Halloween is no longer just one night for many of us with kids. It's weeks of fun events and chances to get dressed up. In the spirit of the spooky season, communities everywhere have embraced a delightful tradition that combines the thrill of trick-or-treating with the creativity of DIY crafts — Trunk or Treat!
This unique celebration brings together families, friends, and neighbors to transform car trunks into imaginative, candy-filled wonderland.
Last year I participated in our school's trunk or treat dressed as Mary Poppins and put together a quick scene with a chimney. I handed out individually wrapped plastic spoons that held a few pieces of candy.
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It was quick and simple because I didn't have a lot of time to set-up beforehand, but this year I plan on putting a little more creativity into it!
So we asked our readers and Macaroni KID publishers to share inventive trunk-or-treat themes, and they delivered! Here’s a peek into the trunk-or-treat universe, featuring 13 wickedly wonderful themes bound to inspire your Halloween creativity.
Thanks to everyone who contributed!
 Photo courtesy of Melissa R. |
1. Super Mario Brothers: A Pixelated Paradise
It’s a Super Mario extravaganza! Watch out for those virtual fireballs — they might just be spicy cinnamon candies!
 Photo courtesy of Kara Ault, publisher of Macaroni KID Fayetteville, Ark. |
2. Classic Scary Witch and Cobwebs: Bewitching
Nothing howls Halloween like a classic scary witch whose trunk is complete with a skull, a bubbling cauldron, and eerie cobwebs hanging around.
 Photo courtesy of Becky P. |
3. Art Gallery: Where Candy Meets Culture!
It’s not just a trunk or treat. It’s a cultural experience. Enjoy a piece of candy while discussing the finer points of brush strokes and color palettes.
 Lindsay Rowe, publisher of Macaroni KID Timonium - North Baltimore |
4. Minion Mayhem!
Watch out for mischievous Minions attempting to snatch candies right from your hands.
 Lindsay Rowe, publisher of Macaroni KID Timonium - North Baltimore |
5. Mad Scientist: Where Sweet Meets Scientific!
Enter the laboratory of madness, where bubbling potions create candy concoctions. Dress the part yourself with frizzled hair, safety goggles, a white lab coat, and a cackling laugh. Just be careful not to mix the wrong potions — you might end up with a candy that turns your young trick-or-treaters' tongues blue — permanently.
 Photo courtesy of Jacqueline S. |
6. Charlie and the Chocolate Trunk
The golden ticket is the centerpiece of this sweet tribute to Roald Dahl's classic tale.
 Photo courtesy of Grace H. |
7. Nightmare Before Christmas: A Frightful Delight!
In this spooktacular setup, Jack Skellington and Sally have come to life in a scene straight out of Tim Burton's imagination.
 Photo courtesy of Melissa R. |
8. C is for Cookie Monster
This trunk-or-treat theme celebrates everyone's favorite blue, googly-eyed monster — Cookie Monster!
 Katie S. |
9. Life Beyond the Trunk
Who says your creativity has to be confined to the trunk? Some trunk decorators take it to the next level by building around their vehicles.
10. Scary Clown: A Carnival of Chills and Thrills!
Step right up, folks, to the spine-chilling world of scary clowns! Who is brave enough to approach this trunk of horrors, where just one of these creatures might reach out and... GRAB you! (Don’t worry. It’s just a candy grab, we promise!)
 Photo courtesy of Kara Murphy, publisher of Macaroni KID Erie, Pa. |
11. Crazy Bug: A Creepy-Crawly Candy Adventure!
Buzz, crawl, and slither your way into the world of crazy bugs! Perhaps serve gummy worms to your guests — it’s all part of the buggy experience!
 Photo courtesy of Amanda G. |
12. To Infinity and Beyond!
This simple trunk still brings all the feels for all of us Toy Story fans. Put on your cowboy hats and space helmets — it’s time to explore the trunk of treats!
 Photo courtesy of Kira J. |
13. A Candy Colored Fantasy World
Roll out the carpet of flowers and trot on into this unicorn-themed trunk or treat! It's a sugary enchantment, for sure.
Happy Halloween, everyone! 🎃
