Curious about the modern take on trick-or-treating that’s sweeping the nation? Keep reading!
What Is Trunk-or-Treating?
Trunk-or-treating is a twist on classic trick-or-treating. Instead of going door to door to collect candy, you go trunk to trunk! Communities gather in a big parking lot, where participants’ cars are decked out in extravagant Halloween decorations. Kids can safely go from car to car for treats, games, and more.
So, why trunk-or-treat? It’s simply a fun, community-driven way to celebrate Halloween together. Many families participate in trunk-or-treating before Halloween and still enjoy traditional trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
Does Trunk-or-Treating Take Place on Halloween?
Well, it all depends on your town and community. Most trunk-or-treat events take place sometime in October, before Halloween, and are often run by a local school or organization. If you’re in charge of organizing a trunk-or-treat event this spooky season, here’s what you’ll need to do:
1. Secure a Location
All you need is a spacious parking lot! Contact local schools or community centers to see if they’d be open to hosting. Be sure to get any necessary permissions or permits ahead of time.
2. Pick the Perfect Date
Trunk-or-treat events don’t have to happen on Halloween night. Choose any weekend evening in October that works for you and your community. Just be sure to leave enough time to plan and promote!
3. Spread the Word
Promote your event through flyers, social media, local newsletters, or community boards. The more buzz you create, the better the turnout! Be sure to recruit volunteers willing to decorate trunks, hand out candy, and help run games or activities.
4. Cover the Essentials
Think through the basics to keep your event comfortable and safe. Ensure access to bathrooms, provide food or drinks (or invite food trucks!), set out trash bins, and have first-aid supplies on hand. Small details can make a big difference.
How Do I Participate in a Trunk-or-Treat?
Want to participate in a trunk-or-treat event but don’t necessarily want to organize one yourself? Ask around your community for information about upcoming trunk-or-treat events and reach out to whoever is hosting. Let them know you’d like to volunteer as a helping hand or that you want to decorate your trunk and be involved in the fun!
How Do I Decorate My Car for Trunk-or-Treat?
Obviously, you want to have the best-dressed car in the parking lot. But, how? Here are a few things to consider.
Does your group have a costume theme? If you’re dressing up as your favorite Disney characters, use that as inspiration for decorating your trunk! A fairytale-inspired design can create a cohesive experience for your trunk-or-treaters. If you’re aiming for a spookier look, consider the age range of the kids attending to avoid making it too scary or gory.
Get creative! You can draw inspiration from your favorite movies, like Coraline or Harry Potter, or come up with a theme, such as a fortune teller’s stand or a big-top circus tent. The possibilities are endless!
Easy Trunk-or-Treat Ideas
Circus Trunk
Drape red and white striped plastic tablecloths around the trunk like curtains. Above the opening, add a cardboard “CIRCUS” sign and attach colorful balloons along the top. Inside the table, cover it with a red cloth and arrange your popcorn-inspired treat boxes!
Shark Trunk
Line the trunk of your car with a red tablecloth and attach a large cardboard cutout of a shark’s face around the opening. Lay blue plastic on the ground to resemble water, and place cardboard shark fins sticking up. Add a wooden plank or a painted board for kids to “walk the plank” into the shark’s mouth!
Charlie Brown Trunk
Wrap the trunk in burlap and decorate it with colorful pumpkins and leaves. Place a cardboard cutout of Linus inside a large pumpkin and hang a cheerful sign that says, “Welcome Great Pumpkin!” Drape white cloth over small stools/figures to create The Peanuts’ iconic Halloween costumes!
Alien Trunk
Line your trunk with shiny silver and bright green fabric. Attach green alien balloons to the sides, and tape a glowing green alien silhouette inside. Add candy bowls, and wrap string lights around the trunk for extra sparkle!
Pink Ghost Trunk
Decorate your trunk with pink, black, and white balloons at the top, and hang shiny “BOO” balloons inside. Add pink tinsel and a black cauldron for an extra sparkly touch. To create ghost figures, drape white sheets over stands and top them with pink cowboy hats.
Happy trunk-or-treating! Tag us @spirithalloween on all socials to show off your fun and creative trunk-or-treat design.
