McDonald’s “Grinch Meal” launches for the holidays with dill-pickle fries and collectible socks

McDonald’s has kicked off December with a limited-time Grinch Meal, a festive bundle built around tangy Dill Pickle McShaker Fries—branded with cheeky “Grinch Salt.” The seasonal offer began rolling out in the U.S. on December 2 at participating restaurants and through the app, with add-on goodies and exact options varying by market while supplies last.

What’s inside the McDonald’s Grinch Meal

At its core, the Grinch Meal pairs a classic main with a new, green-tinted twist on fries and a drink. Here’s the standard build many diners will see:

• Main: choice of Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets

• Side: Dill Pickle McShaker Fries (regular fries plus a packet of “Grinch Salt” to shake on)

• Drink: medium soft drink

• Bonus: Grinch-themed socks in select locations (designs rotate and availability is limited)

The fries are the headline: the “Grinch Salt” packs a bright, dill-forward zing that leans more savory than sweet, landing closer to kettle-chip pickle seasoning than a typical herb sprinkle. The shake-your-own format also turns the side into a small interaction—open the bag, pour the packet, give it a good toss, and you’ve got holiday-green fries with a tangy pop.

Availability, timing, and how to order

• Start date: U.S. rollout began December 2, 2025.

• Where: Participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide; local extras can differ by city and franchise group.

• How to get it: Order in-restaurant, at the drive-thru, or through the McDonald’s app. App listings typically display the Grinch Meal as a featured tile during the promotion.

• While supplies last: The socks and some limited designs may sell out faster than the core food items.

If you don’t immediately see the Grinch Meal in the app, update the app and refresh your location; early days of holiday drops can trigger staggered menu caching by region.

What about outside the U.S.?

Holiday menus vary internationally, and some regions layer the Grinch theme onto a broader seasonal lineup. In a number of markets, you’ll see similar mains plus Grinched McShaker Fries and occasional desserts with playful naming. Specific items and names can change by country, so check your local restaurant menu for the exact mix.

Taste notes and pairing tips

• Big Mac route: The pickle-forward fries echo the burger’s relish and sauce, creating a briny-creamy loop that fans of classic burger-stand flavors will recognize.

• McNuggets route: The dill seasoning contrasts nicely with hot, neutral nuggets; Tangy Barbecue or Sweet ’n Sour sauce keeps the citrus-herb profile lively.

• DIY heat: If your location stocks a spicy dipping sauce, a little heat over the pickle fries brings the seasoning closer to Nashville-style tang.

Collectible socks: how they work

The promotion includes mismatched Grinch socks in select U.S. markets. Designs may rotate (common motifs include the Grinch, Max, or Cindy-Lou-Who). Distribution is limited: some stores hand them out automatically with the Grinch Meal, others list them as an add-on or reserve them for mobile orders. If the socks are a must-have, it’s smart to check with your local restaurant before you head out.

How long will the Grinch Meal last?

McDonald’s positions this as a limited holiday run through December, but timing is ultimately driven by inventory. Fries and mains should be steady; the green seasoning packets and socks are the most likely to sell through first. Expect the featured tile to rotate out as January menus return.

Quick FAQ for the Grinch Meal at McDonald’s

Is there a price difference vs. a normal combo?
Pricing is set locally and can vary; the Grinch Meal sits in the same ballpark as comparable bundles, with premiums tied to exclusives like socks where available.

Can I customize it?
Yes—standard customization rules apply for the burger or nuggets. The McShaker Fries rely on the included packet; if you skip the packet, you’ll just have regular fries.

Are the fries actually green?
The seasoning itself is green and will tint the fries slightly once shaken. The effect is most visible on fresh, hot fries with a full packet.

Is there a kids version?
Kids’ holiday tie-ins differ by market and may feature themed packaging or toys on separate timelines. The Grinch Meal itself is positioned as a general seasonal bundle.

The Grinch Meal at McDonald’s taps into a simple holiday formula—nostalgia plus a new bite. With dill-pickle Grinch Salt doing most of the heavy lifting and a collectible flourish for early birds, it’s a cheerful, limited-time detour that turns a familiar order into a December-only moment.