Halloween 2026 brought a wave of celebrity transformations, with stars turning to music icons, family members, film characters and internet-famous moments for costume inspiration. Among the most talked-about looks were Paris Hilton’s tribute to Britney Spears’ 2001 MTV Video Music Awards performance and Kim Kardashian’s transformation into her daughter, North West.

Hilton continued her annual tradition of honoring Spears, recreating the singer’s “I’m a Slave 4 U” performance at the 2001 VMAs. The look featured a green bra, embellished shorts, a chiffon train and a python draped over her shoulders. Hilton shared the costume in photos and videos, describing Spears as an icon and a close friend. She also unveiled a separate family costume inspired by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Kardashian chose a more personal reference, dressing as North West. The reality star recreated her daughter’s distinctive style with a turquoise wig, long nails and goth-inspired clothing. North, meanwhile, dressed as reality television personality Natalie Nunn, completing the look with a prosthetic chin, an angled bob and a “Baddies” necklace. Nunn later joined the costume exchange by dressing as North.

The celebrity costume lineup also featured several tributes to music and pop culture. Owen Thiele and Benito Skinner recreated Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress’ looks from the “Stateside” music video, while Keke Palmer and her son Leo dressed as Janet and Michael Jackson, referencing the siblings’ “Scream” video. GloRilla paid homage to Ciara by recreating the cover art for the 2004 single “Goodies.”

Lizzo joined the festivities as Seiko Ayase’s grandmother from the anime series Dandadan, while Cyndi Lauper transformed into Ursula from Disney’s The Little Mermaid for a performance at the New York Restoration Project’s Hulaween gala. Summer Walker also honored the late Tim Curry by dressing as Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Other celebrities opted for film and television characters. Tate McRae appeared as Catwoman, Karol G recreated the title character from Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, and Alex Consani dressed as a Thumb-Thumb from Spy Kids. Kendall Jenner hosted a Halloween and birthday celebration at Bar Marmont in Los Angeles, dressing as Jane Henderson from the 1984 film Paris, Texas.

Heidi Klum marked the 25th edition of her annual Heidiween party in New York City with an elaborate costume depicting an oversized severed hand. Klum said the look was based on a scan of her own hand, with details including veins recreated through 3D-printing techniques. The event also drew guests including Jade Thirlwall, Lisa Rinna and Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, who dressed as the twins from The Shining.

Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse hosted their own Halloween gathering, appearing as Oogie Boogie and Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Other couples and groups embraced coordinated looks, including Hailey and Justin Bieber as an angel and devil, and KATSEYE members as DC Comics characters.

With Halloween falling on a Saturday in 2026, celebrities shared costumes throughout the weekend, from elaborate party appearances to social media reveals. The annual celebrations featured tributes to iconic performances, viral moments and familiar characters, with Hilton’s Spears homage and Kardashian’s North West transformation among the widely covered looks.