McDonald’s teams up with the Grinch for festive “Meal” promotion

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McDonald’s has unveiled a holiday-season partnership with Dr. Seuss’s classic character the Grinch, launching a limited-time “Grinch Meal” to bring some cheer — and traffic — to its stores this December. The campaign is part of McDonald’s broader strategy to tap into pop culture IP and nostalgia to drive consumer engagement.

The Grinch Meal, available exclusively through the McDonald’s app, includes a Big Mac, medium fries, apple pie, and a medium-sized green Sprite. In addition to the food bundle, customers will also receive access to digital Grinch-themed content via the app, including AR experiences and themed filters.

The campaign leans into a family-friendly holiday narrative, with McDonald’s Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Tariq Hassan, describing it as a way to “turn seasonal frowns upside down” and spread joy. The collaboration was timed with Universal Pictures’ push to reintroduce the Grinch character through new media formats.

By leveraging its app as the exclusive channel for the promotion, McDonald’s continues to build on its digital customer strategy, encouraging downloads and in-app ordering. This follows a series of successful limited-time “celebrity meals,” including partnerships with BTS, Travis Scott, and Cardi B.

The Grinch Meal is available from December 11 through the holiday season at participating U.S. locations. The campaign will be supported by a national marketing push, including TV spots, in-store signage, and digital activations tied to the Grinch theme.

With fast food facing increased competition and footfall pressures during the holiday season, McDonald’s is banking on emotional resonance and exclusive content to win over families and Gen Z consumers alike.