It's Halloween, which means one thing: The TODAY show Halloween extravaganza is here!
As we’ve seen in years past, TODAY takes to the plaza with incredible costume reveals, live performances, special guests and tons of Halloween fun.
Luckily, we’ve got all the details and reveals — live as they happen.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween if the TODAY team didn’t scare up a few surprises on the plaza and, trust us, you don’t want to miss a single moment.
First things first, what’s this year’s theme?
It’s … hold on a haunted minute. We wouldn’t dream of spoiling the surprise. But what we can tell you is that the whole team — Sheinelle Jones, Willie Geist, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Peter Alexander, Kristen Welker, Jenna Bush Hager, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb — really pulled out all the stops this year.
So, what does 2022 have in store? Stand by!
Cirque du Soleil artists perform on the plaza
Cirque du Soleil has been entertaining audiences across the globe for nearly 40 years. As part of TODAY's Las Vegas Halloween celebration, performers from the Cirque du Soleil show "O" took to the plaza to show off their acrobatic skills and artistry.
"O" is currently at The Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and features aquatics, diving, dancing and show-stopping feats.
Go behind the scenes of TODAY's Halloween extravaganza
Find out exactly how TODAY brought Las Vegas to the plaza.
One thing's for sure: It took plenty of planning to pull off the epic TODAY transformation. Some anchors had rehearsals, others (ahem, Jenna) did some serious vocal warmups, but all of them got an incredible costume makeover.
Here’s a quick recap of the costumes this year:
- Sheinelle dressed as an authentic Las Vegas showgirl.
- Al went as the Candy Man himself, Sammy Davis Jr.
- Craig channeled boxing great Muhammad Ali.
- Carson and Dylan brought the magic as David Copperfield and Adelaide Herrmann.
- Willie dressed as Elvis Presley.
- Jenna belted out a tune as singing sensation Celine Dion.
- Hoda and Savannah wore costumes inspired from the Cirque du Soleil show “O.”
- Peter and Kristen dazzled as Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez.
Willie, as Elvis, officiates a wedding live on the plaza
It wouldn't be Las Vegas without a wedding! Willie, decked out in his Elvis costume, officiated a Vegas-style wedding for Eleanor Molver and McKay Blanchard.
Joined by their parents, who said that they're "thrilled to be part of this special day," the couple exchanged vows live on the plaza.
"You are more than I could have ever hoped for," Blanchard said to his bride. "You took that impossible list of qualities, attributes and talents that I was looking for and not just met them all, but you exceeded them."
When it was Molver's turn, she told her groom that her love for him "feels so big that I just want to shout it from the rooftops," she said. "This is probably the closest thing I'll get to doing that." Then the two exchanged rings and "I do's."
"Today you have promised to love and cherish one another throughout your lives," Willie said before pronouncing Blanchard and Molver "husband and wife."
Katie Stilo shares fun Halloween eats and treats
It's never too late to whip up a quick Halloween appetizer or dessert. TODAY culinary producer Katie Stilo offers tips on how to make last-minute eats and treats.
Use toothpicks, mozzarella balls and olives to turn cauliflower into a scary good appetizer. Then sweeten up your party spread with a dessert graveyard.
For a Frankenstein Fizz, fill a syringe with your favorite liquor (sour apple works well) then drop it into a glass of prosecco for a boo-zy beverage. But if you want something more kid-friendly, go with the Witches Brew Punch.
Chani Nicholas stops by for the anchors' birth chart reading
See what Chani Nicholas has to say about Al, Dylan, Craig and Sheinelle.
What exactly is a birth chart? It's a a map of the planets’ placements at your birth time and location. “It’s a snapshot of the sky the moment you’re born,” Nicholas said.
Al, Dylan, Craig and Sheinelle all have a little "Virgo," which Nicholas said makes them all "a little Type A."
According to Nicholas, Sheinelle wants to be "known for being hard-working, and you wear your heart on your sleeve.”
Because Dylan has Scorpio rising, she's good with dealing with unpredictable events. She can be "groundbreaking, loud, unconventional, extreme, innovative, erratic, wild-card and powerful."
The sun is in Al's 12th House, which means "a part of him that is really private and needs to have alone time." But Nicholas also said that according to his birth chart, being charitable is also a big part of his personality.
Craig has Leo rising in his birth chart, which basically says "Hello, I am the party." His Sun in Taurus helps him "shine by being on the world stage."
Illusionist David Copperfield joins TODAY from Las Vegas
David Copperfield joined the crew to help perform a couple of tricks.
As part of TODAY’s Halloween extravaganza, the world-famous illusionist joined Carson, Dylan, Al, Sheinelle and Craig from Las Vegas to talk all things magic, including the time Copperfield made the Statue of Liberty disappear.
“It was a really great illusion based on a lesson in freedom,” Copperfield told TODAY.
Carson and Dylan then wowed the crowd by making the Statue of Liberty disappear. Of course, it was just a picture on a postcard, but impressive nonetheless.
The master magician also made Dylan vanish, too. Fortunately, she was only hiding behind a bouquet of flowers.
Peter and Kristen are ... Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez!
Bennifer is back and better than ever.
Peter and Kristen put on their wedding best and took a trip down the aisle — just like the famous couple did this summer.
The A-listers began dating in the early 2000s and their relationship went into overdrive when they got engaged in 2003. Although they never made it to the altar, the two reconnected in 2021 and tied the knot in July 2022 at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.
“We did it,” Lopez told TODAY in a statement. “Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years patient.”
Lopez also performed in Las Vegas as part of her “All I Have” residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino from 2016 to 2018.
Carson and Dylan are ... David Copperfield and Adelaide Herrmann!
Thanks to Carson and Dylan, there's plenty of magic to go 'round.
Carson has us under his spell as illusionist David Copperfield and Dylan channels Adelaide Herrmann, vaudeville performer and magician known as the "Queen of Magic."
Married to a magician, Herrmann started her own act after her husband's death, becoming a legendary illusionist in her own right. One of her most memorable acts was "Noah's Ark" and included more than 200 animals.
Copperfield started doing magic when he was 12, eventually becoming the youngest member to ever join the Society of American Magicians. Since then, he's performed countless stage shows and television specials, each one topping the last in its complexity and jaw-dropping illusion. His crowning achievement (so far): the disappearance of the Statue of Liberty!
He took his magic to Broadway in 1996 and holds the record for most tickets sold in a week. Since then, the “greatest illusionist of our time," continues making fans gasp with his mind-bending magic and is currently performing at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Hoda and Savannah are ... Cirque du Soleil performers!
Hoda and Savannah really know how to make an entrance.
The two perform stunts on the plaza as Cirque du Soleil acrobats from the Las Vegas show "O."
Back in the ‘80s, a group of Canadian street performers entertained crowds with juggling, dancers, fire-breathing and music. The show eventually became known as “Cirque du Soleil" or “Circus of the Sun."
Cirque du Soleil took up permanent residence in Las Vegas in 1993 with the show “Mystere,” which continues to dazzle and delight audiences on the Strip. Currently, you can experience Cirque du Soleil six different ways in Las Vegas, including wit the classic "Mystere" and the aquatic extravaganza "O".
Jenna is ... Celine Dion!
We’re totally feeling the power of love seeing Jenna all decked out as singing sensation Celine Dion.
Jenna takes on one of the very best and belts out Dion's show-stopping hit "It's All Coming Back to Me Now."
Dion won Eurovision in 1990, followed by countless Grammys. “My Heart Will Go On," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won Best Original Song at the 1997 Academy Awards," stands the test of time, making it one of the most beloved ballads of all time.
For decades, she has stunned audiences in Las Vegas. In 2003, Dion’s “A New Day” premiered at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, followed by “Celine” in 2011. To date, she has performed more than 1,000 shows in Las Vegas. Though she was scheduled to begin a new residency at Resorts World Theatre in 2021, she canceled the shows due to ongoing health issues. Currently, Dion is slated to go on tour in the spring of 2023.
Al is ... Sammy Davis Jr.!
Who can take a sunrise and sprinkle it with dew? Al sure can.
Al channels "Mr. Show Business" and sings the 1972 hit "Candy Man."
Davis was a member of the “Rat Pack” with Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford and Frank Sinatra. He scored a No. 1 with "Candy Man” and performed on the Strip for many years. Following his death in 1990, the lights on the Strip were darkened for 10 minutes in honor of the late entertainer.
Craig is ... Muhammad Ali!
Craig is floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee as heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali.
At just 18, Ali participated in the 1960 Olympics and took home the gold in heavyweight boxing, launching a career that spanned more than two decades. After going professional, the boxer reigned as the heavyweight champion of the world for three years before becoming a civil rights and antiwar activist. The decision cost him his titles, but he returned to the ring in a legendary bout against George Foreman, defeating the boxer and reclaiming his title once again.
After retiring in 1981, Ali became a legend once again, this time for his charitable endeavors. Before his death in 2016, Ali was bestowed with countless awards for his philanthropy including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.
Willie is ... Elvis Presley!
Willie’s got us all shook up as the King of Rock 'n Roll.
He's a hunk, a hunk of "Burning Love" singing Elvis' 1972 chart-topper.
One of the most iconic performers of all time, Elvis got his start in 1954 after debuting the single “That’s All Right.” It wasn’t long before the singing sensation rose to the top of the charts, eventually becoming the first artist to chart at least 100 times on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Elvis filmed the movie “Viva Las Vegas” in Sin City, as well as married wife, Priscilla, at the Aladdin Hotel in 1967. When the star’s career began to slow, he made his triumphant comeback in the “Comeback Special," which was recorded in Las Vegas and led to a residency with 600 sold-out performances.
Sheinelle is … a Las Vegas showgirl!
Sheinelle really dressed the part as a showgirl, so much so that her costume features authentic pieces from costumes worn by actual dancers.
Sheinelle showed off her tap skills — despite the fact that she hasn't taken regular classes since she was "a little girl."
"It is my happy place," she said, referring to the stage.
Starting in 1940s, Las Vegas casinos hired dancing girls to keep audiences entertained between acts. They were so popular that soon other casinos were hiring their own girls to perform. By the ‘50s, they went from being side acts to the stars of the show. Among the most memorable and longest-running is “Jubilee,” which ended its 30-year run in 2016.
The 2022 Halloween theme is … TODAY in Vegas!
Viva Las Vegas! This year TODAY pays tribute to the ultimate playground for 24/7 entertainment, dining and high stakes.
The TODAY team has been gearing up for the 2022 Halloween extravaganza and promises a thrill ride like no other. So, grab your sunglasses because you’re going to need ‘em for the dazzling reveals ahead.
In the meantime, while the entertainment capital of the world hardly needs an introduction, here are a few fast facts that you might not know about Las Vegas, starting with how it's become known as “Sin City.”
- Established in 1905 as a railroad town, Las Vegas opened “Hotel Nevada,” the city’s first hotel and casino, just a year later in 1906. Turning a blind eye to gambling halls, brothels and other illicit deeds, the city gained notoriety for being the place to go for wanton recklessness, thus giving it the reputation of being a “sin” city. In the years that followed, other resorts and casinos popped up along the Las Vegas Strip.
- After relaxing the divorce laws in the 1930s, Vegas also became a hotspot for quickie divorces. Along with untying the knot, marriage laws were also eased, making it easier for couples to get hitched at any time of day or night. Because of that, thousands of people come to Vegas to each year to get married, making it the wedding capital of the world. In 2021 alone, there were 75,000 marriages performed in Las Vegas and so far, in 2022, more than 57,000 people have made it official.
- You can bet that many of those newlyweds stop to take photos in front of the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, which was designed by artist Betty Willis in 1959. The vintage landmark stands 25 feet tall and the silver circles that spell the word “welcome” represent the silver dollars that signify Nevada’s history as the “Silver State.”
- More than 32 million people visit Las Vegas every year and stay around three days on average. There are more than 150,000 hotel rooms to accommodate guests and the never-ending action along the Strip generates a whopping $7 billion.
- Starting with Liberace back in the 1940s, countless A-listers have come to Vegas to entertain the crowds. Some of the most notable residencies include Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Cher, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, Donny and Marie Osmond, Barry Manilow and Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton.
But enough of the basics because it’s time to get on with the show!
A look at the best TODAY Halloween costumes through the years
While we wait to see what's in store for us this year, let's rewind and check out the most memorable costumes from past years.
2021 was a total touchdown!
Jenna and Savannah, who dressed as Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, got everyone in the fighting spirit, while Craig looked was ready to take the field as Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Hoda stepped out as country superstar Carrie Underwood, the face and voice of "Saturday Night Football."
Willie and Carson went as Craig's (OK, Patrick's) rivals: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski.
Timeout: Let’s not forget about the halftime show!
Sheinelle took us back to 2014 when Bruno Mars ruled the stage, and Al impressed us all with a performance of The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights."
Peter and Kristen joined in on the fun by performing “Old Town Road” while dressed as Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Of course, we can’t talk about TODAY costumes without looking back at some of our older favorites.
The lights of Broadway shined brightly in 2020 when Hoda and Savannah brought the house down as Elphaba and Glinda from “Wicked.”
That same year, Al got the royal treatment as King George and Craig dressed as Alexander Hamilton from the hit show “Hamilton.”
2019 had everyone on their feet. Between the iconic lift from "Dirty Dancing" and The Carlton from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," the anchors wowed everyone with their dance moves.
Then there was the time the TODAY anchors re-created our favorite SNL skits. A highlight: Hoda and Kathie Lee were excellent (get it?) as Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar from “Wayne’s World.”
Although it’s impossible to pick one costume that tops the list, if we must, then our vote is for Hoda’s 2009 transformation into the “Star Wars” Jedi master, Yoda. It was pretty stellar, if we do say so.
That's not even half of it! Find more TODAY show costumes from previous years here.