Fast food chains are rolling out deals as Christmas approaches, and McDonald’s is joining the line-up with its “12 Days of Delicious Deals” event. The promotion runs in select markets, offering daily bargains through the company’s mobile app. McDonald’s joins Burger King, Whataburger, Chipotle, and others in making December a busier month for deal-seekers who are looking to save on meals.
According to information confirmed by McDonald’s to USA TODAY, the “12 Days of Delicious Deals” is available in a limited number of markets. Customers in portions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia have access to the daily offers. The company encourages users to check their McDonald’s app to see if the promotion is running at their local restaurant. Each day features a different offer, though the specifics may vary by location.
Fast food promotions have become a staple during the holiday season. Chains are using discounts and app-based rewards to attract both regular and new customers as Christmas nears. This year, the range of deals stretches from buy-one-get-one free entrées at Chipotle to daily discounts at Burger King and Sonic Drive-In. The deals are designed for members of each chain’s loyalty program or app users, reflecting a shift toward digital ordering and rewards.
How the 12 Days of Deals Works
The McDonald’s “12 Days of Delicious Deals” event runs for nearly two weeks. Each day, app users in participating markets can access a unique offer, which could range from free menu items with a purchase to discounts on popular meals. While McDonald’s has not released a national schedule of the deals, customers in the eligible states can see the daily offers when they log in to the app.
McDonald’s has confirmed that the promotion is not available nationwide. Only users in certain regions will see the deals, so the company is urging customers to check their app for local availability. This regional approach sets McDonald’s apart from some competitors that are offering national campaigns.
Other fast food chains are running similar holiday promotions. Burger King launched “13 Days of Deals” with daily app-based offers and a prize drawing for $30,000. Whataburger is offering its “12 Days of Whatacheer” event, where Rewards members in the app can claim a daily surprise, such as buy-one-get-one items and complimentary add-ons. Chipotle’s “Unwrapped Extra” promotion features multiple buy-one-get-one Saturdays and a final themed day called “Extra Sweater Day.” USA TODAY outlines the full range of these offers.
Growing Use of Apps and Loyalty Programs
App-based rewards and mobile ordering have moved from experimental pilots to central features of fast food marketing. This trend has affected how chains structure their holiday promotions. For McDonald’s, the push to make deals available through the app fits with the company’s larger digital strategy.
The focus on loyalty programs gives chains a way to track customer preferences and prompt repeat visits. Both McDonald’s and its competitors now link their best deals to app downloads and sign-ups. By offering daily deals through the app, McDonald’s encourages more users to engage digitally, which can lead to more regular orders beyond the holiday period.
As fast food chains compete for attention in a busy December, the variety of deals highlights the importance of digital engagement. Whether customers are shopping for gifts or looking for a quick meal, the promotions provide incentives to choose one brand over another. For McDonald’s, the “12 Days of Delicious Deals” is both a seasonal celebration and a sign of how the company plans to reach customers.
Looking Ahead to More Digital Promotions
With less than two weeks to Christmas, the rush of holiday deals is likely to continue. Chains see strong participation in app-based events and daily offers. The “12 Days of Delicious Deals” from McDonald’s is a clear example of how the fast food industry is using digital tools to keep customers interested during a crowded shopping season. Whether these deals become permanent fixtures or remain an annual tradition will depend on customer response.
For those in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, or West Virginia, checking the McDonald’s app could bring a daily surprise. Shoppers nationwide will see fast food companies adapting old ideas for modern users. Details on which restaurants are participating and how to claim the offers are available in the McDonald’s app and in recent coverage from WhatNow.
As the holidays draw closer, the mix of tradition and technology will shape how Americans eat on the go this December.
