Google’s annual Frightgeist data, covering searches from September 2025 through September 2026, highlights which Halloween costumes captured the imagination of residents in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The report shows a generic police officer was the most‑searched costume in the DMV region, reflecting a continued interest in classic law‑enforcement attire.
Regional favorites
In the broader DC area, Dolly Parton ranked second, a nod to the beloved country‑music icon who passed away in August at age 80. The remaining top five costumes in the region were a generic “jester,” Strawberry Shortcake, and Mickey Mouse.
National picture
When Google aggregates the top‑five searches from every U.S. region, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider‑Man” emerges as the most popular costume nationwide, boosted by the release of a new Spider‑Man film earlier this year. Dolly Parton also appears near the top of the national list, underscoring her lasting cultural impact.
Google calculated the national rankings using a weighted average of each region’s top‑five searches, providing a balanced view of trends across the country.
What this means for families
For parents planning Halloween outfits, the data suggests a mix of timeless characters and current pop‑culture icons will dominate costume aisles. Local retailers can expect strong demand for police‑officer uniforms, classic cartoon figures and music‑legend memorabilia.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
