Trunk or treat events are a popular and fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Participants decorate their car trunks in creative and spooky themes, and children go from car to car collecting candy and treats. Here are some creative trunk or treat ideas to make your event a memorable one.
How to Decorate Your Trunk for a Trunk or Treat
Some schools, churches, and communities have opted for a trunk or treat instead of traditional door-to-door trick or treating. To decorate a trunk for a trunk or treat, first select a theme for your trunk. Consider your interests, what’s popular, and what will be visually appealing to kids. Some of the themes below can serve as inspiration.
Next, make a list of the decorations and supplies you’ll need for your chosen theme. This may include props, costumes, and craft materials. Check what you already have at home and create a shopping list for the rest.
Sketch out a rough layout or design for your trunk. Decide where you’ll place decorations, how you’ll arrange the candy, and where the kids will stand to receive treats.
On the day of the event, arrive early to the location and start decorating your trunk. Use removable tape, magnets, or Velcro to attach decorations to your car without causing damage.
Add lighting to create an inviting atmosphere, especially if the event is in the evening.
It’s helpful if the theme is easily recognizable to kids and families.
Dress the part: If your chosen trunk or treat theme involves characters, consider dressing up in costume to match your trunk.
Make sure to bring candy!
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Classic Halloween Themes
- Haunted House: Turn your trunk into a mini haunted house with eerie decorations, cobwebs, and spooky music.
- Pumpkin Patch: Create a pumpkin patch with carved pumpkins, hay bales, and fall-themed decor.
- Graveyard: Use tombstones, skeletons, and fog machines to create a spooky graveyard scene.
- Witches’ Coven: Transform your trunk into a witches’ coven with cauldrons, broomsticks, and witch hats.
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Movie and TV Show Themes
- Harry Potter: Recreate scenes from the Harry Potter series with Hogwarts banners, magic wands, and wizardry props.
- Star Wars: Deck out your trunk with Star Wars characters, spaceships, and a galaxy far, far away.
- Stranger Things: Go for a spookier theme and turn your trunk into a Stranger Things trunk with nods to the show.
- Superheroes: Go for a superhero theme with comic book characters, capes, and action figures.
- Disney: Choose a favorite Disney movie or princess and bring it to life in your trunk.
- Super Mario Bros: You can go with a gaming theme or more traditional Super Mario Bros.
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Food and Candy Themes
- Candyland: Turn your trunk into a sweet paradise with giant candies, lollipops, and a colorful candy path.
- Ice Cream Parlor: Create an ice cream shop with cones, sundaes, and lots of sprinkles.
- Pizza Party: Transform your trunk into a pizzeria with pizza boxes, fake pizza slices, and checkered tablecloths.
- Fruit Stand: Decorate with oversized fruits, fruit baskets, and a fruit vendor costume.
Storybook Themes
- Alice in Wonderland: Recreate the whimsical world of Wonderland with teacups, playing cards, and Mad Hatter hats.
- Dr. Seuss: Bring Dr. Seuss stories to life with colorful characters like the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, and Thing 2.
- Fairy Tales: Choose a classic fairy tale like Little Red Riding Hood or Cinderella and decorate with props from the story.
Space Adventure
- Turn your trunk into a space shuttle with astronauts, aliens, and a starry backdrop.
- Incorporate glow-in-the-dark elements for an otherworldly effect.
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Wild West
- Set up a Western scene with hay bales, cowboy hats, and a “Wanted” poster for a fun cowboy theme.
Retro Themes
- 1980s: Take it back to the ’80s with neon colors, Rubik’s cubes, and arcade game references.
- 1950s: Go for a retro diner look with checkered floors, jukeboxes, and poodle skirts.
Classic Board Games
- Monopoly: Create a life-sized Monopoly board with giant game pieces and play money.
- Candy Land: Recreate the Candy Land board and characters for a sweet and colorful theme.
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