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Neil Patrick Harris And His Family Just Won Halloween After Unveiling Their 2022 Costumes
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Neil Patrick Harris And His Family Just Won Halloween After Unveiling Their 2022 Costumes

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NPH and his family won Halloween. Again! Beloved American actor Neil Patrick Harris, together with his husband David Burtka, and their two children, 12-year-old twins Gideon and Harper, revealed their Halloween costumes for 2022. And the reaction has been amazing.

The post instantly went viral on Instagram, alongside Burtka’s epic behind-the-scenes pics. We loved the costume idea so much, we couldn’t wait to share them with all of you, Pandas! The family dressed up as well-known fast food icons. NPH became Ronald McDonald. Burtka embodied a sleepy rendition of the bearded and regal Burger King. Meanwhile, Gideon dressed up as Colonel Sanders and Harper became Wendy.

Scroll down to see how the family’s costumes progressed over the years to the epic result this Halloween. They keep raising the bar! Meanwhile, read on for Bored Panda’s interview about NPH with entertainment, pop culture, and lifestyle expert Mike Sington! He shared some really awesome insights.

When you’re done, check out Bored Panda’s coverage of the Burtka-Harris family’s Halloween reveals over the years here: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

Neil Patrick Harris, his husband David Burtka, and their twins Gideon and Harper have been making the internet smile with their Halloween costumes every year

Image credits: nph

Here’s what their costumes looked like over the years. It’s an awesome trip down memory lane!

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Peter Pan in 2011

Image credits: nph

The Wizard Of Oz in 2012

Image credits: nph

Alice In Wonderland in 2013

Image credits: nph

Frankenstein’s Monster, Wolfman, The Bride of Frankenstein, and Dracula in 2013

Image credits: nph

Halloween From Gotham City in 2014

Image credits: nph

The family dressed up as characters from Star Wars in 2015

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Image credits: nph

Image credits: nph

Charlie Chaplin, Groucho Marx, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean in 2016

Image credits: nph

Harris Halloween Carnival of Curiosities in 2017

Image credits: nph

Image credits: nph

Hitchhiking Ghosts in 2018

Image credits: nph

NPH and his loved ones invited us to visit the Burtka-Harris Boo-seum’ in 2019

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Image credits: nph

In 2020, the gang paid homage to the 1971 American musical movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Image credits: nph

And in 2021, the family embodied classic horror movie characters, putting them in one creepy composition

Image credits: nph

Mike, aka Hollywood’s Ultimate Insider, was kind enough to answer our questions about NPH’s fame and what lies behind continued success. What’s more, the entertainment expert explained why other celebs shouldn’t necessarily ‘compete’ against NPH during Halloween. It’s all about having fun, instead!

“Neil Patrick Harris and his family always come up with creative and unique Halloween costumes. Fans look forward to what they’re going to come up with. Also, the cuteness factor of the kids is pretty much off the charts,” the LA-based celebrity expert told Bored Panda.

“NPH is a multi-talented performer whose talents have spanned decades. Not only does he have talent, he has charm, charisma, and a likability that we find comfortable and want to be around,” Mike told Bored Panda that NPS is “just a guy you want to spend time with.”

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“For other celebrities, know it’s going to be difficult to compete with someone like NPH for a Halloween costume. He’s one of a few celebrities who have a ‘lock’ on Halloween, there’s really no sense in competing,” he shared.

“My suggestion is just go for a costume that works for you, that you find fun, original, and interesting. Let your celebrity status power through, and don’t even worry about competing with another celebrity.”

Here’s the grand reveal for Halloween 2022. The family all dressed up as fast-food mascots

Image credits: nph

At the time of writing, NPH’s post on Instagram had nearly 597k likes. Meanwhile, Burtka’s behind-the-scenes pics got nearly 60.5k likes. But the true achievement isn’t in all of the (notably, impressive) likes and views and engagement. It’s the smiles the photos brought to people’s faces.

Social media users from around the world absolutely loved the theme, as well as how the family posed on the brown leather sofa. NPH perfectly embodies how many of us feel when we’ve eaten just waaaaay too much fast food. And Burtka is literally us after any larger meal.

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NPH tagged his post with “Happy Halloween from the BOOrtka-Harris Family” and we’re giving a virtual thumbs up for bringing back the pun that we all know and love. Meanwhile, Burtka wrote, “Trick or Meat!! Here is our family Halloween photo, year 11! I hope ‘da da dat da daaaaa your lovin’ it.’

What did you think of this year’s costume, dear Pandas? Which family costume idea did you think was the best over the years? What do you think NPH and Burtka might come up with in 2023? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Here are some awesome behind-the-scenes pics that are brimming with family fun

Image credits: dbelicious

Image credits: dbelicious

Image credits: dbelicious

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Image credits: dbelicious

Image credits: dbelicious

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A couple of Halloweens ago, Bored Panda spoke about wholesome family traditions with Lenore Skenazy, the preside of childhood independence-promoting nonprofit Let Grow and the founder of the Free-Range Kids movement. She told us that dressing up for Halloween can be a “great tradition,” whether the entire family does it together or just the kids.

“After a couple of times, it becomes a ‘thing’—like leaving stuffed grape leaves for Santa instead of cookies: something that is the way your particular (even peculiar) family celebrates. Kids will remember this pretty much forever, and may even pass it along to the next generation,” she shared.

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According to Lenore, the family can pick something that they all love and build their Halloween costumes around the theme. It can be pretty much anything, whether it’s a movie, beloved pet, or memorable vacation. However, as time goes by and your kids grow into teenagers, it can be more difficult to maintain these wholesome family traditions.

“You’re connecting to that beloved time, place, or thing, but you’re also connecting to your family because you’re all in it together. Kids will love this… until at some point they don’t. (Not a lot of tweens want to dress up as fish, even though you all loved your lake vacation in 2012.) Doesn’t matter. Take pictures now and in the future, they’ll look back at and cringe, perhaps, but also maybe cry. As Carly Simon sang, ‘These are the good old days.’ Relish them.”

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Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Read less »
Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

Read less »

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

What do you think ?
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Two_rolling_black_eyes
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are better than any school pictures to show your kids growing up. The kids' enthusiasm is infectious. The daughter's embrace of Wendy this year is precious.

Patrick Whittington
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet those kids are going to go far in life. Im so jealous that theyve probably been in the magic castle many times and seen some of the crazier stuff. Kinda makes me resent my boring family...lol

The Realist
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure the comment is said in jest, but this makes me sad. Be happy with the people that love you. You never know how short your time with them may be.

Load More Replies...
tuzdayschild
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, yeah, yeah the costumes are great, but look how big those kids are. They were just babies a minute ago.

Fry Me A Liver
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful! I'm all for advocacy, but people like this do so much to promote the acceptance and advancement of LGBT lifestyles just by being who they are and by being freaking awesome. Good for them!

Biliegh they/them
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No offense meant towards them at all but that's easy to accomplish when you are rich. I would be more impressed by a family of no means creating something awesome.

Me
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rich doesn't make you creative, and you can see them make each others make-up in the last pictures. I get your point and thought this when I saw Heidi Klums costumes made by special effects experts, but here I see a great family with a nice sense of humor

Load More Replies...
that girl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that they do these themselves! Always fun to see what they come up with each year, and beautiful family!!!!

Lara Verne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice to see that they make costumes without army of makeup artists, stylists, etc.

Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are "so far out there" with their Halloween celebrations, I can't even... Brilliant!

Kristi White
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is their favorite holiday, it's always a blast getting to see what they come up with! I love these guys! Parenting on point!

Theresa Carroll
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I think it's so awesome how Neil does the makeup and everything himself he is so talented in so many ways 😊 I've been a fan of his since he was doogie 😊 and he seems like he would be a really awesome person to hang out with too...🤔

Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I look forward every Hallowe’en to see what they have come up with. I also love to see the kids as they grow up from year to year.

Patrick Whittington
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@Night Owl I kinda think thats where it might be headed. Id even be ok with her donating it... They truly don't deserve anything at this point.

Caroline Driver
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every year I now come looking for NPH's family halloween shoot. Better than the first Coca Cola Christmas ad

PK
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It will be a sad day when they quit dressing up for Halloween.

Patrick Whittington
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its all good. Im definitely one of those people that strives to not be like most of the people I grew up around and it's done me well. I sometimes do wish I had a better relationship with my immediate family but even when we went to family counseling, I told the doctor my side and he made me stay in his office while he talked to my parents. We didn't ever go back.

Anna Poręba
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry. I still like Josh Sandquist’s costumes a bit better.

Two_rolling_black_eyes
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are better than any school pictures to show your kids growing up. The kids' enthusiasm is infectious. The daughter's embrace of Wendy this year is precious.

Patrick Whittington
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet those kids are going to go far in life. Im so jealous that theyve probably been in the magic castle many times and seen some of the crazier stuff. Kinda makes me resent my boring family...lol

The Realist
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure the comment is said in jest, but this makes me sad. Be happy with the people that love you. You never know how short your time with them may be.

Load More Replies...
tuzdayschild
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, yeah, yeah the costumes are great, but look how big those kids are. They were just babies a minute ago.

Fry Me A Liver
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful! I'm all for advocacy, but people like this do so much to promote the acceptance and advancement of LGBT lifestyles just by being who they are and by being freaking awesome. Good for them!

Biliegh they/them
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No offense meant towards them at all but that's easy to accomplish when you are rich. I would be more impressed by a family of no means creating something awesome.

Me
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rich doesn't make you creative, and you can see them make each others make-up in the last pictures. I get your point and thought this when I saw Heidi Klums costumes made by special effects experts, but here I see a great family with a nice sense of humor

Load More Replies...
that girl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that they do these themselves! Always fun to see what they come up with each year, and beautiful family!!!!

Lara Verne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice to see that they make costumes without army of makeup artists, stylists, etc.

Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are "so far out there" with their Halloween celebrations, I can't even... Brilliant!

Kristi White
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is their favorite holiday, it's always a blast getting to see what they come up with! I love these guys! Parenting on point!

Theresa Carroll
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I think it's so awesome how Neil does the makeup and everything himself he is so talented in so many ways 😊 I've been a fan of his since he was doogie 😊 and he seems like he would be a really awesome person to hang out with too...🤔

Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I look forward every Hallowe’en to see what they have come up with. I also love to see the kids as they grow up from year to year.

Patrick Whittington
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@Night Owl I kinda think thats where it might be headed. Id even be ok with her donating it... They truly don't deserve anything at this point.

Caroline Driver
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every year I now come looking for NPH's family halloween shoot. Better than the first Coca Cola Christmas ad

PK
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It will be a sad day when they quit dressing up for Halloween.

Patrick Whittington
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its all good. Im definitely one of those people that strives to not be like most of the people I grew up around and it's done me well. I sometimes do wish I had a better relationship with my immediate family but even when we went to family counseling, I told the doctor my side and he made me stay in his office while he talked to my parents. We didn't ever go back.

Anna Poręba
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry. I still like Josh Sandquist’s costumes a bit better.

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