Halloween is creeping closer, which means one thing: it is officially time for the annual costume debate. Will your child choose something spooky, something cute, their favourite character or something completely unexpected?
From KPop Demon Hunters and Pokémon to Toy Story and classic witches, these are the trending Halloween costumes for kids in 2026.
KPop Demon Hunters
KPop Demon Hunters is one of the biggest costume trends for 2026. With colourful characters, dramatic outfits and plenty of inspiration from Rumi, Mira, Zoey and the Saja Boys, it is perfect for children who love music, dancing and a little bit of drama.
It is also a brilliant choice for siblings or friends who want matching character costumes.
Toy Story
With Toy Story 5 arriving in 2026, expect to see plenty of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie costumes this Halloween.
It is an easy choice for siblings too, with each child able to pick their favourite character. And let’s face it, seeing your child dressed as Woody or Buzz is guaranteed to be adorable.
Pokémon
Pokémon remains a firm favourite with children, and Pikachu is an obvious Halloween choice. For children with a more specific favourite, there are plenty of other Pokémon characters to choose from.
A Pokémon costume is also great for trick or treating because it is instantly recognisable.
Minecraft
For children who spend their spare time building worlds, fighting Creepers and explaining Minecraft mechanics to anyone who will listen, a Minecraft costume makes perfect sense.
Steve, Alex and Creeper costumes are particularly recognisable and are ideal for children who want something a little different from the usual superhero outfit.
Bluey and Bingo
Bluey and Bingo are perfect for younger children. The costumes are cute, recognisable and cosy enough for a chilly October evening.
For toddlers who are not particularly keen on traditional spooky costumes, dressing up as their favourite Bluey character could be the perfect compromise.
Wednesday Addams
For tweens who have firmly outgrown princess costumes, Wednesday Addams offers a suitably spooky alternative.
The classic black dress, white collar and plaited hair make the look instantly recognisable and it can be as simple or dramatic as your child wants.
Witches, Vampires and Skeletons
Some Halloween costumes simply never go out of fashion.
Witches, vampires and skeletons are all back on the costume list for 2026 and are easy to personalise. Add face paint, a dramatic cape or a spooky accessory and you can create a costume that feels completely unique.
For younger children, a cute witch or skeleton outfit can also be much more practical than an elaborate character costume.
Spider Man
Spider Man continues to be a Halloween favourite, particularly with younger children.
It is comfortable, easy to recognise and perfect for little ones who want to spend the entire evening pretending they can climb walls and shoot webs.
Grogu and Star Wars
Star Wars fans have plenty of inspiration this year, with Grogu, The Mandalorian and Jedi costumes all making great choices.
For toddlers, a little Grogu costume is particularly hard to resist. For older children, dressing as a Jedi or Mandalorian offers plenty of opportunities for imaginative play long after Halloween is over.
The Classic Pumpkin
And then there is the pumpkin.
A pumpkin costume might not be the newest trend, but it remains one of the cutest Halloween choices for babies and toddlers. It is instantly recognisable, wonderfully seasonal and perfect for those all important Halloween photographs.
How to Choose a Costume They Will Actually Wear
The trendiest costume in the world is no use if your child refuses to put it on.
Look for something comfortable, easy to move around in and warm enough for an October evening. If you are trick or treating, think about whether your child can comfortably walk in the shoes and whether there is enough room for warm layers underneath.
Most importantly, let them have a little say. They may start Halloween wanting to be Wednesday and finish the day insisting they are a pumpkin. At this point, resistance is probably futile.
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