Groups around the region have stepped up to offer some Halloween fun as the pandemic impacted more traditional ways of celebrating.
With some communities canceling trick-or-treating and parents debating the safety of sending their kids on a door-to-door candy hunt in the era of COVID-19, people are turning to trunk-or-treating and similar events as a somewhat more careful alternative.
We’ve rounded up a list of these events happening around Northeast Pennsylvania in the coming days. So grab your costumes and candy bags, but don’t forget to check with organizers for any updates and guidelines before you go. For more information and Halloween events, check out the activities calendar at AccessNEPA.com.
Trunk or Treat
This free event is open to the community.
- When: Friday, Oct. 23, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Peckville Assembly of God, 3364 Scranton-Carbondale Highway, Blakely
- Details: 570-489-4961 or PeckvilleAG.org
Trunk-Or-Treat Drive-Thru
Families will drive through the YMCA’s parking lot, where they can see decorated trunks and then vote for their favorites. Kids will take home a treat bag while supplies last.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Where: Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N Blakely St, Dunmore
- Details: 570-342-8115 or greaterscrantonymca.org
The Ultimate Halloween Trunk or Treat
Event is open to the first 250 children to register. Trunk hosts will socially distance themselves as they hand out candy. Guests can enjoy live music, check out giveaways and pick up Halloween trivia sheets and coloring contest pages for a chance to win prizes.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
- Where: Reaper’s Revenge Haunted Hayride, 460 Green Grove Road, Scranton
- Details: 570-254-8038 or the Facebook event page
Classic Trunk N Treat
This event will feature classic cars, free apple cider and doughnuts, and candy for children. The hosts will wear masks and gloves and offer hand sanitizer for guests.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Moosic Alliance Community Church, 608 Rocky Glen Road, Moosic
- Details: 570-457-6020 or maccma.com
Trunk or Treat
Bring your own bag for picking up treats, and observe social distancing. The group with the most votes for its decorated trunk wins a prize.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.
- Where: United Sports Academy, 1035 Reeves St., Dunmore
- Details: 570-963-5477 or unitedsportsacademygym.com
Halloween Jeep Night and Trunk or Treat
570 Jeeps World Wide Jeep Club’s third annual Halloween Jeep Night will feature awards for the top three best decorated vehicles as well as the top boy and girl costumes. A donation of a nonperishable food item is required for entry and will benefit Wayne County food banks.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m.
- Where: Food & Fire, 7041 Shoppes Blvd., Moosic
- Details: Visit the Facebook event page.
Trunk or Treat
Gracie NEPA grappling arts school and CrossFit Vertex are teaming up for this event. Costumes and holiday decorations are encouraged.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 25, noon to 3 p.m.
- Where: Gracie NEPA, 943 Underwood Road, Olyphant
- Details: 570-383-6300 or gracienepa.com
O’Malley’s Drive-Through Halloween Party
Children will get pizza, an orange drink, chips, candy and coupons for McDonald’s and Texas Roadhouse at this drive-through version of the O’Malley annual party. Call and leave a message with how many children are attending by Thursday, Oct. 22.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Where: McDade Park, 1 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton
- Details: 570-346-1828
Drive-Through Trunk or Treat
Families can drive through the dealership’s parking lot to stop at trunks and pick up goodie bags of candy (one bag per child while supplies last). Costumes are encouraged. The event will follow CDC safety guidelines.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Dickson City Hyundai, 1519 Scranton-Carbondale Highway, Scranton
- Details: 570-487-5000 or dicksoncityhyundai.com
Throop Borough Trunk or Treat
Several health and safety precautions will be in place. Guests must wear masks as all times, and organizers will set up hand-sanitizing stations and cones to ensure social distancing. Candy will be wrapped or bagged.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Where: Throop Civic Center, 500 Sanderson St.
- Details: 570-383-7906 or throopboro.com
Riccardo’s Market Trunk or Treat
Masks and social distancing are required, and candy will be wrapped or bagged. Costumes are not required but are encouraged.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 5 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Riccardo’s Market, Dunmore
- Details: 570-348-1176 or shopriccardos.com
Trunk or Treat: Spooky & Safe Fun
McDonald’s and several local businesses are teaming up for a walk-through event with social distancing in place.
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5 to 8 p.m.
- Where: McDonald’s, 1187 Texas Palmyra Highway, Honesdale
- Details: 570-253-5512 or the Facebook event page
Halloween on Main Street
The Greater Forest City Business Alliance is hosting a night that will include trunk-or-treating, pumpkin painting, an appearance by the Headless Horseman and more. Proceeds will benefit future holiday light displays.
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 5 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Main Street, Forest City
- Details: visitforestcitypa.com or the Facebook event page
Halloween Celebration
Children 12 and younger in costume who come through the drive-through at select McDonald’s restaurants will receive a free ice cream or two chocolate chip cookies.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: McDonald’s, 900 S. Washington Ave., Scranton; 1127 Northern Blvd., South Abington Twp.; 160 Brooklyn St., Carbondale; 1236 Wyoming Ave., Scranton; and 1187 Texas Palmyra Highway, Texas Twp.
- Details: Visit the Facebook event pages.
Third annual Trunk or Treat
This free event is open to the public. Everyone must wear masks, and vehicles will be spaced to allow for social distancing.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, 5 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Katrina’s Creative Learning Center, 1262 Church St., Moscow
- Details: 570-842-3247 or the Facebook event page
Trunk or Treat
The BlackTop Warriors Jeep Club and Sky Zone are hosting this event that will follow social distancing and CDC guidelines. Jeep owners are encouraged to decorate their vehicles for a chance to win a prize.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m.
- Where: Sky Zone, 195 Enterprise Way, Pittston
- Details: 570-316-0500 or skyzone.com
Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Experience
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter staff and volunteers will dress up and hand out candy at this inaugural event. Guests will remain in their cars and should bring a container or bag to receive candy in to cut down on physical contact. Organizers also will have hand-sanitizing stations at the entrance and exit. Admission costs $5 per car (cash only) and benefits the shelter’s animals. Costumes and car decorations are encouraged.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp.
- Details: 570-586-3700, ext. 522, or Jacob@griffinpondas.com
Halloween Candy Pickup
Guests will stay in their cars as Act Out Theatre Group members deliver candy to them in this event that has a “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory theme. A few guests will take home two tickets to an upcoming Act Out show as well. Costumes and car decorations are encouraged.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, 5:45 to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Act Out Theatre Group LLC, 150 E. Grove St., Dunmore
- Details: 717-504-0829 or actouttheatre.com
Autism Awareness Trunk or Treat
All participants must wear masks and remain in their vehicles for this event that will include giveaways, entertainment, a photo area and costume contest. A free ticket is required for each treater. Registration for trunkers costs $25 per vehicle and is required; proceeds benefit Autism Awareness NEPA.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Twp.
- Details: eventbrite.com or autismawarenessnepa.org
Trunk or Treat
Children from infancy through 12 years are invited to don costumes for this outdoor event that includes free candy, hot chocolate and a pumpkin. Registration is not required.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Mehoopany Baptist Church, 4301 Route 87
- Details: 570-833-5526 or the Facebook event page
East Scranton Little League Trunk or Treat
Guests must follow social distancing and safety guidelines.
- When: Friday, Oct. 30, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: East Scranton Little League, Richter Avenue
- Details: 570-961-3310 or the Facebook event page
Trunk or Treat
The Old Forge fire department hosts this free event that will provide trick-or-treaters with a bag when they arrive.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Eagle McClure Hose Company, 375 Milwaukee Ave., Old Forge
- Details: 570-457-5379 or the Facebook event page
Trunk or treat
Masks are required for this event that includes free goodie bags and refreshments.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, noon to 3 p.m.
- Where: McDonald’s, 1739 N. Keyser Ave., Scranton
- Details: 570-961-0757 or the Facebook event page
Trunk or Treat
Enter the courthouse parking lot at Gooseberry Alley for this event hosted by Milford Presents and the borough council. Guests must wear masks while at the event and follow social-distancing guidelines.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Pike County Courthouse, 412 Broad St., Milford
- Details: 570-296-7140 or the Facebook event page
Safe and Socially Distant Trunk or Treat
Children and families are welcome but must wear masks. To RSVP, leave a message on the Facebook event page.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Upper parking lot, First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit, 300 School St.
- Details: Visit the Facebook event page.
Trunk or Treat
This free outdoor event will take place weather permitting and feature candy, snacks, hot dogs, games and more.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Servant Church of the Abingtons, 204 South Abington Road, Clarks Green
- Details: 570-586-8286 or the Facebook event page
Scott Twp. Trunk or Treat
This event will follow social-distancing guidelines, including pre-packaging candy and treats to ensure no contact occurs among participants.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Where: Scott Twp. Municipal Field, 279 Commerce Drive
- Details: Visit the Facebook event page.
Trunk or Treat: Drive or Fly-Through
Guests can drive through the fire station’s grounds to check out the decorated cars. To limit direct contact, children 16 and younger will get a treat bag at the end (donors must provide unopened bags of individually wrapped goodies by Friday, Oct. 30, for inclusion). The event will happen rain or shine. To register a vehicle, visit https://forms.gle/9VSqiNazTG35Yru96.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4 to 6 p.m. (vehicles should be there and decorated by 3:30)
- Where: Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company of Benton Twp., 58 Firehouse Lane
- Details: 570-945-3139 or fleetvillefireco.com
Trunk or Treat
To register to attend or hand out candy at your decorated vehicle, call or text Emily at 570-807-2160. No walk-ins will be allowed. Participants must wear masks and observe social distancing.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Promised Land Volunteer Fire & Ambulance, 1054 Route 390, Greentown
- Details: 570-676-3818 or the Facebook event page
Trunk or Treat
This free, family-friendly event is open to the community. All hosts must wear masks and gloves.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Where: FierceFit, 152 Deacon Hill Road, Lake Ariel
- Details: 570-647-6521 or the Facebook event page
Drive-up Trick or Treat
Face masks are required, and costumes are encouraged.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 5 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Honesdale National Bank, 2547 Route 6, Hawley
- Details: 570-226-8300 or hnbbank.bank
Children’s Halloween at the American Legion
This socially distant trick-or-treating opportunity will take place at the rear of the American Legion building.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Wilson-Conklin American Legion Auxiliary Unit 579, 111 Church St., Moscow
- Details: 570-842-4039 or the Facebook event page
Drive-Thru Halloween
This low- to no-contact event will feature activities that can be done from within a vehicle or just outside of it. The public can enter a pumpkin-carving contest by submitting photos of their pumpkins to Hawley United Methodist Church at hawleyumc@gmail.com by Friday, Oct. 30, or by dropping them off on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to noon (include your name, age and phone number). Certificates will be awarded in a variety of categories.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: From St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 405 Church St., Hawley, to Hawley United Methodist Church, Chestnut Avenue
- Details: Visit the Facebook event page.
Light the Night — Trunk or Treat
Green Ridge Assembly of God is turning its annual Light the Night event into an outdoor, walk-through trunk-or-treat. Guests and staff members 5 and older must wear a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Green Ridge Assembly of God, 825 Green Ridge St., Scranton
- Details: 570-343-4600 or gr-ag.org
Trunk or Treat
This free event is open to the public. Participants must enter the hotel’s portico from Adams Avenue and stay in their vehicles so the hosts can fill their treat bags. No walk-up guests will be allowed. Costumes and decorated vehicles are encouraged.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave.
- Details: 570-558-7332 or hilton.com
Trunk or Treat
Spots for trunkers are free, but participants must call 570-442-1038 to register. Everyone must wear masks and practice social distancing, and treats need to be pre-bagged.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Thompson Hose Company, 53 Water St.
- Details: 570-727-2431 or thompsonhoseco.com
Trunk or Treat
Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes. The eatery will provide refreshments and a prize for the trunkers; call to reserve a spot.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m.
- Where: O’Donnell’s Food & Spirits, 397 Route 435, Clifton Twp.
- Details: 570-842-9070 or the Facebook event page
Drive-Through Trunk or Treat
Cross Road Assembly hosts this event featuring freek candy for kids and a light show.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Penn Security Bank & Trust Co., 141 N. Main St., Moscow
- Details: 570-842-1454 or crossroadassembly.org
Caitlin Heaney West is the content editor for Access NEPA and oversees the Early Access blog in addition to working as a copy editor and staff writer for The Times-Tribune. An award-winning journalist, she is a summa cum laude graduate of Shippensburg University and also earned a master’s degree from Marywood University. Caitlin joined the Times-Shamrock family in 2009 and lives in Scranton. Contact: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107; or @cheaneywest