Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

The Best Halloween Costume Stores in NYC

1. Abracadabra NYC — Chelsea

Whatever your kids want to be, they can find everything they need to realize their dreams (or nightmares) at this costume and novelty emporium, from the outfits to accessories, makeup, and props. The warehouse-like shop is huge; you can spend an hour or two gawking. Its selection of novelty items is particularly impressive (and, at times, obscene). Detailed, high-end costumes are also available to rent.

2. Gothic Renaissance NYC — East Village

An offshoot of the now-shuttered Halloween Adventure Shop, Gothic Renaissance has been serving customers for more than 20 years from a jam-packed East Village storefront. While its attire skews toward the alternative, it's got tons of unique pieces, including handmade masks, custom artist-designed pieces, corsets, and shoes. While you're there, make sure to pose with Gargamel, the seemingly larger-than-life gargoyle who guards the entrance.

3. Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. — Park Slope, Brooklyn

Capes, gloves, and masks galore! If you've got a young superhero in the family searching for their perfect costume, this Brooklyn Halloween costume store has an abundance of choices, including superpowers in a can. This store works to support 826NYC, a nonprofit organization centered on helping youth ages 6-18 develop and improve their writing skills. Shop here for superhero costumes and be a superhero by contributing to this cause.

4. Frank Bee Costume Center — Pelham Bay, the Bronx

Be prepared to hunt for what you want at this jam-packed costume shop. Open since 1957, the store offers more than 10,000 outfits for purchase along with a lowest-price guarantee, plus accessories and novelties. For kids who aren't sure what they want to be for Halloween, a trip here is sure to inspire.

5. Village Party Store — East Village

Looking for costumes, makeup, wigs, or masks? This spot has all that and more. In addition to costumes, you'll find a well-stocked selection of toys. If you're planning your very own Halloween bash, you can also shop at the Village Party Store for party supplies and balloons. Make sure to inquire about its delivery service if you need help transporting anything.

6. Screaming Mimis — West Village

This West Village gem is a unique NYC find. It's definitely a different feel than shopping at a huge, chain superstore. With vintage clothing to fit your Halloween costume needs, Screaming Mimi's is all about fashion. You can find a multitude of costumes and accessories here. We recommend this shop for adults who enjoy dressing up on Halloween. While there are some awesome finds, be prepared for a little sticker shock—these cool, vintage finds come with premium price tags.

Before setting out, we recommend calling these Halloween costume stores in NYC for hours, which may vary with the season. If you're getting down to the wire and need multiple costume options, national chain Spirit Halloween hosts a slew of pop-up locations throughout the season, and big-box retailers, including Target and Party City, have stocked costume collections of popular characters.

Originally published in October 2015.