Faith-Friendly Fall Fun: Halloween Alternatives Around Utica-Rome

For families looking for a fun and faith-friendly way to celebrate the fall season, several local churches are offering Halloween alternatives that focus on community, kindness, and light. Whether you’re looking for a safe place for kids to dress up, collect treats, or simply enjoy the season, these events provide great options across the Utica-Rome area.

🍬 Trinity Lutheran Church — Utica

Event: Trunk-or-Treat

When: Thursday, October 24, 2025, 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Details: Trinity Lutheran’s parking lot will be filled with decorated trunks, treats, and family fun. Costumes are welcome (nothing scary, please), and the event is open to the community.

Learn more: trinityutica.com

🍬 UFBC - Leonardsville

Event: Trunk-or-Treat

When: Friday, October 31, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Details: Come enjoy a safe and fun environment for the whole family. Free hot dogs, hot cocoa, games and treats.

Learn more: UFBC on Facebook

🚗 Stony Creek Church — Utica

Event: Trunk-R-Treat

When: Tuesday, October 29, 2025, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Details: Stony Creek Church partners with the City of Utica to host this safe, family-friendly event featuring decorated vehicles, candy, and games for kids of all ages.

Learn more: Stony Creek Church on Facebook

🌾 Life Church — Rome

Event: Harvest Festival

When: Sunday, October 27, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Details: Celebrate the season at Life Church’s annual Harvest Festival! The day includes food, family games, and giveaways. This is a fun, uplifting alternative to traditional Halloween festivities.

Learn more: lifechurchny.com

🎃 Awaken Church — Rome-Taberg Road

Event: Trunk-or-Treat

When: Friday, October 17, 2025

Details: Awaken Church invites families to enjoy candy, costumes, and fellowship in a positive, Christ-centered environment.

Learn more: Awaken Church on Facebook

🙌 Why Churches Offer Halloween Alternatives

Many local congregations see these events as opportunities to share joy and connect with the community — creating a welcoming space for families to gather safely. These “light-in-the-darkness” celebrations remind us that faith, family, and fun can go hand-in-hand.

Whether you’re attending a trunk-or-treat, a harvest festival, or a fall fair, these events are a great reminder that the season is about more than costumes and candy — it’s about coming together in love and fellowship.

✨ Know of another church hosting a Halloween alternative?

Send us the details so we can add it to the list and help more families find safe, uplifting fall fun in the Mohawk Valley.