A 'mean one' from McDonald's? The Grinch Happy Meal not coming to US in 2024

McDonald's mavens are green with envy over a Grinch Happy Meal that's not available in the U.S.

McDonald's is offering a holiday-themed Grinch Happy Meal in the U.K. and Ireland through Dec. 31 or while supplies last.

Served in a carrying box with the face of the Grinch wearing a Santa hat, the meal comes with trading cards and a plush toy of the Grinch or the dog Max from the classic holiday cartoon "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

And – how could it be so? – there are no plans to bring the Grinch Happy Meal to the U.S. at this time, McDonald's said in a statement to USA TODAY.

McDonald's is running TV commercials promoting the meal overseas, and they are also posted on the restaurant's YouTube channels for the U.K. and Ireland.

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Here in the U.S. starting Nov. 26, McDonald's is offering a new Pet Simulator Happy Meal, which comes with two Pet Simulator toys, one for your child and a gift-wrapped toy they can gift to a friend.

Could the Grinch Happy Meal come to the US?

Never say never. Even though McDonald's said the special Happy Meal is not coming to the U.S. now, that doesn't mean it may not in the future.

For instance, last month, the McRib sandwich hit restaurants in the U.K. for a limited time – its first appearance there since 2016. Now, the McRib is returning to the U.S. at participating restaurants nationwide starting Dec. 3 for a limited time.

And the Squishmallow Happy Meals offered during the 2023 holiday season here in the U.S. were offered first in the U,K. and Ireland.

Based on social media responses, the Grinch Happy Meal would be a hit here in the U.S. as many online are saying "Boo Hoo" about missing out on the meal this holiday season.

While you can't get the Happy Meal here, you can participate in some Grinch-related holiday activities found on the McDonald's international sites for the U.K. and Ireland.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: McDonald's Grinch Happy Meal: What to know about special holiday offer