McDonald’s Is Bringing an International Favorite to the U.S. for the First Time

The holiday season is synonymous with new product launches at the grocery store that aim to make your life just a little bit easier. From store-bought cookies for Santa to pre-made appetizers you can just set on the table and serve, brands are always looking out for us.

But with so many of us spending time cooking at home, it’s not often that we see a fast food restaurant get in on the holiday cheer. And, if they do, it’s usually in the form of a seasonal dessert, like Wendy’s Snickerdoodle Cookie Frosty Fusion, Dairy Queen’s Peppermint Bark Blizzard, or, of course, McDonald’s Holiday Pie.

Mickey D’s usually reserves its winter menu for the pie’s return, as well as that of the fan-favorite McRib. And while both of those are already back on menus, for the first time ever, the Golden Arches is releasing a themed holiday menu.

McDonald’s is teaming up with the Holiday Cheermeister himself—and it’s going to have us driving to the drive-thru like The Grinch in Whoville. Out of the way! This December, McDonald’s is releasing an all-new The Grinch Meal.

McDonald’s Debuts New The Grinch Meal

Following a year of successful partnerships, including the A Minecraft Movie Meal, McDonaldland Meal, and TinyTAN Happy Meal, McDonald’s is ending the year by joining forces with one of Christmas’ most beloved characters: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.

The Grinch Meal was originally released in some international markets last year, including Australia and Canada. Now, in a rare move, McDonald’s is bringing the internationally beloved meal to the U.S.—and it includes a menu item that’s never been seen stateside. 

The Grinch Meal also marks the first time McDonald’s is bringing its McShaker Fries to the U.S. These specialty fries are sold in quite a few international Mickey D’s restaurants, and feature McDonald’s classic shoestring fries served with a seasoning packet. You pour the fries and seasoning into a bag and shake them to coat—hence the name.

The McShaker Fries have been served with flavors from Sour Cream & Black Pepper to Churro and Masala.

The Grinch Meal McShaker Fries that are hitting U.S. menus are dill pickle-flavored, adding a tangy, perfectly on-trend twist to the crispy side. 

The new Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries will be served with your choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a medium drink. And there’s one more sweet seasonal surprise awaiting fans, too. Each The Grinch Meal will also come with a pair of socks featuring The Grinch, Max, and Cindy Lou Who. 

While we won’t be getting the Frozen Hot Chocolate McFlurry or the green, heart-shaped cookie that the international markets had, we aren’t complaining, knowing that McShaker Fries have finally landed in the U.S.

The Grinch is coming down from Mount Crumpit and taking up residence at the Golden Arches on Dec. 2, where The Grinch Meal will be available for a limited time. This might be my favorite early holiday gift ever—just don’t tell Mr. Grinch or he might be tempted to come and steal it.