Unveiling Neil Patrick Harris’s Halloween Costume Legacy

Posted in Halloween Costume Ideas.

Neil Patrick Harris Family taking a selfie

Bow down to the Halloween royalty. Our beloved maestro of spookiness, Neil Patrick Harris, along with his charming husband David Burtka and their pint-sized treasures, Gideon and Harper, have been enchanting us with their spellbinding Halloween get-ups since 2011.

As we eagerly anticipate the grand unveiling of their 2023 costume extravaganza, join us for a flashback through the family’s bewitching history of Halloween fashion.

Fast Food Fantasy in 2022

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Fast Food Mascots

Turning the mundane into the extraordinary, 2022 saw the Harris-Burtka family as Fast Food Mascots. Neil as Ronald McDonald, David as Burger King, and the kids as Colonel Sanders and Wendy from the American fast food chain Wendy’s. They served up a Halloween feast of whimsy and delight.

Nightmares Unleashed in 2021

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Horror Movie characters

A spine-chilling spectacle awaited us in 2021 as the family embraced Horror Movie Characters. Neil dressed as Norman Bates from Psycho, David as Jack Torrance from The Shining, Gideon as the sinister Chucky and Harper was Regan from The Exorcist. Safe to say they gave us a Halloween night filled with goosebumps and thrills.

Golden Ticket Adventures in 2020

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory characters

Unlocking the gates of pure imagination at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory in 2020, the family each dazzled as a character from the beloved story. Neil dressed as Willy Wonka stood through the gates as David, dressed as Arthur Slugworth stood with Harper as Veruca Salt. Gideon stood at the front clutching a Golden Ticket as Charlie.

Artistic Masterpieces in 2019

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Famous Artists

Art came alive in 2019 as the Harris-Burtka family embodied Famous Artists. The children were miniature masterpieces with Harper posed as the vibrant Frida Kahlo and Gideon as the iconic Andy Warhol. Neil sported a missing ear like Vincent Van Gogh and David was Salvador Dali. A gallery of Halloween brilliance!

Ghostly Mansion Soiree in 2018

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Ghosts

In 2018, the family haunted us with their ethereal costumes inspired by The Haunted Mansion. As a spectral ensemble of very realistic-looking ghosts, they brought a touch of eerie elegance to the spooky season.

Carnival of Curiosities in 2017

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Freak Show characters

Under the big top of 2017, the family embraced the mysterious allure of a Freak Show. David as a terrifyingly captivating Clown, Neil as the charismatic Master of Ceremonies, and Gideon and Harper as the Strong Man and Bearded Lady, they turned Halloween into a mesmerizing spectacle.

Hollywood Legends in 2016

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Famous Hollywood Icons

Stepping into the silver screen, 2016 saw the Harris-Burtka clan as Hollywood Icons. Neil channelled Charlie Chaplin while David embodied the wit of Groucho Marx. And of course, Gideon and Harper stole the scene as a mini Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. A red carpet-worthy Halloween affair!

A Galaxy Far, Far Away in 2015

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Star Wars characters

A force to be reckoned with, the family took on a space odyssey in 2015, bringing the Star Wars universe to life. David as the dashing Han Solo, Neil as the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Gideon and Harper as the adorable Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, their costumes were truly out of this world.

Gotham’s Finest in 2014

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Batman characters

In 2014, Gotham City witnessed a spectacular transformation as the Harris-Burtka quartet suited up as Batman, Batgirl, The Riddler, and The Joker. With capes billowing and mischief afoot, they captured the essence of the Dark Knight’s world in a way only they could.

Monster Mashup in 2013

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as classic Halloween characters

Double trouble in 2013 as the family brought a double feature of fright! First up, a classic monster mash with Neil as Frankenstein, David as a spooktacular Vampire, and Gideon and Harper stealing hearts as the Bride of Frankenstein and a chilling Werewolf. But the night didn’t end there! Enter Wonderland with the family donning Alice, The Rabbit, and Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum costumes for a whimsical twist.

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as Alice in Wonderland characters

The Wizards of Wonders in 2012

Actor Neil Patrick Harris and his family dress up for Halloween as the Wizard of Oz characters

Follow the yellow brick road to 2012, where the family donned the iconic characters from “The Wizard of Oz.” Neil and David led the way as Tin Man and Scarecrow, with Gideon and Harper adding their enchantment as little Dorothy and Lion. A Halloween journey over the rainbow that truly showcased their family magic.

Neverland Extravaganza in 2011

Neil Patrick Harris Halloween costume 2017

In the enchanted land of Halloween, the Harris-Burtka family transported us to Neverland. David took flight as the mischievous Peter Pan, Neil embraced the role of the evil Captain Hook, while Gideon and Harper shone as the iconic Tinkerbell and loveable Mr Smee, creating a whimsical tableau that left us all believing in fairy tales.

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We have so many more Halloween tricks and treats up our sleeves – make sure you check out our costume ideas, recipes and decoration ideas.

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