger alone plus a separate drink is sometimes cheaper than the meal deal
- Check for festive app offers — McDonald’s often runs limited-time discounts on festive items through the app in December
For a full breakdown of everyday prices to compare against, see our McDonald’s UK menu prices guide.
FAQ
When will McDonald’s announce the 2026 festive menu?
Typically in the second week of November, about a week before launch. Based on previous years, expect the announcement around 11–13 November 2026.
How long is the festive menu available?
Usually around six weeks — from mid-November until the end of December or early January.
Will the Big Tasty return in 2026?
It has returned for the festive season in most recent years, so it’s very likely — but not confirmed until McDonald’s announces the menu.
Are festive menu prices the same at every restaurant?
No — prices vary slightly by location. The figures in this guide are based on standard pricing; London and motorway service restaurants may charge more.
Can I order festive items on delivery apps?
Yes — the festive menu is usually available on Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo, though delivery prices may be slightly higher.
Conclusion
McDonald’s hasn’t confirmed its 2026 festive menu yet, but history gives us a reliable blueprint: expect the Big Tasty, Cheese Melt Dippers, festive McFlurries and seasonal hot drinks to return around 20 November, with prices roughly 20–50p higher than 2024 across the board.
Budget around £8–£9 for a festive burger meal, £2.50–£3 for sides and desserts, and £3 for a festive hot drink. We’ll update this guide with confirmed 2026 prices the moment McDonald’s makes its announcement — check back in mid-November.
3 comments