What Is Trunk or Treat? A Twist on Halloween Fun

Trunk or treat is a community-powered twist on classic trick-or-treating — and it’s gaining ground fast. Instead of going door to door, families gather in a shared space like a car park or village green, decorate the trunks of their cars, and hand out sweets from there.

Picture this: one trunk looks like a haunted pirate ship, another is a bubbling witch’s lair, and the next is decked out like a neon candy carnival. Kids move from boot to boot collecting treats, admiring the decorations, and soaking up the festive atmosphere.

How Did Trunk or Treat Begin?

Trunk or treat began in the United States in the 1990s, originally launched by churches and community groups as a safer, more contained alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. The goal? Minimise the risks of kids walking along dark streets, especially in busy or rural areas, and offer a family-friendly event where everyone could take part.

The concept caught on fast. By the 2000s, schools, scout groups, and family organisations were hosting annual trunk or treat events. And now? It’s a global movement, popping up in Canada, Australia, and increasingly in the UK and across Europe.

Families enjoying an evening of trunk or treating

Fun fact: The largest trunk or treat on record took place in Texas in 2018, with more than 2,000 cars and over 10,000 attendees.

Why Are Trunk or Treat Events So Popular?

💡 Trick or Treat attended a recent trunk or treat event in South London to find out what all the fuss was about. We spoke to parents, volunteers, and first-time families about why they chose this over traditional door-to-door sweets, this is what some of them had to say.

“This is our first year doing trunk or treat,” said Leanne M., mum of two and organiser of her local school PTA. “Our estate is really spread out and not many people decorate, so this felt more fun and manageable. Plus, I love seeing how creative everyone gets with their car themes.”

David R., a granddad from Wandsworth who was handing out sweets from a car dressed as a giant dragon, told us: “We live in a flat and can’t really get trick-or-treaters — but this gives us a way to be involved.”

Here’s why families keep coming back:

🧡 Safety First

Trunk or treat events typically happen in enclosed, pedestrian-only zones like school car parks or community halls. There’s no traffic, lighting is managed, and adults are everywhere. It's trick-or-treating with training wheels — perfect for toddlers or nervous new parents.

🤝 Strong Community Vibes

Everyone’s in one space, chatting, laughing, admiring each other’s creativity. It feels more like a Halloween fair — a mix of show and share.

🚪 Inclusive Access

If you live in a rural area, a high-rise, or a gated estate, door-to-door just isn’t practical. Trunk or treat opens the door (or boot!) to more families — regardless of where they live.

What to Expect at a Trunk or Treat Event

Trunk or treat events are part costume contest, part community fair. Here’s what you’ll usually find:

Kids in costume, collecting sweets from car to car
Music, games, and themed activities
Prize contests for best-dressed trunk, costume, or group
A mixture of sweet and non-sweet giveaways (toys, glow sticks, stickers)
Parents mingling — often with hot drinks or mulled cider in hand.

Many events also include food stalls, donation buckets for local causes, and a warm welcome for grandparents, older siblings, or even the family dog.

Creative Trunk Themes to Try

If you're joining in, decorating your trunk is half the fun! Here are some popular (and easy-to-pull-off) themes:

Ghostbusters HQ — fog machine, slime, and ghost traps
Pumpkin Patch Picnic — hay bales, fairy lights, mini pumpkins
Witches’ Potion Station — bubbling cauldron, green uplights, potion bottles
Candy Corn Carnival — games, bunting, and old-school fun
Monster Disco — flashing lights, speakers, and inflatable ghouls
Spooky Safari — animal print, creepy creatures, and jungle vines

Pro tip: Use a battery pack to power lights, fog machines, or music — no extension leads required!

How to Host or Join One Near You

Hosting a trunk or treat is easier than you think — and it’s the perfect way to spark community spirit.

Step 1: Find a Safe Spot

School car parks, church halls, or village greens are ideal. Make sure there’s enough space for parking and people to walk safely between trunks.

Step 2: Spread the Word

Promote it in your local WhatsApp groups, Facebook communities, school bulletins — or list your event on the Trick or Treat Map! That way, nearby families can easily discover it.

Step 3: Set Some Ground Rules

Cars must arrive and stay parked before the event starts
No moving vehicles during trick-or-treating hours
Encourage allergy-friendly or non-edible treats
Keep things family-friendly and inclusive

FAQs: Trunk or Treat Edition

❓ Do I Need a Car to Join?

Not always. Some families set up stalls or bring decorated trolleys. If your event allows it, you can join on foot — or team up with a friend who has a boot to spare.

❓ Is It Still Trick or Treating?

Absolutely. It’s just a different format. Costumes, candy, and community are all still there — just with less walking and more wow-factor per square metre.

❓ Can I Still Trick or Treat Door to Door Too?

Yes! Many families do both. Trunk or treat is often held before Halloween night, making it a perfect warm-up or alternative if the weather turns frightful.

Final Word from Trick or Treat

We love anything that makes Halloween feel magical, inclusive, and neighbourly — and trunk or treat does all three. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, it’s a chance to connect, create, and celebrate together.

🎃 Want your event on the map? Head to www.trickortreatmap.com — mark it as an event, set your times, and let your community know what to expect.

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📌 New to trick or treating? Start with The Ultimate Guide to Trick or Treating in 2025 for everything from costumes and safety to sweet swaps and route planning.