Halloween is not as big of a deal in Turkey as it in the States, but there are still a few celebrations going around the city. So if you want to get in the mood and dress up, here is a list of shops from where you can rent or buy costumes as well as a few parties at which you can show off your creativity, and a bunch of pastry shops with some very special Halloween Treats.

Costumes

My Pera1960: Straddling Cihangir and Çukurcuma, this basement-level vintage shop packs a surprizing amount of finds into the space of a walk in closet. Highly recommended for anything 1960s related. Don’t blame us if you end up wearing parts of your costume throughout the year. Address: Kuloğlu Mahallesi, Altıpatlar Sokak, No. 2A, Cihangir; P: (0212) 292 51 87

Binbavul Vintage: Don’t let the size of this tiny vintage shop fool you. Loads of vintage dresses and vintage paraphanelia are stuffed into this space in Tünel, particularly from the 1920s and 1970s. Address: Galip Dede Caddesi, No. 66, Tünel; P: (0212) 243 72 18

Garderobe: If you want to turn yourself into something extraordinary for one night—be it a crab, a shark, a cockroach, or an apple—you’ll find a great variety of fun costumes here. For the more classic type, there is a huge range of historic costumes as well. You can rent for up to 3 days, and the prices range between 60 TL and 200 TL, plus a deposit of 100 TL, which is fully-refunded as long as the costume is returned without damage. Address: Tomtom Mahallesi Yeni Çarşı Caddesi Demirhan Apartmanı No.38, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 251 33 73

By Retro: This is not really a costume store but a second-hand clothing shop where you can find a variety of items to turn into a fantastic Halloween costume. If you want to be a 1980s disco star, look for something retro-chic here. Address: İstiklal Caddesi Suriye Pasajı No.166, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 245 64 20

The Grand Bazaar: This is the world’s first mall, and is still a shopper’s paradise. And even though it doesn’t feature a costume shop among its 4000-plus stores, you can find a variety of Ottoman clothing and accessories that can easily be turned into a costume. Go for a belly-dancing outfit, a şalvar (traditional baggy pants), fez, kavuk (traditional Ottoman turban), or çarık (traditional pointy slippers). You can also take advantage of the jewelry stores to vamp up a costume. You’ll find lots of retro, faux-vintage, and ethnic jewelry at the Grand Bazaar.

Tahtakale: Right next to the Grand Bazaar is the more local market for everything from party goods, cocktail mixers, gag gifts, wooden kitchen items, and a surprizing amount of kitsch that may just make a costume a little more realistic or outlandish. Prices are low and bargaining is often part of the fun.

Pangaltı: There aren’t any costume shops of note around here, but the area just off the Osmanbey metro stop across from Kurtuluş and Osmanbey is chock a block with little shops filled with fripperies: lace trims, purse and clothing hardware, sequins, and even cloth.

Halloween Events

Halloween Party at Ghetto: DJ Naim Dilmener serves up 80s and 90s remixes and today’s best music for a spooky 31st. Come in with a costume and receive a small surprize. The party starts at 9:30 pm.

Horror Films and a very special, terrifying "Young Wednesday" at the Pera Museum: For only 10 TL a pop you can see Dutch and Spanish horror films in the days leading up to All Hallow’s Eve. Catch the Dutch contemporary and Spanish cult horror classics before they go away. On Halloween itself starting at 10:00pm, the Pera Cafe will be open for a special set of "Terror Pop" by a DJ while in the museum's movie screen, the Spanish horror film, "Panic on the Transiberian" ("Korku Treni") will be shown.

Halloween Party at Date: Date brings you “Bloody Date”, a Halloween extravanza on October 31st. Starting between 10:00 and 10:30pm, old horror movies will be screened on projection screens as a DJ spins the night away. Wearing a costume is highly recommended, but for those who can’t be bothered to throw something together, a professional make-up artist will be on hand to spookify your look.

Haloween Cakes

If you’d rather celebrate Halloween at a house party, add some party spirit with a Halloween cake.

Coccolat: A cake shop and a cake-decorating school in one, Coccolat’s repertoire includes cakes in the shape of a Brandy bottle, 3-leaved clover, a gift box, and they will be more than happy to cater to your Halloween needs. Just place an order 4-5 days in advance. Address: Bağdat Caddesi Rüştiye Sokak No.8, Kızıltoprak; P: (0216) 449 95 90 
 

Rococo Cakes: They have a peacock cake under their belt; they can surely handle a frog, a snake, or a spider. Just place your order 2 days in advance and get a wonderfully-designed, flavorful cake. Address: Cevdet Paşa Caddesi Engin Konak Apartmanı No.23/1, Bebek; P: (0212) 263 93 19

Happy Caking: If you want an all-organic cake, Happy Caking is the place to go. Just order your Halloween cake 2 days in advance, and you’re good to go.Address: Göksu Göztepe Caddesi G38 Sokak No.1, Anadoluhisarı; P: (0216) 465 73 70