Every fall, something spooky and nostalgic returns to McDonald’s. No, it’s not just the pumpkin spice lattes or the limited-time McFlurry flavors—it’s the iconic Halloween pails. Yes, those colorful, plastic buckets from the ’80s and ’90s that once held your cheeseburger, fries, and dreams of trick-or-treating greatness. And this year, they’re back—just in time for spooky season.
McDonald’s has officially brought back its famous Halloween Happy Meal buckets, and fans are excited. For many adults, these buckets bring back warm childhood memories. For kids, they’re a fun and festive way to enjoy their meal—and maybe even collect some candy later on.
Here’s everything you need to know about the return of McDonald’s Halloween buckets in 2025, including what they look like, what’s new, and how long they’ll be available.
A Nostalgic Treat for Adults
The McDonald’s Halloween pails—also known as Boo Buckets—first came out in 1986. Back then, they were shaped like jack-o’-lanterns and came in fun, Halloween-themed colors like orange, green, and white. Some had faces with big smiles, others looked like ghosts or goblins. Kids could reuse the buckets for trick-or-treating or as decorations around the house. Over the years, the designs changed, but the excitement never faded.
For people who grew up in the late ’80s or ’90s, getting a Happy Meal in one of these plastic pails was a big deal. It wasn’t just about the food—it was about the whole experience. And now, McDonald’s is tapping into that nostalgia by bringing them back once again.
“It’s a blast from the past,” said one TikTok user who posted a video showing off their new Boo Bucket. “I remember using these to collect candy every Halloween as a kid.”
What’s in the Bucket This Year?
In 2025, McDonald’s has added a few surprises to the Halloween buckets. Like previous years, the buckets will be part of a Happy Meal purchase, which includes a choice of a hamburger, 4-piece or 6-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries or apple slices, and a drink.
But this year’s buckets have fresh designs. According to McDonald’s, the 2025 lineup includes:
- McBoo (white bucket) – A friendly ghost with a cheeky grin
- McGoblin (green bucket) – A mischievous goblin face with a raised eyebrow
- McPunk’n (orange bucket) – A classic jack-o’-lantern design with a smile
And here’s the twist—each bucket comes with a reusable sticker sheet. Kids (or adults) can use the stickers to decorate their buckets however they want. There’s even a glow-in-the-dark sticker included in some of them. This is a new addition that wasn’t part of the original designs from the ’80s.
“They’re keeping the old-school charm, but giving it a fun little upgrade,” said a McDonald’s spokesperson.
Limited Time Only—And They’re Going Fast
If you want to get your hands on one (or all) of the 2025 Halloween buckets, don’t wait too long. McDonald’s has said that the buckets are available for a limited time only—from October 1 through Halloween, or while supplies last.
That means once your local McDonald’s runs out, you might be out of luck.
In 2022 and 2023, the buckets sold out fast. Some customers even drove to multiple locations just to complete their collection. This year might be no different. Some TikTok and Instagram users have already posted videos of long drive-thru lines and sold-out signs just a few days into October.
“They were sold out at the first place I checked,” said a customer from Chicago. “I had to drive 20 minutes to another location, but it was worth it!”
If you want to avoid disappointment, your best bet is to call ahead to your local McDonald’s and ask if they still have the buckets available.
Why People Are So Obsessed with These Buckets
You might be wondering—why all the hype over a plastic pail? The answer is simple: it’s more than just a bucket. For many people, it’s a symbol of childhood.
Nostalgia marketing has been a powerful trend in recent years. From reboots of old TV shows to retro packaging on snacks, brands are tapping into the emotions people feel when they remember the “good old days.” McDonald’s Halloween buckets are a perfect example.
“They remind me of being a kid in the ’90s,” said one user on X (formerly Twitter). “It wasn’t just a meal—it was an event. I’m getting one for my kids now so they can feel that magic too.”
There’s also a collector culture around the buckets. Some fans have saved their original buckets from the ’80s and ’90s, and they’re even being sold on sites like eBay. The vintage versions can go for $20 to $50 or more depending on their condition.
This year’s buckets, with their new sticker sheets and updated faces, could become collector’s items themselves.
Can You Use Them for Trick-or-Treating?
Absolutely. That’s part of the fun. Each bucket is sturdy enough to be reused—not just for trick-or-treating, but also as a Halloween decoration, candy holder, or even a lunch container if you’re feeling nostalgic.
Parents often reuse them to hold Halloween candy at the front door, or for party favors. Some people even use them to grow small plants or organize office supplies. The possibilities are endless.
A Few Criticisms from Fans
Of course, not everyone is totally thrilled with the updated buckets. Some long-time fans miss the old version that had lids. The current design doesn’t include lids, and that’s been a small source of frustration for some collectors.
“I love the design, but I wish it came with a lid like it used to,” one Instagram user commented. “Still cute though.”
Others wish there were more variety, or that McDonald’s would bring back the glow-in-the-dark ghost bucket from the early ‘90s.
Still, most people seem happy just to have the buckets back at all.
Final Thoughts: A Fun Fall Tradition
In a world where fast food trends come and go quickly, McDonald’s Halloween buckets have staying power. They’re cute, collectible, and make Halloween just a little bit more magical—whether you’re five or fifty.
So if you’re thinking about swinging by McDonald’s this October, consider grabbing a Happy Meal. Even if you’re not that hungry, the bucket alone might be worth the trip. It’s a small piece of Halloween history—and who couldn’t use a little extra fun right now?
