When I first heard about trunk-or-treat I thought it was one of the dumbest ideas on planet earth. It truly sounded like the Halloween equivalent of a participation trophy.
Where’s the fun in walking from car to car in a parking lot and automatically receiving free candy? Back in my day–the mid to late ’90s, so not that long ago!–you had to find it within yourself to walk up to a stranger’s front door, ring their doorbell, say “trick or trick”, and only then would you be granted a piece of candy.
For those unfamiliar with trunk-or-treating, let me offer a quick explanation. It’s what many believe is a “safer” alternative to trick-or-treating. Typically, a group of parents gather their vehicles in a parking lot, open their trunks which are often decorated in various themes, and hand out candy as children dressed in costume walk from car to car.
Although the first mention of trunk-or-treat was in 1994, the Halloween activity did not gain much traction until the late 1990s.
Today we see even more trunk-or-treat events, especially in the days leading up to Halloween.
I can admit when I’m wrong, and I was wrong about trunk-or-treat.
There are a ton of benefits compared to traditional trick-or-treating, and it’s not just that there’s often so many events that you can accumulate a decent candy haul before Halloween.
Since not everyone is privileged to trick-or-treat on a picturesque tree-lined street, trunk-or-treats provide kids the opportunity to participate in a Halloween tradition in a safe environment.
Not to mention, families with small children or those with disabilities aren’t tasked with walking long distances or over inaccessible sidewalks.
In the event that there is inclement weather, the trunk-or-treat can be moved inside or simply rescheduled. No harm, no foul. Try doing that with trick-or-treating! It’s just not the same trick-or-treating in November.
What do you think about trunk-or-treat? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
There’s also the creativity aspect. With trunk-or-treat, it’s not just the kids who get to dress up and showcase their costumes. The vehicles themselves become part of the event. Parents and participants go all out, decorating their car trunks with intricate Halloween themes. From spooky haunted houses to movie-themed displays, the cars become mini stages for Halloween fun. It’s like having multiple Halloween displays in one spot, adding a whole new layer of entertainment for the kids as they walk from trunk to trunk.
This level of creativity turns trunk-or-treat into more than just a candy-collecting mission. It becomes an experience—a way to appreciate the effort others have put into transforming a regular parking lot into a Halloween wonderland. And let’s be honest, for parents who are just as excited about Halloween as their kids, trunk-or-treat provides a platform to get involved in ways traditional trick-or-treating simply doesn’t.
One of the best things about trunk-or-treat is that it’s often organized by schools, churches, or local communities, making it a great chance for families to connect with others in their area. It fosters a sense of community, where everyone is together celebrating the spooky season, without the need for kids to wander too far from home. It’s especially comforting for parents who worry about the safety of their children when going door-to-door in the dark.
And then there’s the aspect of timing and convenience. For families with tight schedules or younger children who may not be able to stay up late on Halloween night, trunk-or-treat offers a perfect solution. Since these events are often held on the weekends before Halloween or in the late afternoon, parents don’t have to stress about staying out too late. It makes the entire experience less rushed and much more enjoyable for everyone involved. You can get your Halloween fun in without worrying about bedtime!
On top of that, trunk-or-treat events can also be themed around more than just spooky decorations. Some are structured as charity events, where participants donate canned goods or other items in exchange for candy, turning the event into something positive for the whole community. These aspects give trunk-or-treat an extra layer of meaning beyond just candy collection.
So, while I was initially skeptical, I’ve come to appreciate what trunk-or-treat brings to the table. It’s evolved into a beloved Halloween tradition for so many families, especially for those who might not have access to the more traditional trick-or-treating setup. Plus, it’s a lot of fun for parents and kids alike to get creative with their trunk displays and costumes. It might not have the same mysterious allure as wandering through dark neighborhoods on Halloween night, but it’s definitely a safe, creative, and community-driven way to celebrate the holiday.
All in all, whether you’re a die-hard traditionalist or someone who enjoys the idea of a safer, more inclusive alternative, trunk-or-treat has carved out its own special place in the Halloween festivities. It’s not about replacing traditional trick-or-treating, but about offering another option that can be just as fun and rewarding. So, if you haven’t experienced trunk-or-treat yet, I’d say give it a try—you might just find yourself converted like I was!
