McDonald's makes huge change to Happy Meals for first time in 38 years

Anyone in the UK who's a fan of McDonald's will be buzzing over the huge change to one menu favourite for the first time in 38 years.

Now, whether you head to the fast-food chain for a Big Mac, McFlurry, chicken nugs, or simply some of their signature salty fries - it's clear us Brits love a good Maccies.

And, no doubt, one of the most-loved items on the menu is the famous Happy Meal.

(Nathan Stirk / Contributor / Getty Images)

The public has grown to associate the Happy Meal boxes with its iconic bright red packaging and yellow 'M' handle - but it seems the boxes are about to get a brand-new makeover.

With Christmas just a few weeks away now, McDonald's has decided to update the packaging of its Happy Meals as a tribute to one of our favourite festive flicks, The Grinch.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey, is arguably one of the finest yuletide movies out there, remaining a seasonal staple after all these years since it first hit our screens, and warmed our hearts, back in 2000.

Then, 18 years later, fans of the character were treated to another dose of Whoville, with the 2018 animated family comedy starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

The new Grinch-themed Happy Meal box (McDonald's)

And now, six years after our final fix of the beloved Crimbo tale, McDonald's has announced the first-ever partnership between McDonald's and Dr Seuss in the Happy Meal’s 38-year history which has seen the red box go green for the occasion.

And as for the yellow 'M' handles?

Well, they're still on the box, but the Happy Meal packaging now features the beloved green creature wearing a pop-out Christmas hat.

"The Grinch has arrived to spread festive cheer during the most magical time of year!" the official McDonald’s website reads.

There are eight toys to collect in the boxes (McDonald's)

Kids can collect up to eight Grinch and friends plush toy Christmas decorations, as well as Grinch family card games, or a special Twelve Days of Grinchmas story.

The Grinch Happy Meals will be available until the end of this month (December) 31 in the UK and Ireland only - something people across the globe are clearly gutted over.

One Instagram user lamented: "What a bummer.

"Please McDonald’s USA. DON’T fail us!!!" begged another, while a third echoed: "I will cry if they don’t bring this to the US."

McDonald's has also recently introduced two brand-new food items to its festive menu - the Cheesy McCrispy and the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie.

The festive menu has also brought back a number of favourite menu items, including the Big Tasty and Big Tasty with Bacon, the Cheese Melt Dippers with Rich Tomato Dip, the Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry, and the GalaxyCaramel McFlurry.