Top Halloween Costumes of 2012

Americans will spend nearly $3 billion on Halloween costumes this year, and the majority of them will dress as witches, vampires, princesses and other traditional outfits.  

The National Retail Federation’s 2012 Top Halloween Costumes survey reports that 10 percent of children plan to dress as a princess, while six million adults plan to go as a witch.

Healdsburg kids and adults will do those ones and more -- if next Wednesday's stroll around Healdsburg Plaza is anything like last year.

"If you have a business downtown remember that the Trick-Or-Treaters will be visiting your stores beginning late afternoon NEXT Wednesday," said a notice from the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce. "If you plan to participate in this unofficial tradition, please remember to stay open and have treats for the little ones."

Usual times for the unofficial Trick or Treat at Healdsburg Plaza are about 3 or 4 p.m. to about 5 or 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Does your kid -- or do you -- have a special costume? Enter it the 2012 Patch Halloween Costume Contest.

Also check out the "Wild Things" Halloween Dance party in Healdsburg this Saturday. Click on the flyer under the photos section, or see the Patch Calendar of Events.

If you don't have any idea what to do for a costume, click here to see our mom's guide to Halloween costumes from last year.

And, if you really want to get in a scary mood, go see the Haunted House on Grove Street. You can also post your scary decorations photos in our Patch Halloween Photo Gallery.

Batman is the second most popular Halloween costume for kids, while the character — along with other characters from The Dark Knight Rises — is fourth for adults.

Some people plan take their outfit cues from current events, whether it’s an athlete, political figure or something else entirely.

“With nearly one in 10 celebrants taking their costume cues from current events, we’ll see plenty of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney look-alikes out-and-about for Halloween,” said Pam Goodfellow, a director at the survey firm BIGinsight. “However, we expect these ‘rivals’ will be able to find some common ground over the punch bowl or a bag of candy.”

Pets will also play a big part in the holiday, as owners are expected to spend $370 million on outfits for the pets. The most popular Halloween costumes in that category are pumpkins, devils and hot dogs.

In 2011, Patch sought the most original Halloween costume throughout the country for a Halloween contest; A headless boy from New Jersey took the top prize. 

The full list from the National Retail Federation

Top Adult Costumes

Top Children’s Costumes

Top Pet Costumes

1. Witch

1. Princess

1. Pumpkin

2. Vampire

2. Batman

2. Devil

3. Pirate

3. Spiderman

3. Hot dog

4. Batman character

4. Witch

4. Cat

5. Zombie

5. Disney princess

5. Bee

6. Vixen

6. Action/super Hero

6(tie). Dog

7. Princess

7. Pirate

6(tie). Ghost

8(tie). Ghost

8. Vampire

7. Action/Super Hero

8(tie). Nurse

9. Zombie

8. Witch

9. Cat

10. Ghost

9. Bowties/Fancy Collars/Bandanas

10. Superman

10. Superman

What are you going to be for Halloween? 

Stay Patched in! Follow Healdsburg Patch on Twitter | Like Healdsburg Patch on Facebook | Sign up for the daily email with links to the latest news.