McDonald's hasn't said a word about its sprinkle-topped Holiday Pie for 2026, but fans are already finding it, starting in Brooklyn. Last year's official nationwide rollout didn't happen until Nov. 14.
The McDonald's Holiday Pie is showing up again. McDonald's just hasn't told anybody.
Sporked reported Wednesday, Nov. 11, that the custard-filled, sprinkle-covered pie is back at some McDonald's locations. Food creator @markie_devo confirmed on Instagram that he found one this week in Brooklyn.
McDonald's hasn't announced a 2026 return. Its U.S. Menu Spotter page, where the chain posts new and returning items, has no Holiday Pie entry for this year. The newest item there, dated Nov. 10, is a Pokémon Happy Meal.
That fits the pie's history. It tends to sneak onto menus a few stores at a time, and fans spend weeks hunting for it on Reddit.
Where can you find the McDonald's Holiday Pie?
Right now, that's the hard part. Sporked said cities and larger towns are more likely to have it, but there's no guarantee. No list of locations exists, and McDonald's hasn't named any states or cities.
"The best thing to do is to check your app," Sporked advised. If the pie shows up on your local store's menu in the McDonald's app, it's in stock there.
A few tips for the hunt:
Check the app first. Set your nearest store and scroll the desserts and sweets section.
Try a few nearby stores. Menus vary by location, so one store having it doesn't mean the next one will.
Call ahead if you're making a special trip. Save yourself the drive.
Watch the Menu Spotter. If McDonald's announces a nationwide date, it will likely post there first.
How much is the McDonald's Holiday Pie?
Sporked said it usually costs $1.79 to $3, depending on where you live. McDonald's doesn't list one national price, so your app will show what your store charges.
That's still one of the cheaper holiday desserts at a big chain this year. A full Thanksgiving pie at a bakery will run you a lot more.
What is the McDonald's Holiday Pie?
McDonald's describes it as "creamy, smooth custard" in a flaky, buttery crust, glazed with sugar and topped with rainbow sprinkles. It's baked, not fried, and it has 260 calories, according to McDonald's product page.
Think of it as the classic apple pie's festive cousin who shows up once a year in a sweater.
Sporked's writer said the crust can look a little pale and the sprinkles can be uneven. He still said it tastes good.
When did the Holiday Pie come back last year?
In 2025, McDonald's made it official. Its Menu Spotter post on Nov. 11, 2025, said the pie would return "starting Nov. 14" at participating restaurants nationwide for a limited time. Some stores had it before that date, Parade reported.
In 2023, McDonald's said it would land Nov. 15 in "select markets" only.
The pie usually sticks around through December and disappears around the new year, Parade reported. So if this year follows the same pattern, a wider rollout could come any day now. McDonald's hasn't confirmed that.
Is the McDonald's Holiday Pie connected to Toy Story?
Kind of. Parade reported last year that the Holiday Pie first showed up in 1999 as part of a Toy Story 2 promotion.
So the pie is basically a Pixar alum. Woody and Buzz have had a busier career since, but the pie keeps getting booked every December.
What else is new at McDonald's right now?
McDonald's holiday drinks lineup arrived Oct. 27, according to its Menu Spotter. A new Pokemon Happy Meal followed on Nov. 10, which might make the drive-thru trip an easier sell with the kids.
If the Holiday Pie isn't at your store yet, check back next week. Fans usually find it before McDonald's says anything.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
Sporked (Nov. 11, 2026), the 2026 sighting, price range, description and app tip
@markie_devo on Instagram (Nov. 2026), the Brooklyn sighting
McDonald's (Nov. 11, 2026), the Menu Spotter timeline for 2023, 2025 and 2026 items, and the Holiday Pie product page
Parade via AOL (Nov. 11, 2025), the 2025 rollout, typical season length and Toy Story 2 origin
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