Here's When the Shamrock Shake Will Return to McDonald's This Year

Sure, the COVID-19 pandemic may have taken away many of the things we enjoy, but it can't wipe a holiday off the calendar, and—at McDonald's, at least—it's not going to stop them from serving that holiday's corresponding shake.

Yes, with St. Patrick's Day approaching, McDonald's has officially announced that the Shamrock Shake will soon be returning—along with one of its newest pals, the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, which was introduced last year. Expect the burger chain's self-proclaimed "most anticipated dessert" of the year to start landing at participating locations nationwide on February 15 (for a limited time, of course).

"For more than 50 years, fans have eagerly awaited the annual return of the Shamrock Shake, counting on the arrival of Shamrock Shake Season to mark the unofficial start to spring," Chad Schafer, McDonald's senior director of culinary, said in announcing the item's return. "And we heard they especially enjoyed getting a taste of the one-and-only Shamrock flavor in a new way last year with the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry. We know this winter may feel longer than others so we're thrilled to give customers something to look forward to by bringing both fan-favorites back to the menu this month."

Intriguingly, in the announcement, McDonald's also teases that if you "can't get enough Shamrock goodness," then you should "stay tuned for more ways to celebrate this season." Does that mean McDonald's has some other St. Patrick's Day excitement up their sleeve? A McDonald's spokesperson confirmed to me that something is coming, but the exact details are under wraps. So we'll just have to wait and see what surprise shake deals or innovations may be coming our way before March 17.

Last year was a big one for the Shamrock Shake: The dessert, which was created in 1967 but didn't hit multiple locations until 1970, celebrated the 50th anniversary of its initial release. This year, McDonald's is keeping the good vibes going by once again selling the shake nationwide: something that's actually only happened sporadically since its first national rollout in 2012.