McDonald’s launched a nationwide Grinch Meal on December 2, 2025, offering customers a seasonal bundle that includes a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, a medium drink, tangy Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries, and a collectible pair of grinch socks mcdonald’s in one of four designs. The holiday promotion is available for a short time at participating restaurants across the United States.
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What’s inside the Grinch Meal
The Grinch Meal brings together classic menu favorites with limited-edition holiday items designed to boost seasonal excitement and collectibility. Each meal includes:
- A Big Mac or a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets
- A medium fountain drink
- McShaker Fries seasoned with Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt”
- One pair of Grinch-themed collectible socks in green, red, blue, or yellow
The socks are quickly becoming the most talked-about part of the promotion, with customers posting unboxings, showing off designs, and purchasing multiple meals to collect all four variants.
Availability and rollout across the U.S.
The campaign went live nationwide on December 2. While the majority of U.S. McDonald’s restaurants are participating, availability can vary by region due to franchise decisions and inventory. Supplies are limited, and early demand suggests that locations may sell out faster than expected, especially in high-traffic markets.
The Grinch Meal is available for dine-in, carryout, drive-thru, and through the McDonald’s app, with pricing determined by individual restaurant operators.
Why the collectible socks are driving demand
The holiday socks included with the meal have quickly emerged as the main attraction. Unlike typical promotional toys, the socks are adult-sized, comfortable, and designed with bright Grinch-themed artwork. Some customers are buying the meal exclusively for the socks, and resale activity has already begun on secondary marketplaces.
The surge in interest follows a pattern seen in previous seasonal McDonald’s releases, where merchandise tied to well-known characters created repeat visits and viral social media moments.
A closer look at the Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries
The Grinch Meal also introduces a seasonal twist to McDonald’s classic fries. The Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” seasoning comes in a packet customers pour into the shaker bag before shaking to coat the fries. The flavor is described as tangy, slightly sour, and distinctly pickle-forward, adding a novelty experience to an everyday menu staple.
Customer reactions highlight the flavor as a fun holiday addition, though personal preferences vary.
The partnership behind the promotion
This holiday release is part of McDonald’s broader strategy of pairing its menu with recognizable entertainment properties during seasonal periods. The collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises combines nostalgia, character-driven marketing, and limited-run merchandise to create a shareable holiday moment that appeals to both families and collectors.
Packaging, messaging, and branding throughout the promotion reflect Grinch-themed visuals and playful character references for added holiday appeal.
What customers should know before ordering
Because the promotion is limited, customers hoping to secure the socks or try the new seasoned fries should consider:
- Checking the McDonald’s app for participating locations
- Visiting earlier in the promotion to avoid sold-out items
- Expecting price variations depending on the restaurant
As with all McDonald’s offerings, ingredient and allergen details are available in-store and through the company’s nutritional information platforms.
How this compares to earlier Grinch-themed promotions
McDonald’s tested similar Grinch meals and merchandise in select international markets in previous years. Those rollouts also experienced strong demand, with many items selling out quickly. The U.S. version follows a similar pattern, offering collectible socks and a specialty fry seasoning as key incentives.
What to expect as the holiday season continues
Seasonal promotions at McDonald’s typically run for a few weeks or until supplies run out. Early sales and social media buzz indicate that the Grinch Meal is on track to be one of the chain’s most popular holiday releases this year. As more customers seek out the collectible socks, availability may become increasingly limited.
Bottom line
McDonald’s has packaged a festive holiday experience with the Grinch Meal, combining a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, a medium drink, Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries, and a collectible pair of grinch socks mcdonald’s. Available for a limited time at participating U.S. restaurants, the promotion appeals to fans of seasonal flavor twists and those eager to grab holiday merchandise before it sells out.