Trunk-or-treating is on the rise. Not everyone is happy about that.
Rachel Elliott
Kicker
Kids collecting candy from decorated vehicles instead of houses has become a tradition for some families during Halloween, but some worry the old-fashioned, door-to-door tradition on Halloween night may suffer as a result.
‘Trunk-or-treating’ is a safer way for kids to get their candy by avoiding busy streets. However, some people said it’s causing trick-or-treating to die out.
Craig Scott, Mayor of Torbay, volunteered at a trunk-or-treat at Upper Three Corner Park on Sunday. Since the town started the tradition at the Jack Byrne Arena in 2013, he says the turnout has grown each year.
“We stopped doing it for two years, and we kind of reimagined what it was going to be,” said Scott. “That time when we first did it, it was free, and anybody could show up, and they did. And it just got too big to manage.”
Scott said trunk-or-treats definitely attract really young children.
“It’s safe, and it’s fun, and it’s good for everybody,” said Scott.
Jenna Baker was volunteering at the trunk-or-treat with Milestones Early Learning Centre. She says trunk-or-treating is becoming more popular.
“I wouldn’t say it’s more popular than trick-or-treating, but I’d definitely say it’s on the rise,” said Baker.
However, Baker said she doesn’t think the normal tradition will ever die out.
“It’s something so mysterious and magical about being a kid on Halloween and going about your neighbourhood, seeing all your neighbourhood friends and just coming around and showing off your costume,” Baker said.
Andrea Peckford is from Gander. She said the change is impacting adults and kids.
“It definitely takes away from what traditionally we did as kids,” said Peckford.
Peckford said it negatively impacts older people who enjoy seeing children in costumes.
“We have a lady that’s not far from us (that we) got to make sure we see because she said no kids come to her house anymore, which is due to the availability of the trunk-or-treating,” Peckford said.
“They’re missing seeing the kids come to their door,” said Peckford. “I’m sure the elderly and grandparents enjoy seeing their kids and the whole neighbourhood come to their street.”
Peckford said she could have anywhere from 15 kids at her door, to none. According to an article by Retail Insider, data suggested that Atlantic Canadians saw an average of 42 visitors at their door on Halloween in 2025, and 47 per cent reported less trick-or-treaters than in 2024.
Scott said that trick-or-treating was a big tradition when he was young, but it’s changing.
“It was very popular. And now, I really don’t know.” Scott said.
“At the end of the day, it is just kids dressing up in their costumes and getting out and trying to enjoy themselves, said Peckford, “so no matter which view you add on it, it really can’t be that controversial of a topic.”
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