World Book Day 2026
Introduction: Celebrate the Magic of Stories on World Book Day 2026
World Book Day is almost here! Falling on Thursday, 5th March 2026, this beloved annual celebration encourages children and adults alike to discover the joy of reading and storytelling.
For families across the UK, World Book Day means one exciting thing: dressing up as your favourite character! From beloved book heroes to characters that have leapt from page to screen, the right costume can transform an ordinary school day into an unforgettable adventure.
In this guide, we've curated the top trending cosplay costumes that are perfect for World Book Day 2026 – featuring everything from Roald Dahl classics to the hottest new releases like Wicked and Wonka!
🏆 Top Cosplay Costume Collections for World Book Day 2026
1. 📚 Matilda Series Characters
Roald Dahl's beloved tale of a brilliant little girl with magical powers has captured hearts for generations. With the smash-hit Matilda the Musical film bringing this story to a new audience, Matilda costumes are more popular than ever!
Popular costume choices:
| Character | Key Costume Elements |
|---|---|
| Matilda | Gray dress, red hair ribbon, red collar, stack of books |
| Miss Trunchbull | Dark green-style outfit, whistle, intimidating presence |
| Hortensia | School uniform with red hat |
Why it's perfect for World Book Day: Matilda celebrates the power of reading and imagination – the very essence of World Book Day!
Styling Tip: Carry a copy of a classic book like "Nicholas Nickleby" for an authentic Matilda touch!
2. ⚡ Classic Movie Series Characters
The Magic World remains the undisputed champion of World Book Day costumes!
Bestselling costumes:
Main Characters:
- School Uniform – Gray sweater school uniform and Accessories
- Hermione – Gryffindor uniform, bushy hair, Time-Turner necklace
- Minerva McGonagall – Emerald green robes, witch hat, stern expression
- Beauxbatons Academy Uniform – Elegant blue uniform + top hat
Complete Your Look: Wands, house scarves, ties, and acceptance letters available!
3. 🍫 Wonka Series Characters
Wonka series costumes are trending massively for 2026!
Featured Wonka costumes:
Classic Willy Wonka:
- Purple velvet tailcoat
- Top hat with ribbon
- Bow tie and waistcoat
- Walking cane
- Wild, imaginative hair
New Wonka Style:
- Brown/burgundy velvet coat
- Signature top hat
- Colourful scarf
- Vintage-inspired aesthetic
Oompa Loompa：Orange face, green hair, white dungarees, striped socks
Book Connection: Based on Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" – a World Book Day essential!
4. 🦋 Encanto Characters
Encanto has become a modern classic, with its vibrant Colombian-inspired costumes and unforgettable characters. Related storybooks and picture books make these costumes World Book Day appropriate!
Most Requested Encanto Costumes:
The Madrigal Family:
| Character | Signature Look | Special Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mirabel | Embroidered teal dress, round glasses, butterfly motifs | Purple ribbons, flower accessories |
| Luisa | Purple dress, muscular build accessories | Strong, confident appearance |
| Dolores | Red dress with sound wave patterns | Ribbon bow, quiet elegance |
| Camilo | Yellow ruana, playful expression | Shape-shifting fun |
Perfect for: Siblings who want to dress as an entire magical family!
5. 💚 Wicked Characters
The highly anticipated Wicked movie has made these costumes absolutely essential for 2026!
Showstopping Wicked Costumes:
Elphaba (The Wicked Witch):
- Signature black dress/gown
- Pointed witch hat
- Green face makeup
- Black boots
- Broomstick accessory
- Long dark hair
Glinda (The Good Witch):
- Stunning pink ball gown
- Sparkling tiara/crown
- Magic wand with star
- Blonde curly hair/wig
- Pink glitter everything!
- Bubble accessories
Additional Characters:
- Nessarose – Elegant dress with wheelchair accessories
- Fiyero – Handsome prince/guard uniform
- Glinda School Uniform – Most popular school uniform
Perfect Pairing: Elphaba + Glinda make the ultimate best friend duo costume!
The original novel reimagines the Land of Oz from the Wicked Witch's perspective – perfect literary credentials!
6. 🖤 The Addams Family Characters
Originally created by cartoonist Charles Addams for The New Yorker magazine, The Addams Family has become a cultural phenomenon with books, comics, films!
Iconic Addams Family Costumes:
- Black dress with white Peter Pan collar
- Long black braids
- Deadpan expression
- Nevermore Academy uniform option
- Gothic accessories
Trending for 2026: This costume has made gothic schoolgirl looks incredibly popular!
7. 👻 Stranger Things Characters
Stranger Things has spawned numerous novels, comics, and companion books, making these costumes bookshelf-approved! The 1980s nostalgia continues to captivate audiences.
Most Popular Stranger Things Costumes:
- Eleven – Pink dress, blue jacket, shaved head/short blonde wig, bloody nose
- Dustin Henderson – Camp Know Where cap, curly hair, toothless grin
- Mike Wheeler – 80s striped shirts, walkie-talkie
- Will Byers – Bowl cut, Upside Down survivor look
- Max Mayfield – Skateboard, 80s athletic wear, red hair
Other Fan Favourites:
- Steve Harrington – Scoops Ahoy sailor uniform, magnificent hair
- Robin Buckley – Scoops Ahoy uniform, witty sidekick
- Holly Wheeler – Blue shirt, brown cape
Group Costume Idea: Wear these outfits with your friends and head to the party!
8. 👻 Ghostbusters Characters
"Who you gonna call?" Based on the beloved film franchise with numerous comic books, novels, and graphic novels, Ghostbusters costumes are always a hit!
Classic Ghostbusters Costumes:
The Original Team:
- Peter Venkman
- Ray Stantz
- Egon Spengler
- Winston Zeddemore
Ghostbusters Uniform Includes:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Jumpsuit | Tan/beige flight suit with Ghostbusters patches |
| Proton Pack | Iconic backpack weapon (lightweight costume version) |
| Ghost Trap | Belt-attached ghost catching device |
| PKE Meter | Paranormal detection device |
| Name Tag | Personalised team member badge |
| Boots | Black work boots |
Perfect for: Sibling groups, family costumes, or friend squads!
9. 🎤 Most Popular K-pop Collection
For fans of manhwa, graphic novels, and Korean pop culture, this collection brings together the best of both worlds – stunning KPop inspired fashion with supernatural flair!
Idol-Inspired Combat Looks:
| Style | Features |
|---|---|
| Stage Combat | Glittery jackets, leather pants, harnesses, chains |
| School Uniform Hunter | Korean school uniform with supernatural accessories |
| Elegant Warrior | Traditional hanbok-inspired battle dress |
| Street Style Slayer | Oversized hoodies, cargo pants, mystical weapons |
Popular Elements:
- Colour-coordinated group outfits
- LED accessories and light-up details
- Supernatural symbols and talismans
- Dramatic makeup inspiration
- Weapon props (swords, bows, staffs)
Perfect for: K-Pop fans, manhwa readers, and those who want something unique!
10. 👔 Kids Costumes & School Uniforms
Sometimes the most effective World Book Day costumes are the simplest ones! Our school uniform collection lets children become characters from countless beloved books.
Versatile School Uniform Options:
British School Uniform Style:
| Item | Options Available |
|---|---|
| Blazers | Navy, black, burgundy, green (with optional house badges) |
| Shirts | White short/long sleeve, Peter Pan collar |
| Ties | Striped house colours, clip-on options |
| Skirts/Trousers | Grey, navy, black, plaid patterns |
| Jumpers | V-neck in various colours |
| Knee Socks | Grey, white, navy |
School Uniform Accessories:
- Prefect badges
- House crests
- School ties in various colours
- Book bags and satchels
- Glasses (various styles)
- Hair ribbons and accessories
Why Parents Love This Option:
✅ Versatile – can become many different characters
✅ Comfortable – perfect for a full school day
✅ Reusable – wear again for dress-up play
✅ Affordable – practical and budget-friendly
✅ Easy – no complicated costumes to figure out
📋 World Book Day 2026 Costume Checklist
Before you purchase, consider these important factors:
| ✅ Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Size & Fit | Check our detailed sizing guide for the perfect fit |
| Comfort | Children wear costumes all day – prioritise comfort! |
| Weather | March in the UK can be chilly – ensure layers work underneath |
| School Rules | Check costume guidelines (some schools restrict face paint/weapons) |
| Accessories | Wands, hats, wigs, and props complete the look |
| Book Pairing | Bring the matching book for show and tell! |
| Photos | Plan your photo spot to capture memories |
🚚 Delivery Information for World Book Day 2026
World Book Day is on Thursday, 5th March 2026. Order early to avoid disappointment!
| Delivery Option | Order By | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Delivery | 20th February | 8-10 working days |
| Fast Delivery | 26th February | 5-7 working days |
⚠️ Please Note: Popular costumes sell out quickly – we recommend ordering by mid-February to ensure availability!
💡 Last-Minute Costume Ideas
Running short on time? These costumes come ready-to-wear with minimal prep:
- School Uniform + Accessories = Instant Matilda or Harry Potter
- All Black + White Collar = Addams
- Pink Dress + Tiara = Glinda from Wicked
- Jumpsuit + Proton Pack = Ghostbuster
- 80s Clothes + Bloody Nose Makeup = Eleven
✨ Why Choose Our World Book Day Costumes?
🌟 Premium Quality – Durable fabrics that last beyond one wear
🌟 Screen-Accurate Details – Authentic designs fans will recognise
🌟 Wide Size Range – Toddlers to teens (and adults too!)
🌟 Affordable Prices – Celebrate without breaking the bank
🌟 Complete Costume Sets – Includes essential accessories
📖 Conclusion: Make World Book Day 2026 Unforgettable
World Book Day is a celebration of imagination, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Whether your child exploring a magical chocolate factory, defying gravity in Oz, or hunting ghosts with the Ghostbusters crew – the right costume brings beloved characters to life!
Browse our complete World Book Day 2026 collection today and help your little one (or yourself!) step into the pages of their favourite story.
From Matilda's quiet determination to Elphaba's defiant spirit, from the Madrigals' magical gifts to Wednesday's gothic charm – every costume tells a story worth celebrating.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do these costumes come with accessories?
A: Most of our costume sets include essential accessories. Check individual product pages for full details.
Q: Can adults wear these costumes too?
A: Absolutely! Many of our costumes come in adult sizes – perfect for teachers, parents, and cosplay enthusiasts!
Questions about sizing, shipping, or costume details? Our customer service team is here to help! Contact us at: info@coshd.co.uk
Tag us in your cosplay photos @COSHDUK – we love seeing your transformations!
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