A creepy unicorn, viral squishy toys and a late country music legend are among Google’s top-trending Halloween costumes this year in New York and across the country.
The company’s annual Frightgeist rankings offer a look at the characters, celebrities and viral sensations drawing increased search interest ahead of Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Google breaks down trending costumes by region, and New York’s results feature a mix of comic book superheroes, movie characters, video game favorites and celebrities.
This year’s national list includes some unexpected choices. Buddy the Unicorn, the colorful mascot from the horror film “Buddy,” tops the list. NeeDoh, a squishy stress-relief toy, ranks second, followed by Nikki from the horror movie “Obsession.”
Among the top-trending costumes for children are the late country music icon Dolly Parton, country singer Ella Langley and another sensory toy: Dumpling.
Google’s rankings reflect costumes with the biggest increases in search interest, not necessarily the most popular costumes overall. Here are the top five trending costumes in major cities across New York.
Top 5 trending Halloween costumes in New York City for 2026
Google’s Frightgeist list for New York, New York ranks the following costumes:
- Wolverine (from the Marvel universe)
- Black Widow (from the Marvel universe)
- Doctor Doom (from the Marvel universe)
- Ringmaster
- Dolly Parton
Top 5 trending Halloween costumes in Buffalo for 2026
Google’s Frightgeist list for Buffalo, New York ranks the following costumes:
- Beast Boy (from “Teen Titans”)
- Coraline
- Raven (from “Teen Titans”)
- Doctor Doom (from the Marvel universe)
- Harry Potter
Top 5 trending Halloween costumes in Rochester for 2026
Google’s Frightgeist list for Rochester, New York ranks the following costumes:
- Dolly Parton
- Mommy Shark
- Corpse Bride
- Kirby
- Beaver (from “Hoppers”)
Top 5 trending Halloween costumes in Syracuse for 2026
Google’s Frightgeist list for Syracuse, New York ranks the following costumes:
- Oompa Loompa
- Moana
- Ghost Spider (from the Marvel universe)
- Gomez Addams (from “Wednesday”)
- Grinch
Top 5 trending Halloween costumes in Albany for 2026
Google’s Frightgeist list for Albany, New York ranks the following costumes:
- Judy Hopps (from “Zootopia”)
- Tinker Bell
- Clown
- Buddy the Unicorn
- Michael Jackson
Top 5 trending Halloween costumes in Binghamton for 2026
Google’s Frightgeist list for Binghamton, New York ranks the following costumes:
- Venom (from the Marvel universe)
- Spider-Man
- Velma Dinkley (from “Scooby-Doo”)
- Harley Quinn (from the DC universe)
- Princess Peach
Top 5 trending Halloween costumes in Utica for 2026
Google’s Frightgeist list for Utica, New York ranks the following costumes:
- Dorothy (from “The Wizard of Oz”)
- Spider-Man
- Verity (from “Minecraft”)
- Black Widow (from the Marvel universe)
- Freddy Krueger
Top 5 trending Halloween costumes in Elmira for 2026
Google’s Frightgeist list for Elmira, New York ranks the following costumes:
- Morty Smith (from “Rick and Morty”)
- Disco Scooby-Doo
- Poison Ivy (from the DC universe)
- Hermes
- Monkey D. Luffy (from “One Piece”)
Top 5 trending Halloween costumes in Watertown for 2026
Google’s Frightgeist list for Watertown, New York ranks the following costumes:
- Selene
- Princess Peach
- Boo (from “Monsters, Inc.”)
- Rumi (from “KPop Demon Hunters”)
- Courage the Cowardly Dog
What are the top 10 trending Halloween costumes for 2026?
Google’s overall Frightgeist list ranks the following costumes:
- Buddy the Unicorn: The colorful, unsettling mascot from Casper Kelly’s horror film “Buddy.”
- NeeDoh: The viral squishy toy known for its bright colors and stress-relieving feel.
- Nikki from “Obsession”: A character played by Inde Navarrette in Curry Barker’s supernatural horror film.
- Agamemnon from “The Odyssey”: The Greek king featured in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic.
- Lily Lovebraids from “Poppy Playtime”: A doll-like character from the horror video game franchise.
- Oliver Tree: The musician and internet personality known for his distinctive bowl haircut and eccentric outfits.
- Verity from “Minecraft”: A mysterious character associated with a horror-themed series inspired by the popular game.
- Carl from “Dungeon Crawler Carl”: The protagonist of Matt Dinniman’s fantasy series about a deadly, game-like dungeon.
- Disco Scooby-Doo: A disco-inspired version of the classic cartoon dog.
- Hazel Hook from “Descendants”: Captain Hook’s daughter, played by Kiara Romero in “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland.”
What are the top 10 kids’ Halloween costumes for 2026?
Google’s national kids’ costume rankings feature musicians, animated characters and familiar entertainment favorites.
- Dolly Parton
- Ella Langley
- Dumpling
- Shakira
- Ash Ketchum (from “Pokémon”)
- Hannah Montana
- Spider-Gwen
- Michael Jackson (in his “Thriller” era)
- Pomni (from “The Amazing Digital Circus”)
- Grogu
What are the top 10 Halloween costumes for pets in 2026?
Pets are getting in on the Halloween fun, too. Google’s national pet costume rankings feature musicians, animated characters and some unexpected choices.
- Centipede
- Dolly Parton
- Bullseye (from “Toy Story”)
- Diet Coke
- Princess Donut (from “Dungeon Crawler Carl”)
- Lamb Chop
- Pua (from “Moana”)
- Baked Potato
- Roach
- Tow Mater (from “Cars”)
Contributing: USA TODAY Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: See the top trending Halloween costumes in New York for 2026
