Is McDonald's Open On Easter Sunday 2024?

Many people spend most of Easter Sunday in the kitchen, especially if they're traditionalists who eat lamb on Easter as a nod to its history. This doesn't apply to everyone, though — some folks prefer a simple trip to McDonald's. If this describes you, then you likely want to know whether or not the franchise will open its doors on March 31. You're in luck: A representative told Today that "hours vary by location, but most McDonald's in the U.S. are open on holidays." Some fans may have been expecting this, as most McDonald's locations were also open on Easter Sunday in 2023.

Fans should, however, note the word "most." Some stores do, in fact, close on holidays, including Easter Sunday, so before you plan your trip, make sure you pull up the chain's store locator to check operating hours for your local branch. If you can't see the hours for your location listed, contact the store ahead of time.

While other countries like the U.K. are getting special Easter upgrades to their McDonald's menus, with offerings like the Galaxy Truffle Bunny McFlurry and Hot Cross Bun Latte, U.S. customers are not. Instead, their spring treats celebrate a different holiday: St. Patrick's Day.

As you might expect for themed St. Patrick's Day items, both of McDonald's limited-run springtime offerings are green. The first, the Shamrock Shake, is made with vanilla soft serve, whipped cream, and McDonald's own Shamrock Shake syrup. The drink, which features a distinctive minty flavor, has been on and off of the chain's menu for quite some time. (Fortunately, if a craving for the festive green drink hits when it's unavailable, you can try our copycat Shamrock Shake recipe.) The now-famous treat was invented in 1967 by Connecticut-based store owner Hal Rosen and made its national debut in 1970.

McDonald's other seasonal U.S. item combines its Shamrock Shake syrup and soft serve with another treat: Oreo cookies. If you're a fan of mint chocolate chip ice cream, the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry is definitely worth a shot before it leaves menus along with its predecessor. McDonald's hasn't specified when either of these items will be departing, so if you want to give them a try, there's no time like the present — or Easter Sunday, if they last that long.