Halloween Alternatives for Churches: A Faith-Based Look at Harvest Celebrations

Every autumn, churches and children’s ministry leaders begin conversations about Halloween and Christian alternatives to secular celebrations. While the broader culture eagerly participates in spooky festivities, pastors and Christian parents often wrestle with how to approach the season in ways that align with their faith.

Halloween alternatives for churches let people have fun each fall without promoting fear, evil and darkness. As a bonus, Christian Halloween alternatives help churches engage with the community and build relationships through family-friendly events.

The History of Halloween and the Church

A quick look at the origins of Halloween provides context for creating a Christian alternative. October 31^st was known as All Hallows Eve, or the evening before All Saints’ Day (All Hallows Day). The early church set aside that day to honor saints and martyrs, remembering the faithful departed in Jesus Christ.

Over time, the secular aspects of Halloween — ghosts, goblins, witches, magic and superstition — overshadowed its religious connection. That presents problems for some modern-day Christians, who believe the holiday breaks down the barrier between the physical and supernatural worlds.

Another historical note: More than 500 years ago, a late-October event played a significant role in Christian history. The Protestant Reformation launched on October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther famously nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Castle Church door. Remembering that religious revolution is another angle for fall festivities at churches.

By incorporating spiritual themes of All Saints’ Day, Reformation Day, and harvest celebrations, churches can create meaningful Halloween alternatives based on Christian values.

Hosting a Christian Alternative: Ideas for Church Events

Consider these creative ways to take back Halloween with a Christian alternative. Adapt these ideas to celebrate faith and grace — and to minister to your church’s children, families and neighbors.

1. Harvest Festival

This popular alternative lets you highlight fun aspects of autumn without the dark, scary elements associated with Halloween. Children can enjoy carnival games, face-painting, mazes, cakewalks, and pumpkin carving or decorating. Another favorite is a costume contest with small prizes. Encourage kids (and adults!) to dress up as a Bible character or Bible story.

A fall festival fits well with biblical themes of gratitude, provision and community. Recruit volunteers to set up Halloween decorations that symbolize God’s bounty, such as autumn leaves and cornstalks.

Even a smaller congregation can pull off a joy-filled Halloween event, possibly by partnering with other local churches. The annual festivities are sure to become a programming highlight for church members and friends.

2. Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat events offer safe, family-friendly options for the end of October or Halloween night. Volunteers decorate their vehicle trunks with festive themes and give out candy as costumed kids walk by. Small groups or ministries within the church can team up to sponsor and decorate a trunk.

This version of trick-or-treating, usually held in the church parking lot, is a wonderful way to invite and welcome community members. Follow these tips for a top-notch Trunk or Treat:

• Promote the event well. Use print, web and social media ads that target a typical Christian family. Include friendly imagery and playful fonts that make people excited to attend. Think warm and welcoming, not dark or creepy. For illustrations and templates that are perfect for Trunk or Treat, check out the art library at www.ChurchArt.com.
• Decorate with Bible themes. Ask participants to decorate trunks based on Christian themes or Christian values. For example, a Noah’s Ark idea might feature stuffed animals and rainbow-colored treats. Other fun suggestions include fruit of the Holy Spirit, sea creatures, insects, sports, balloons, the jungle, a farm and even Christmas!
• Consider costumes. Some churches opt for a no-costume policy at Trunk or Treat. Others allow people to dress up if they avoid scary costumes. A request to “dress as your favorite Bible character” keeps the occasion focused on God.
• Maximize the outreach opportunity. Use this event to invite neighbors and friends to worship, Sunday school and Bible study. Staff a welcome table or snack booth. Then hand out brochures or flyers about your ministries, Christian programming and upcoming events.

3. Light the Night: A Reformation Celebration

Another Halloween alternative is a Reformation-themed event. In late October, host a fun, educational, all-ages celebration of the Christian faith. Instead of focusing on evil spirits, you’ll be sharing the good news of God’s grace and salvation.

Ideas for Reformation events abound. You can feature a re-enactment of Luther nailing his theses to the church door. Then blindfold children and let them “pin” (or tape) the theses to a board. Set up other fun games that teach kids about Reformation heroes. Or host a trivia contest so people can learn more about Martin Luther, John Calvin and other key figures in church history.

Some churches host an Oktoberfest meal or potluck in conjunction with Reformation festivities. Others hold concerts or special worship services.

4. Fall Outings and Outreach

Halloween festivities with a Christian angle help the local church reach beyond its walls. Through acts of service and love, church members shine the light of Christ to a world that needs him. Ideas for community-based events include:

• Neighborhood Outreach: Instead of traditional trick-or-treating, why not host a Reverse Trick-or-Treat? Families from your church can deliver goodies to neighbors. Include a card or flyer with a Bible verse and an invitation to attend worship. It’s a simple yet powerful way to build connections!
• Pumpkin Drop-Off: Each fall, many children’s ministries and youth groups take field trips to pumpkin patches. Afterward, you can deliver pumpkins or gourds to homebound people from the congregation. Or partner with a local school or hospital and deliver mini pumpkins to students or patients. Include a copy of the Pumpkin Patch Parable or the Pumpkin Prayer.
• Coat and Food Drives: Instead of charging admission for your Halloween alternative, request that families donatecanned food. Or set up collection boxes for warm coats and blankets for the upcoming winter.
• Family-Friendly Movie Night: In conjunction with Trunk or Treat, show a faith-based film (after obtaining proper permission). If weather allows, use an outdoor screen and provide blankets, popcorn and apple cider.
• Harvest Bonfire: Teens and families will enjoy gathering for warmth, Christian fellowship, and yummy treats. Include moments of prayer, singing and devotion led by a youth pastor or family minister.

If time is short, you can still pull off a Christian version of Halloween with Sunday school classes. Ask adult Bible study participants to arrive with items to distribute — candy, stickers, pencils, or names and images of important people in the history of the church. During the education hour, kids can “trick or treat” through the church building. Afterward, they can compare and trade their loot with classmates or use the names and images to start a discussion about key figures in Christian history.

No matter which Halloween alternative you choose, promote it well. Share details ahead of time so people can put the Halloween celebration in their calendars.

By providing appropriate Christian alternatives to Halloween, churches stand out as places of hope, peace and light. Fall events strengthen congregations while promoting church growth and community goodwill. These are all delightful, pressure-free ways to invite people to your church building.

Most importantly, harvest events give Christians the opportunity to reclaim the Halloween season for Christ. Through creative, faith-based celebrations, churches reflect God’s generosity and love.

As Halloween approaches, consider a faith-filled, family-friendly alternative that aligns with your church mission, builds community and shines light in the darkness.