Tips for Setting Up a Trunk or Treat Event

Trunk or Treat events have become one of the most popular fall community gatherings. They provide a safe, family-friendly alternative to traditional trick-or-treating and bring neighborhoods, schools, and churches together in one festive space. Whether you’re organizing your first event or looking to improve on last year, here are some practical tips to make your Trunk or Treat a success.

1. Choose the Right Location

The location sets the tone for your event. Look for a large, well-lit parking lot with enough space for decorated cars and plenty of foot traffic. If you are a member of a church reading this, you have the perfect spot.  Schools and community centers are also ideal locations.   Make sure the layout allows cars to be arranged in a safe circle or rows, keeping pathways clear for families.

2. Set Clear Guidelines for Participants

Give participants plenty of notice about how the event will run. Provide instructions on:

• What time to arrive and set up

• How much candy to bring (so no one runs short too soon)

• Safety rules, like no moving vehicles during the event

• Family-friendly decorations (spooky but not gory)

Clear communication helps avoid confusion on the day of the event.  

3. Get Creative With Trunk Decorations

The highlight of Trunk or Treat is seeing the creativity people bring to decorating their cars. Encourage themes—pirates, superheroes, haunted houses, or favorite kids’ movies. Offer small prizes for the best-decorated trunk to spark enthusiasm and add a fun competitive element.

4. Provide Extra Activities

While candy is the main attraction, adding side activities keeps families engaged longer. Consider:

• A bounce house or inflatable slide

• Simple carnival games (bean bag toss, ring toss, duck pond)

• A photo booth with fall-themed props

• Face painting or balloon animals
  

These extras turn the event into a true community festival.

5. Think About Safety and Security

Safety should be top priority:

• Have volunteers direct traffic during setup and tear-down.

• Use plenty of lighting or rent portable lights if the lot is dim.

• Clearly mark entry and exit points and block off cars except for the ones doing the trunk-or-treat of cours.

• Have a first-aid kit handy.

If the event is large, consider asking local police or fire departments to attend for visibility and extra security.

6. Include Food and Refreshments

Families will appreciate food options. Depending on your budget and volunteers, you could provide hot dogs, popcorn, or cider—or invite food trucks to park nearby. This adds convenience for families and makes the event feel complete.

7. Promote Your Event Well in Advance

Don’t assume word-of-mouth will be enough. Use multiple channels to get the word out:

• Flyers in local schools, churches, and community centers

• Social media event pages

• Local community Facebook groups

• Posters in neighborhood businesses

Make sure to include date, time, location, and whether costumes are encouraged.  We have created an article on ways to promote your Trunk or Treat that can be read here.

8. Recruit Volunteers

A smooth event requires plenty of helping hands. Assign volunteers to roles such as:

• Parking lot attendants

• Welcome table greeters

• Activity/game helpers

• Clean-up crew

The more organized your volunteer team, the smoother everything will run.

9. Plan for Candy Needs

Trunk or Treat events can attract more families than expected. Encourage trunk participants to bring extra candy, and have a central supply to refill cars that run low. You don’t want kids leaving disappointed.  This is usually the problem at our church, especially if the weather is nice, so have a back up plan.  If you are close to a store that sells candy, have a couple people monitor supply and be ready to react if you are running low.

10. End on a High Note

Finish the event with a group activity: a short costume parade, a dance party, or a closing announcement with trunk-decorating winners. It gives families a clear signal that the event is wrapping up and leaves everyone with a positive memory.

Final Thoughts

Trunk or Treat is more than just handing out candy—it’s about creating a safe, fun environment where families can connect and celebrate the season together. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a festive spirit, your event can become a tradition families look forward to every year.

Final Tip

If you can close the area off so you have a clear check in path, collect names and email addresses.  Say something like:  If you want to know more about what is going on at our church, give us your name and email address.  Depending on the size of your event you can collect 500 to 1,000 names.  People who you can start inviting to your church and its activities.

If you are a church don't forget to present the Gospel!  I feel like that is really why we should hold this event.  Memory Cross has created some really unique tracts that people actually love to receive and will read and keep.  Check them out here.