MANILA — Lunar New Year rituals come in many forms: sharing a meal with family, wearing something red, or picking up small tokens believed to bring luck for the year ahead. This season, McDonald’s Philippines is adding a playful twist to the celebration with a limited-edition drop of Chinese zodiac–inspired collectibles—proof that even a fast-food run can feel festive.
To mark the Year of the Fire Horse, McDonald’s has unveiled 12 zodiac-themed collectibles featuring familiar characters like Grimace, Hamburglar, and Birdie, each tucked into a detachable zodiac animal shell. The figures are designed to be mixed, matched, and displayed, making them as much a desk companion or shelf accent as a keepsake from the season.
According to McDonald’s Philippines chief marketing officer Ada Almendras-Lazaro, the idea was to create an experience that blends food, culture, and a sense of celebration.
“This Chinese New Year, we wanted to offer something that pays homage to tradition while keeping things light and fun,” she said. “It’s about food, fun, and fortune—elements that naturally come together during the season.”
What sets the collection apart is its modular design. Each character comes with a zodiac animal shell adorned with a colored gem, all of which are interchangeable across the lineup. Completing the set are 13 zodiac animal shells, including a bonus golden horse shell created especially for the Fire Horse year. The result is a collectible series that invites a bit of personalization—mixing characters and shells to reflect one’s own personality or mood.
The collectibles are available for a limited time as part of a Lunar New Year “lucky combo.” Customers can add Php 168 to any McDonald’s meal to get one zodiac collectible along with an upgrade to the brand’s newest seasonal drink, the Golden McFloat.
Designed as a celebratory sip, the Golden McFloat blends Sprite with fruity peach and pear flavors, finished with McDonald’s signature vanilla soft serve. It’s light, sweet, and unmistakably festive—meant to toast what many hope will be a “golden” year ahead.
Beyond the food and collectibles, McDonald’s is leaning into the spirit of the season with additional Lunar New Year touches. App-exclusive deals, in-store fortune card readings, and other limited-time activities aim to make each visit feel a little more special.
“We want every visit to feel positive and exciting,” Almendras-Lazaro said. “Whether it’s collecting a zodiac figure, discovering a surprise through the McDonald’s App, or simply enjoying something new, we want customers to feel the joy and optimism that Lunar New Year represents.”
For those who love collectibles, festive food, or simply a reason to celebrate the season, McDonald’s Lunar New Year offering turns an everyday meal into a small ritual of luck—served with fries on the side.