McDonald’s x The Grinch: The Holiday Collab Taking Over 2025

We all know how much Dr. Seuss’s character, the Grinch, despises Christmas, but he is making an exception this season and popping into McDonald’s (shockingly, he is not planning to ruin Christmas this year). McDonald’s is letting him bring mayhem to its restaurants in the U.S, U.K., and Australia. 

In a partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, McDonald’s will launch the meal on December 2. The meal includes dill pickle “grinch salt” mcshaker fries, a voice of big mac or chicken mcnuggets, a drink, and a pair of collectible festive socks with a message from the crumdgeonly Grinch. 

Starting on 20th November, the Grinch hijacked McDonald’s social media channels and billboards in Times Square, New York City, to stir curiosity around the mischievous holiday campaign. 

McDonald’s will also release a TV commercial on December 2 that will reveal how he carried out his sinister plans. And to spice things up, the chain is also hosting its first-ever gaming program by collaborating with Twitch creators Sydeon, TinaKitten, Happyhappygal, and CyYu. 

The Grinch Meal Sneaked Into Canada First 

This isn’t the first time the Grinch has visited McDonald’s. Last year, he wreaked havoc in the McDonald’s restaurants in Canada

He was successfully able to annoy all the customers there. To spread the word, they had TV ads,  digital campaigns, display boards, and influencer marketing. The campaign generated nearly thirty million social media impressions, which is no doubt a lot of eyeballs for one grumpy green creature. 

Customers were not merely eating this meal, but celebrating it. They loved the socks, shared the fried and posted about it, creating a lot of user-generated content.  

What makes seasonal campaigns so successful?

Seasonal marketing offers brands across different industries a chance to connect with their existing audience in culturally relevant ways. Tapping into the seasonal events and the energy of holidays gives brands a unique opportunity to drive short-term sales as well as maintain consumer loyalty. 

Another reason that makes seasonal marketing work is that it helps companies stay relevant. Participating in the festive vibes shows your customer that you pay attention to what matters to them. This in turn, builds brand loyalty and ensures that you remain at the top of their mind whenever they’re ready to make a purchase. 

When your campaign aligns with special occasions and moments, it creates a deeper emotional connection with your consumers. By tapping into their joy and emotions, customers feel like you care about their needs and values. Providing this kind of experience turns one-time buyers into loyal brand advocates.   

Holidays and special occasions are the times when customers are most active. They are in search of gifts, experiences, and products that align with the celebrations. This peak time can be easily capitalized on to boost brand visibility by launching out-of-the-box campaigns and products. 

The Grinch is Booked and Busy This Year

The Grinch is on a world tour of mischief this season and he isn’t stopping at McDonald’s. 

Walmart went full WhoKnewVille mode with the Grinch starring in TV ads, social campaigns, and even Times Square billboards, reminding everyone that holiday chaos can be fun when it comes with great deals. 

Across the pond, ASDA in the UK brought him to their stores for 2025, grumbling about “frightful prices” before finally getting in the festive spirit and encouraging shoppers to grab holiday deals with some humour. 

Meanwhile, ColourPop is turning the Grinch green for your makeup bag with a 2025 holiday collection featuring eyeshadows, highlighters, and lip glosses. Guess even beauty lovers cannot escape that delightfully grumpy grin?

From retail giants to playful cosmetics, the Grinch is flexing his marketing muscle everywhere this holiday season.

Why Brands Should Ride the Seasonal Marketing Wave

McDonald’s isn’t just serving fries and Big Macs;  they’re serving viral content and creating major brand buzz. The Grinch Meal has brought excitement to stores, boosted social media chatter, and reminded everyone that holiday collabs can make your brand the center of festive conversations. Seasonal marketing works because people are already in the mood to shop, share, and celebrate. Brands that tap into pop culture, nostalgia, and a sprinkle of mischief can create campaigns that are not only memorable but downright profitable.

 So take a page from McDonald’s playbook!  Bing in a festive twist, add something collectible, and watch your brand become part of holiday magic.