Halloween in New York City is something to behold, and the frightfully fun celebrations can rage on for days. Expect your trick-or-treat itinerary to start the Friday prior, with costume party engagements holding court right up to the annual Greenwich Village parade on Monday evening. While we may have exchanged ding dong ditch and candy corn binges for spiked punch bowls and masquerade all-nighters, there's one thing that has stayed the same, regardless of age. The caliber, creativity, and craftsmanship of your costume, of course.

What will you dress up as? How will you execute the look flawlessly? Will you dress up as the same thing two nights in a row (gasp)? Here are 11 spots that pack some serious Halloween costume heat. From ghoulish attire to sexy nun (or sexy anything, for that matter), you don't need to look or shop any further than this.

  1. The year-round beauty and gag chain Ricky's (various locations) goes all out during Halloween season. In addition to stocking every location with costumes of all shapes and sizes, Ricky's also installs Halloween pop-up shops around the city to provide merriment and costume options wherever you may be.

  2. Halloween Adventure (808 Broadway and 104 Fourth Ave., 212-673-4546) or New York Costumes, depending on the awning you spot first, is a giant two-level emporium filled with more than a thousand costume ideas, including accessories, wigs, hats, decorations, gags, and masks too. During the last week of October, the store extends its hours for all you last-minute costume shoppers.

  3. Gothic Renaissance (108 Fourth Ave., 212-780-9558) Touted as the city's premiere gothic fashion boutique, Gothic Renaissance has undergone a revamp. What once was a 600-square-foot space is now a 1,600-square-foot gothic haven, complete with visions of the macabre streaming on a flat screen and eerie music echoing throughout. Get into the goth mood here.

  4. Screaming Mimi's (382 Lafayette St., 212-677-6464) is your one-stop shop for vintage finds all year round. Now put this curated collection to the test — how can you transform the Mimi's wardrobe into an Almost Famous doppelganger?

  5. Party City (38 W. 14th St., 212-271-7310; 625 Atlantic Ave., 718-399-7252) Here you'll find hundreds of affordable costumes and all of the supplies for your big Halloween bash. What a twofer — grab your Stewie from Family Guy garb and stock up on festive decorations, too.

  6. Abracadabra Superstore (19 W. 21st St., 212-627-5194) The Abracadabra Superstore has a wide variety of Halloween costumes to purchase or to rent as well as an extensive collection of theatrical makeup, props, and gags to add to any well-done outfit.

  7. Creative Costume Company (242 W. 36th St., #800, 212-564-5552) The Creative Costume Company offers custom and off-the-rack costume rentals for Halloween, so all you have to do is provide the designers with your ideas, size, and theme. Of course, these costumes come at a pretty penny, but for the Halloween die-hards, this is an excellent resource. Be sure to schedule an appointment before heading to Midtown.

  8. Spirit Halloween (20 E. 4th St., 212-253-5705) This Halloween superstore chain will crop up on East 4th Street this year; inside you'll find costumes for adults, kids, and, even, pets.

  9. Frankie Steinz (24 Harrison St., 212-925-1373) For high-concept costumes, headpieces, and accessories, costume designer Frankie Stein is your girl. She custom designs ensembles that will wow, or you can rent one of her masterpieces instead. Either way, remember to make an appointment with Stein — there are no drop-ins at the studio.

  10. Early Halloween (130 W. 25th St., 11th Fl., 212-691-2933) This 3,500-square-foot Chelsea gallery has made its vintage clothing stock available to eager Halloweeners for more than 30 years. You can rent, buy, or be styled by its staff, but make an appointment first!

Source: Flickr User Benjamin Lozovsky