As the Easter weekend approaches in 2026, many Big Mac enthusiasts are curious about whether McDonald's will maintain its usual service across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Good Friday falls on April 3, Easter Sunday on April 5, and Easter Monday on April 6, creating a long bank holiday period that could impact dining options.
General Opening Hours for Easter Weekend
According to recent checks conducted online, the vast majority of McDonald's outlets are planning to operate as normal throughout the Easter holiday. However, it is crucial to note that opening hours can vary significantly between locations, so patrons should verify specific times for their nearest restaurant to avoid any potential disappointment.
Why Opening Times Differ
McDonald's operates over 1,400 branches in the UK and Ireland, with approximately 80% of these being franchised establishments. This franchise model means that individual restaurant owners have the autonomy to set their own schedules, which can lead to variations in opening hours, especially during public holidays like Easter.
Examples of Opening Times Across the UK
To provide a clearer picture, here are some specific examples of McDonald's opening hours in various towns and cities:
- The McDonald's in Leicester Square, London, is open from 5am until 2:45am daily, including on bank holiday Monday.
- In Burgess Hill, West Sussex, the restaurant operates from 7am to 11pm every day.
- Both the Liverpool Lord Street and Cardiff Newport Road branches are open 24 hours, even on bank holidays.
How to Check Your Local Branch
Customers are strongly encouraged to use the McDonald's restaurant locator tool available online or through the official app to confirm the exact opening times for their local outlet. This tool provides real-time information, ensuring that you can plan your visit accurately without any surprises.
McDonald's Cards Meal Promotion
In related news, McDonald's has recently launched an exciting cards meal promotion, adding an element of fun and reward for customers. The promotion features 24 cards divided into four distinct categories: Character, Fan, Retro, and Legendary Cards, with the latter being holographic for added collectability.
Redeeming Free Food Items
Every pack of cards guarantees at least one Character Card, which unlocks a complimentary food item. There are six Character Cards in total, each associated with a popular menu choice:
- Fry Girl: Offers free Fries.
- Hamburglar: Provides a free Hamburger, Cheeseburger, or Mayo Chicken.
- McNugget Buddies: Grants free six Chicken McNuggets.
- Phil A. O’Fish: Awards a free Filet-O-Fish or four Chicken McNuggets.
- Grimace: Unlocks a free Medium Soft Drink or Medium Milkshake.
- Birdie: Gives a free McMuffin.
Character Cards include a second code that allows customers to redeem their free food item in-restaurant, via drive-thru, or through the McDonald's app, ensuring convenience and flexibility.
Additional Prize Opportunities
Beyond the free food, there are six collect-to-win prize categories, offering even more chances for customers to secure extra rewards. Participants are encouraged to enter the code found on the back of each card into the McDonald's app to participate in these additional prize draws.
The Ultimate Prize: The Gold Ronald Card
The rarest card in the promotion is the gold Ronald Card, with only ten in existence worldwide. Each gold Ronald Card entitles the lucky holder to a substantial cash prize of £10,000, making it the most coveted item in the entire card collection.
As Easter 2026 approaches, McDonald's patrons can look forward to largely uninterrupted service across most locations, coupled with the added excitement of the new cards meal promotion. Remember to check your local branch's hours and perhaps try your luck with the promotional cards for a chance to win free treats or even a significant cash reward.
