These pop-up shops and “spirited” year-round storefronts are our top picks for where to buy your child’s Halloween costume this year
It might seem early, but smart NYC parents know it’s time to start thinking about, and acquiring, your kid’s Halloween costume. Not only are there dozens of local Halloween events positively begging for attendees to arrive in disguise all month long, but things sell out fast in this city. Wondering where you can get a cool getup without spending a fortune? Need a highly specific, hard-to-find item to take your kiddo’s ensemble to the next level when it comes time to trick or treat? We can help. From spots to get gently-used, discounted costumes to huge stores that specialize in Halloween to empty storefronts now infiltrated with Spirit Halloween pop-ups, you’ll have no trouble finding an Elsa cape, a Minecraft mask, or a Bluey costume before the aisles start to get picked over.
Spirit Halloween
Invading empty storefronts throughout the five boroughs (seriously, every single one) Spirit Halloween is a convenient place to hit up for Halloween costumes for both kids and adults. The seasonal chain stocks full costumes, accessories, masks, makeup and more—and has more than a dozen locations throughout the city, although most are located in Manhattan.
Multiple NYC locations
Online: spirithalloween.com
Related: Your Fall NYC Family Must-Do List
Abracadabra NYC
Abracadabra NYC is another Halloween costume store that’s open year round (and, hence the name, also specializes in magician supplies). Whether you need a single item like the perfect hat, wand, or pair or fake teeth, or a full-on, out-of-this-world head-to-toe getup for your child, this bi-level Flatiron District superstore has got you. Our advice: go early in the season, because it gets very crowded here as Halloween grows near.
19 W. 21st St.
Flatiron District
Online: abracadabranyc.com
Beyond Costumes
Be prepared for your mind to be blown. For a next-level spot that also serves Broadway, television, and movie productions, head north to Beyond Costumes. They recently moved, and at their new location, you can opt to either rent from the store’s extensive costume selection or shop its retail collection. Customize your look with Beyond Costumes’ offering of accessories including wigs, hats, props, masks, make-up, recreational prosthetics, and jewelry. Need more intel? The store has an excellent FAQ section on its site.
145 Saw Mill Road, Suite 31
Yonkers
Online: beyondcostumes.com
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Village Party Store
To support a local NYC small business (and stock up on all the party supplies you could need), head to the Village Party Store. Originally located at the corner of Greenwich Avenue and 10th Street, the Village Party Store moved to its current Eighth Street spot after a tragic fire in 2010. There, it continues to serve both the party decor and Halloween costume needs of New York City families and beyond. Make a note for you next big bash: this spot is a great place for balloons and balloon arrangements of all kinds.
13 E. 8th St.
Greenwich Village
Online: villagepartystore.com
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Frank Bee Costume
One of the titans of the Halloween costume retail business is also a hometown hero. The Frank Bee Costume Center brick-and-mortar HQ is located in the Bronx, and it’s got all the hottest licensed characters, including Star Wars costumes and loads of Thomas the Tank Engine costumes, for sale. In fact, they claim to have the largest selection of costumes in the . . . universe! Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Bronx: the store offers most products online as well.
3435 E. Tremont Ave.
Bronx
Online: frankbeecostume.com
Your Neighbors
Sure, this isn’t a shop, but we can reasonably guarantee that there are lots of costumes in your vicinity right now just itching to get back on the street for a night of fun. (Hint: they’re in your neighbors’ closets.)
Check out your local parenting Facebook group this time of year, and you’ll likely find multiple costumes either for sale for cheap or just plain free. (We’ve already seen quite a few listed in our neck of the woods.) Not sure where to look first? These are few of the most popular parenting online groups to try: Hudson River Park Mamas Group, Park Slope Parents, West Village Parents, Lower East Side and East Village Parents, or Bronx and Westchester Moms.
—additional reporting by Wai Sze Zara
