The practice involves individuals or organizations decorating the trunks of their vehicles and distributing candy from them in a designated, often secured, location. This provides a localized, contained environment for trick-or-treating, often taking place in parking lots of churches, schools, or community centers. A typical example sees families gathering in a church parking lot, where each participating family has decorated their car trunk with a Halloween theme and is handing out candy to children as they walk from car to car.
The significance of this activity lies in its provision of a safer and more controlled environment for children to celebrate Halloween. This model addresses concerns regarding pedestrian safety on residential streets and potential risks associated with traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Furthermore, it fosters community engagement by bringing neighbors together in a shared, festive space, sometimes including additional activities like games and costume contests. Its growth reflects a shift toward organized community events and a desire to offer accessible and secure Halloween experiences.