The Best Halloween Costumes by Neil Patrick Harris and His Family
Still looking for some last-minute Halloween inspiration?
Look no further than the celebrity family of Neil Patrick Harris, his husband, David Burtka, and their 14-year-old twins, Harper and Gideon, who year after year pull together a Halloween costume to remember. They have been the reigning family of Halloween since 2011, and we’ve got the photos to prove it. Grab that bag of Halloween candy that you weren’t supposed to open and sit back to soak in some of the best Halloween costumes around.
2011 - Time for Neverland
Always a favorite, Peter Pan won as the chosen Halloween costume in 2011. With a baby Gideon as Mr. Smee and baby Harper getting ready to take flight, Burtka and Harris round out the perfect representation of the Disney classic. A memorable Halloween costume for years to come for sure!
2012 - Follow the Yellow Brick Road
The Wizard of Oz always offers fantastic costume opportunities! The foursome headed off to see the wizard with Gideon as a lion, Harper in classic Dorothy attire and a scarecrow Burtka joined by Harris as a tin man.
2013 - Costume Change!
The family wowed with two costumes in 2013. Harper stole the show as Alice in Wonderland with Gideon as the white rabbit, flanked by their parents dressed as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. In a scarier twist, the family’s second Halloween costume was a mix of monsters, with Harris posing as Frankenstein, Burtka as Dracula, Gideon as a howling werewolf, and Harper dressed as the bride of Frankenstein.
2014 - Gotham City
With an adventurous Halloween in store the family takes on Gotham City with a combination of villains and heroes. Harper and Gideon are dressed to save the day as heroes Batman and Batgirl, and Harris and Burtka pose as the classic Joker and the Riddler.
2015 - Star Wars
Always a favorite, the force is with the family as they dress as Star Wars. Harris makes a striking Obi-Wan Kenobi and Burtka as the classic Hans Solo, with Harper as Princess Lea and Gideon as a very cute Luke Skywalker.
2016 - Movie Classics
Harper looks fabulous as she drips in diamonds as Marilyn Monroe, Gideon takes on the iconic and classic James Dean, and Harris and Burtka shine as legends Charlie Chaplin and Groucho Marx.
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2017 - Carnival Creeps
Scary! Spooky carnival time! Harper performs as the bearded man and Gideon takes on the role of strongman as Burtka plays a creepy clown, and Harris is the ringmaster in their very own circus act.
2018 - Haunted Mansion Vibes
With a bloody bride and a threesome of ghosts, this is a haunting group! Full of spooky characters, this year the family is filled with haunted mansion vibes.
2019 - Artists
The family takes the art world by storm as they pose as famous artists. Gideon takes on the Andy Warhol era, Harper shines as Frida Kahlo, Harris as Vincent Van Gough, and Burtka as Salvador Dalí. This family is a work of art!
2020 - A Chocolate Factory and a Golden Ticket
Have a sweet tooth? Look no further than this chocolate factory theme! Gideon has the golden ticket as Charlie, Harper is hoping for a goose that lays eggs, Burtka makes for the perfect Willy Wonka, and Harris stars as Mr. Slugworth.
Chocolate Factory Worker Costume
2021 - Evil Halloween
Scary! Gideon brings child’s play vibes to Halloween, while Harris represents an element of psycho. Harper is turning heads, and Burtka brings “redrum” to Halloween.
2022- Food for the Win!
With all of the fast food classics, food is the theme in 2022, with Gideon as Colonel Sanders, a well-fed Harris from McDonalds, Harper has been to Wendy’s, and Burtka is settling down for a royal nap.
2023 - Greek Gods
The 2023 Halloween costume was all things mythical. Harper stunned as the beautiful Aphrodite and Gideo was truly speedy as Hermes, the messenger god. The costume theme was completed with Harris as the incredible Hades and Burtka shining as Poseidon, the ever important god of the sea.
2024 - Music Legends
With a musical Halloween, the family featured some of music’s biggest icons with Harper posing as Madonna, Gideon as the famed Elton John, Burtka as Elvis and Harris as music legend David Bowie.
DIY Tips for Family Halloween Costumes
Feeling inspired? Start planning ahead for your family Halloween costume. It’s important to pick a theme with roles that everyone in the family can play. If your family has a favorite book or television show, it’s a great place to start! Once you pick your theme, start thinking of costume ideas, and be resourceful! Look for items that may be in your closet or around your house. Remember, family Halloween costumes can be very budget friendly when you get creative about how to create your costume. Once your costumes are complete, make sure to take a group picture to commemorate the night. Most importantly, have fun creating everlasting holiday memories for your family.
What will the family be for Halloween 2025? We can’t wait to see!
