The Evolution of Halloween’s Favorite Tradition

On October 31st, neighborhoods across America come alive as jack-o’-lanterns flicker on and doorbells ring in rapid succession. It’s a night of costumes, candy, and connection, and to a child it all feels wonderfully simple. But beneath the magic lies a tradition tied deeply to how we design our communities… and today, it continues to evolve.

Believe it or not, trick-or-treating has always reflected the way we design our lives. This includes the spaces we inhabit, the tools we use, and the values we prioritize. Over time, it has become very clear that Halloween is changing, and those with a eyes for design, from city planners to parents to product designers, are leading the way.

The History of Trick-or-Treating

While modern trick-or-treating is a relatively recent phenomenon, Halloween originally began centuries ago with ancient Celtic celebrations. One such celebration was called Samhain. This Gaelic festival went from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1st. Back then, people marked the end of the harvest season with masked processions and offerings meant to keep spirits at bay. Over time, in medieval Europe, these customs evolved into “souling,” where children and the poor would go door-to-door on All Hallows’ Eve, singing and praying for the dead in exchange for food.

Figure 1: A Samhain bonfire [1].

When these traditions crossed the Atlantic to North America, they gradually changed again. After World War II, the rise of suburban neighborhoods provided the perfect environment: safe streets, clustered homes, and a booming candy industry. Homemade costumes evolved to mass-produced ones. Candy manufacturers designed bite-sized, individually wrapped treats both for convenience and safety.

Design—both industrial and social—was shaping the experience. Halloween became not just a night of fun but a commercialized and curated event, guided as much by marketing teams and urban planners as by kids with candy buckets.

Suburban Streets and the Golden Age of Halloween

From the 1960s through the 1990s, trick-or-treating hit its peak in suburban America. Streets were walkable, homes were close together, and the tradition thrived as a neighborhood-wide event.

Costumes became brighter and more reflective for nighttime safety. Plastic jack-o'-lanterns were engineered for durability and visibility. Even urban planning came into play as cul-de-sacs and low-traffic streets encouraged family participation.

Figure 2: A group of people Trick-or-Treaking[2].

But concerns around safety started to reshape the experience. Stories (many exaggerated or false) about tampered candy began circulating, prompting more controlled environments and pre-packaged treats. Communities began to rethink how Halloween should function, and for many, that meant bringing the celebration off the streets.

The Rise of Trunk-or-Treat

As concerns around safety, weather, and walkability grew, a new format gained popularity: trunk-or-treating. Church parking lots, school campuses, and community centers hosted events where families decorated car trunks and handed out candy in a centralized space.

This design solution addressed accessibility, safety, and time constraints. It also encouraged collaboration among parents, teachers, and local leaders.

A Trunk-or-Treat setup [3].

The Influence of Technology

Technology, too, has impacted trick-or-treating. Apps now map out the best trick-or-treating routes. Smart doorbells track visitors. Social media transforms Halloween into a showcase for DIY costumes and personalized decor. Halloween has become as much a digital experience as a physical one.

Designing the Future of Trick-or-Treating

So where is trick-or-treating headed? And how will design continue to shape it?

Post-pandemic innovations gave us a glimpse. Contactless candy delivery systems like PVC “candy chutes” and remote-controlled treat dispensers emerged in 2020 and haven’t disappeared. Smart homes now automate Halloween lighting, music, and even candy drops.

Looking ahead, several trends are taking shape:

• Inclusive design: The rise of teal pumpkins (signaling allergy-friendly treats) and non-food treat options shift toward inclusivity.

• Sensory Accommodation: Events will increasingly feature sensory-friendly hours for those with sensitivities

• Digital and hybrid experiences: Augmented reality scavenger hunts, virtual costume contests, and neighborhood apps are blending the digital with the traditional.

At its heart, Halloween is a user experience, and trick-or-treating is a case study in evolving tradition. What started as a spiritual ritual is now a crowd-sourced, design-led event that reflects our cultural priorities of safety, creativity, connection, and fun.

For designers, Halloween offers a reminder that every decision from layout to lighting to accessibility can influence how people interact and feel included. Thoughtful design turns an ordinary event into a shared experience.

While the format may change, the purpose remains: Halloween brings people together. Whether it's on a suburban sidewalk, in a decorated trunk, or through an AR headset, the spirit of trick-or-treating lives on, shaped by the way we design our world.

References

[1] abravefaith. "Halloween – Summer's end, a feast for remembering." A brave faith, 31 Oct. 2015, https://abravefaith.com/2015/10/31/halloween-summers-end-a-feast-for-remembering/.

[2] Greater Vancouver Zoo. "Be Here for Halloween Activities!" Greater Vancouver Zoo News, 16 Oct. 2018, https://gvzoo.com/news/gvzoo-halloween-activities.

[3] Jacobs, Darren. "Spooktacular Sequel: Chrysler Pacifica Returns as Official Minivan of Trunk or Treat." Stellantis Blog, 16 Oct. 2025, https://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com/2025/10/16/spooktacular-sequel-chrysler-pacifica-returns-as-official-minivan-of-trunk-or-treat/.

To cite this article:
Glorious, Amber. “The Evolution of Halloween’s Favorite Tradition.” The BYU Design Review, 22 October 2025, https://www.designreview.byu.edu/collections/the-evolution-of-halloweens-favorite-tradition.