Costumes that layer over a winter coat, survive a full night of trick-or-treating, and earn a spot in the dress-up bin afterwards.
Every October our Queen Street West store fills with families hunting for the costume: the one a child will refuse to take off until mid-November. After 27 years of Halloweens in Toronto, we know which kids Halloween costumes hold up and which ones end in tears by the third house.
How we picked
Every costume on this list had to pass three tests:
• It works over a coat. Late October in Toronto often means a jacket or snowsuit, so the costume has to fit over one.
• It goes on fast. Velcro, capes and pull-on pieces beat zippers and buttons at the front door.
• It lasts past November 1. We chose sets that hold up to everyday dress-up play, not one-night costumes.
These are our top 10 for 2026, from baby Halloween costumes to big-kid sets.
1. Rock Star Warrior Set
Best for: big kids who want to sparkle · Ages 7–10
A black sequin jacket with a gold star emblem over an iridescent top and skirt. The jacket attaches with Velcro on one side, so it comes off quickly for a warm car or a classroom party. Currently in stock in sizes 7–8 and 9–10. Shop Great Pretenders
2.Black Cat Cuddle Cape
Best for: babies and young toddlers · 12–24 months and 2–3
Our top baby Halloween costume. It's ultra-soft plush with a cat-face hood, ears, a tail and paw-print pockets, and it closes with Velcro at the neck. Because it's a cape, it goes straight over a snowsuit. For babies under 6 months, a knitted organic cotton bunny bonnet from Meri Meri turns any sleeper into a costume.
3. Rockahula Spellbound Sequin Velvet Cape
Best for: witches, wizards and sorcerers · Ages 3–10
For witches, wizards and sorcerers. It's made of velvet with sequin detail, and the 3–10 sizing means it lasts several Halloweens. It goes over a coat, so it's the warmest way to dress as a witch or wizard. Shop Rockahula
4. Meri Meri Star Witch Costume
Best for: a special-occasion witch costume · Ages 5–6
A black ombre dress of layered, pleated organza covered in silver faux leather stars, with adjustable straps. It comes with a tiered organza witch hat that fastens under the chin with a soft velvet strap, and a wooden wand topped with a silver star. The quality makes it an heirloom piece for the dress-up bin. It's a dress, not a cape, so it won't go over a coat. Plan a warm layer underneath, like thermal leggings and a long-sleeve top. Shop Meri Meri
5. Golden & Silver Knight Sets
Best for: toddler Halloween costume · Size 3–4
A hooded velour tunic with a glitter lion emblem, a Velcro cape and a matching crown, in gold or silver. The cape comes off without taking off the tunic, which helps with bathroom trips. Shop knight costumes
6. Sir Wolfheart Tunic, Cape & Crown
Best for: knights who have outgrown toddler sets · Ages 5–8
A metallic armour-effect tunic with a gold wolfheart emblem, fur sleeves, a mustard cape and a crown. It comes in sizes 5–6 and 7–8. Currently available in sizes 5–6 and 7–8. See all Great Pretenders capes
7. Pirate Mate Jacket with Pant & Sash
Best for: an easy toddler costume · Size 3–4
A striped skull top with jagged-edge pants, in size 3–4. It's simple to put on and easy to layer for a cold night. The most affordable full costume on this list. Shop Pirate costumes
8. Monster Mash Costume
Best for: the Halloween classic · Toddler & Kid
A black top and pants with ripped edges and glow-in-the-dark stitching that appears white by day and glows after dark, finished with a green monster headpiece with bolts at the ears. The glow-in-the-dark stitching adds a little visibility after dark. Shop the Monster Mash costume
9. Unicorn & Bunny Cuddle Capes
Best for: preschoolers who loved the cat cape · Ages 4–6
The same cozy cape design as our cat, in a rainbow unicorn with a gold horn or a snowy white bunny. Both come in size 4–6. Shop the Unicorn & Bunny capes
10. Rockahula Magical Sequin Fairy Wings
Best for: fairies, or finishing any other costume · Ages 3–10
Pink sequins backed with soft satin on comfortable satin-covered straps, also in silver. Not suitable for children under 3 because of small parts. Shop all Meri Meri wings
Shopping for Halloween Costumes in Toronto
If you're looking for Halloween costumes in Toronto, visit us at 674 Queen St W to check sizing in person. Trying a costume on over a winter coat is the surest way to know it will work on the night. You can also browse our full Dress Up collection online.
Kids Halloween Costume FAQ
What are some popular Halloween costumes for kids?
Classics never go out of style. In our store, monsters, black cats, knights, witches and fairies are the costumes families ask for year after year, alongside sparkly rock star and pop star looks for older kids. Characters with a strong silhouette, like a cape, crown or wings, are easy for kids to recognize and fun to act out.
What are some easy Halloween costumes for kids?
Capes and accessories are the easiest. A cuddle cape, a velvet cape or a pair of wings goes on in seconds over regular clothes or a winter coat, with nothing to zip or button. Add a mask or headband and the costume is done. Browse capes and wings from Great Pretenders and Rockahula.
What is the best Halloween costume for a baby or toddler?
Something soft, simple and roomy enough to layer. For babies, a plush cape or knitted bonnet over a warm sleeper. For toddlers, avoid long hems and anything over the face. Two-piece sets and capes let them walk, climb and trick-or-treat without a struggle.
How do I keep my child warm in a Halloween costume in Toronto?
Plan the costume around the coat. Size up so the costume fits over a fleece or snowsuit, or choose a cape that goes on top of outerwear. Visit us at 674 Queen St W and try a costume on over your child's jacket before Halloween night.
Halloween Night Checklist
• Costume fits over a warm layer or jacket
• Hem sits above the ankle to prevent tripping
• Masks have wide eye openings and come off easily
• Reflective tape or a flashlight for darker streets
• Treats checked by an adult before eating
For more safety guidance, see Health Canada's Halloween safety tips.
Dress Up After Halloween
A good costume doesn't end on November 1. Knights, capes and wings become part of everyday imaginative play. We wrote about why that matters in Dress Up is Not Just for Halloween.