McDonald’s Classic Pumpkin, Ghost & Witch Buckets (2025): Nostalgic Return of the Boo Bucket Trio

The McDonald’s Classic Pumpkin, Ghost & Witch Buckets are back for Halloween 2025! Explore their history, designs, drop dates, and where to collect the beloved Boo Bucket trio.

The Return of McDonald’s Boo Bucket Icons

Halloween nostalgia is in full swing this year as McDonald’s brings back the Classic Pumpkin, Ghost, and Witch Buckets—the Boo Bucket trio that defined childhood Halloweens for millions.

First launched in 1986, these colorful pails replaced traditional Happy Meal boxes during October, doubling as trick-or-treat containers. Now, in 2025, McDonald’s is rekindling that same magic with updated designs and fan-favorite features that merge vintage charm with modern flair.

Let’s dive into the history, design, and excitement surrounding the McDonald’s Classic Pumpkin, Ghost, and Witch Boo Buckets.

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History of McDonald’s Halloween Buckets

The Origin Story: 1986’s First Halloween Happy Meal

In 1986, McDonald’s debuted its first-ever Halloween Happy Meal featuring three collectible plastic buckets — Pumpkin (McPunk’n), Ghost (McBoo), and Witch (McGoblin).

Each bucket came with a lid and a smiling face that instantly became a Halloween icon. The idea was simple yet genius: kids could enjoy their meal and reuse the container for candy collecting on Halloween night.

Evolution Through the 90s & 2000s

The Boo Bucket collection evolved over time. The 1990s introduced glow-in-the-dark versions, sticker lids, and themed faces. By the 2000s, buckets were phased out for a while, replaced by toys — but fans never forgot them.

When the Boo Buckets Made Their Comeback

After a long hiatus, McDonald’s reintroduced the Boo Buckets in 2022, creating viral excitement on social media. Fans lined up at dawn, reminiscent of limited-edition sneaker drops. The comeback proved one thing — nostalgia sells.

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The 2025 McDonald’s Classic Pumpkin, Ghost & Witch Collection

Design Details: Colors, Faces & Classic Themes

This year, McDonald’s keeps it authentic. The Pumpkin bucket glows in orange with a friendly carved grin, the Ghost bucket sports a soft white hue with “peek-a-boo” eyes, and the Witch bucket returns in iconic green with a mischievous smirk.

Each comes with a lid featuring cutout stickers and a handle for easy candy carrying — a true homage to the originals.

What’s New for 2025? Modern Twist on Retro Favorites

While the designs honor the 80s aesthetic, McDonald’s has added eco-friendly materials, ensuring the buckets are now made from 50% recycled plastic. The company also includes a QR code on each bucket, unlocking digital Halloween games and AR filters.

Limited Edition Variants (Glow Buckets & Sticker Lids)

Rumors suggest McDonald’s may introduce limited glow-in-the-dark variants of the Ghost and Witch buckets, alongside sticker sheet lids. These versions are expected to be highly collectible.

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What’s Inside the Boo Bucket Happy Meal

Toy, Treat, or Sticker Surprise

Each Happy Meal includes one of the three Boo Buckets plus your choice of nuggets, hamburger, or cheeseburger, fries, apple slices, and a drink. Instead of plastic toys, McDonald’s includes Halloween-themed sticker sheets that kids can use to decorate their buckets.

Menu Pairings: Kid-Favorite Meals with a Halloween Spin

McDonald’s has also teased limited-edition desserts — like the Pumpkin Pie McFlurry and Ghost Frosty Sundae, available in select stores during the bucket promotion.

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Drop Dates & Availability in 2025

U.S. Release Schedule

The Classic Pumpkin, Ghost & Witch Boo Buckets drop nationwide on October 8, 2025. They’ll be available for approximately three weeks — or while supplies last.

International Markets & Special Collaborations

McDonald’s Canada, UK, and Australia are expected to feature their own Boo Bucket versions. Some international editions may include exclusive colors or bucket face styles.

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Where to Get the Classic Pumpkin, Ghost & Witch Buckets

McDonald’s In-Store & Drive-Thru Options

Head to any participating McDonald’s and ask for the Halloween Happy Meal. The bucket design you receive depends on that week’s rotation — Pumpkin, Ghost, or Witch.

Online Collectors & Resale Market Insights

Collectors who miss out can often find sealed Boo Buckets on eBay and Mercari, but resale prices can range from $15–$40 depending on rarity.

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Nostalgia Factor: Why Fans Love the Classic Trio

The 80s & 90s Childhood Connection

For millennials and Gen Xers, the Boo Buckets represent a simpler time — a blend of fast food, Halloween, and childhood wonder.

These nostalgic items aren’t just for kids anymore; adults are proudly collecting them too.

TikTok & Instagram Trends Around Boo Buckets

In 2024, TikTok users created viral videos customizing their Boo Buckets into candles, planters, and purses. Expect the #BooBucketChallenge to trend again this Halloween.

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Creative Uses for Boo Buckets After Halloween

Even after the candy’s gone, Boo Buckets can be reused as:

• Candy storage bins
• Halloween décor
• Desk organizers
• DIY craft holders
• Plant pots

Eco-friendly, cute, and functional — the perfect collectible.

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Comparison: McDonald’s vs Dunkin & Burger King Halloween Buckets

While Dunkin’ offers its Purple Bucket with Bats & Candy, and Burger King releases ghost-themed boxes, McDonald’s reigns supreme in nostalgia and collectibility.

Their legacy buckets connect generations — from the 1986 originals to the 2025 eco-conscious reboots.

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Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz

Fans on Reddit, X (Twitter), and TikTok are already hyped, with McDonald’s teaser posts gathering millions of views. Some even camped outside local stores last year to grab the first wave.