This Halloween, McDonald’s is giving its iconic Happy Meal® a magical seasonal twist by partnering with the much-loved Care Bears™. Launching nationwide from Wednesday 15th October, the limited-edition Happy Meal® is designed to spark imagination and bring families together in the spirit of fun and sharing.

For a limited time, each Happy Meal® will include either one of nine Halloween-themed Care Bears plush toys or an exclusive new Care Bears storybook, created specially for this campaign. The plush collection features creative pairings and costumes, including favourites like Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear, Tenderheart Bear and Harmony Bear, all with a spooky seasonal makeover.

In addition to the toy and book options, McDonald’s restaurants across the UK will be hosting themed activities and in-store character visits. Families can expect interactive experiences, themed activity sheets, and engaging graphics throughout selected restaurants – all designed to bring the world of Care-A-Lot to life during the October half term.

The exclusive Care Bears book, available only through Happy Meal®, is packed with colour, creativity and heart-warming stories that extend the magic of mealtime. It’s a great option for families looking to combine storytelling with imaginative play this Halloween season.

The Care Bears Happy Meal® campaign is available nationwide from Wednesday 15th October for a limited time only.

Ideal for families looking to add a little seasonal fun to their half-term plans, this collaboration brings together nostalgic characters and Halloween excitement in one delightful experience.

Check your local McDonald’s for participating locations and activity times.

By Beth Ashton

Beth Ashton is a leading expert in audience engagement and digital media strategy, currently serving as Chief Growth Officer at Bright Sites. With a dynamic career rooted in journalism and digital transformation, Beth has become a key figure in shaping how media organisations connect with and grow their audiences in the digital age. As Head of Audience Strategy at some of the UK's biggest newspapers, Beth oversaw the development and implementation of data-driven strategies that enhanced audience growth, retention, and engagement. Her approach combines deep insights into audience behaviour with creative content solutions, ensuring that media brands can not only capture attention but also build lasting relationships with their audiences. Beth is known for her forward-thinking approach to digital media, leveraging her expertise to drive significant growth across platforms. She has successfully led initiatives that increase audience interaction, optimise content distribution, and expand digital reach, all while maintaining a strong focus on the quality and integrity of content. Contact Beth at beth@parents-news.co.uk