McDonald's launches Grinch Happy Meal with special visits in store to promote the 'UK first'

A new McDonald’s Happy Meal has launched in the run-up to Christmas which fully embraces the anti-festive spirit of the Grinch.

The burger chain says the latest theme for its popular kids' deal range is a first for the UK and its new seasonal twist features the famous Dr Seuss character in all his glory. Grinch fans will be able to buy the limited-edition Happy Meal until December 31 and across the month a giant Grinch character will be visiting McDonald's restaurants around the region to promote it.

The fast food favourite has entered into a partnership with Grinch creator Dr Seuss for the first time and its meal deal will come with a pick of either a book or a toy. Among the items available will be one of five exclusive Grinch plush toys; a special edition of Grinchy Tales Twelve days of Grinchmas or a Grinchy card game.

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The games are Families & Pairs; Snap & Match or Grinchy Charades. A life-size Grinch will be making appearances at a range of McDonald’s locations where there also will be themed activity sheets; games; Grinch flags and headbands and Grinchmas fun packs for drive-thru customers.

The Grinch's local appearances will be post-Christmas and will include - on December 28 - McDonald's restaurants at County Durham's Bishop Auckland from 11am-noon; Consett from 1.15pm-2.15pm and then the Team Valley in Gateshead from 3.30pm-4.30pm.

Next- on December 29 - he will be at North Moor Road, Sunderland, from 11am-noon; Boldon Leisure Park from 1.15pm-2.15pm and Towers Place, South Shields, from 3.30pm-4.30pm; followed on December 30 by the Silverlink in Wallsend from 11am until noon; West Denton Retail Park in Newcastle from 1.15pm-2.15pm and Cramlington in Northumberland from 3.30pm-4.30pm.

Ashington will then welcome him from 11am until noon on December 31. To find full details of all Grinch visits see here.