This year's hot Halloween costumes follow Hollywood blockbusters

Blockbuster movies and a popular series are the driving influences behind this year'smost popular costume trendsas kidslook forward to trick-or-treating.

"This year's new popularity is Wednesday from The Addams Family, Barbie and Ken, and we're quite surprised, Michael Myers is still strong this year as well," said Rose McCullochof McCulloch'sCostumes and Party Supplies, which has been in London since 1962.

Wednesday Addams was the main character in a recent Netflix series, which McCulloch said is popular among young girls. The summer blockbuster Barbie has led to an influx of customers looking for clothes, wigs and accessories to be Barbie and Ken. And the popularity of the movie series Halloween has brought back Michael Myers for a second year.

"Last year, it was huge because that was his last movie, so everybody wanted Michael Myers," said Rose McCulloch. "We sell the collectible masks here, and a lot of people collect every single episode of Halloween."

MuCulloch's, which opened in 1962,has had the challenge of trying to predict what will be popular nearly a year in advance of the next Halloween.

"You never know what actually causes it to happen [costume popularity], and for us it's hard sometimes. I'm ordering in November for the following year, so keeping up on trends is avery evolving job of mine," said McCulloch.

As for picking the right costume for the right age, McCullochrecommends young children do not wear masks so they can see well when they're on the streets and going door-to-door. Other considerations include wearing a costume that fits well, is visible or includes glow sticks or a flashlight.

Trick-or-treating tips from London police

As thousands of children will be going door-to-door on Oct. 31, local police have a number of tips to ensure a safe candy gather, including:

• Planning your trick-or-treat route.
• Children should be accompanied by an older sibling or an adult.
• Walk when crossing the street, don't run.
• Don't cut across neighbour's lawns.
• Don't go into houses or unknown vehicles.
• Only visit houses that are well lit.

Drivers are also being cautioned to keep an eye out for little ones as the sun is expected to set shortly after 6 p.m.