A glowing Halloween craft to light up spooky nights!

There’s something about soft, flickering lantern light that instantly makes things feel magical, especially on a cool fall night. Inspired by the classic camp lantern craft, this version uses easy-to-find materials like jars, tissue paper, or paper bags to help kids create their very own spooky lights. It’s equal parts fun and functional. The best part is that kids can customize them with whatever Halloween vibe they love most, from silly to spooky to glow-in-the-dark creepy!

 

Option 1: Glass Jar Halloween Lanterns

Supplies:

• Empty glass jars (mason jars, pasta sauce jars, etc.)

• Tissue paper in Halloween colors (orange, purple, green, black)

• Mod Podge or white glue + water

• Paintbrushes or foam brushes

• Googly eyes, black paper cutouts (bats, cats, jack-o’-lantern faces)

• LED string lights

• Twine, ribbon, or pipe cleaners (optional for handles)

Instructions:

#1 Prep your jar by removing any labels and washing it clean.

#2 Tear or cut tissue paper into strips or small squares.

#3 Brush glue or Mod Podge onto the outside of the jar.

#4 Press tissue paper pieces onto the jar, overlapping for a fun layered look.

#5 Add faces or designs using black paper cutouts or markers.

#6 Let it dry completely, then place the string lights inside.

#7 Add a handle with twine or pipe cleaner if you want to carry it lantern-style!

 

Option 2: Paper Bag Lanterns

Perfect if you’re crafting with a group or need something even simpler!

Supplies:

• Paper lunch bags

• Scissors

• Glue sticks or tape

• Crayons or markers

• Stickers for decorating 

• LED lights or glow sticks

Instructions:

#1 Fold the paper bags flat and cut out spooky shapes (pumpkins, ghosts, cats, etc.) or cut slits to let light shine through.

#2 Decorate the paper bag with stickers or draw on it with crayons or markers

#3 Place an LED string light or glow stick inside.

Where to Use Your Halloween Lanterns

These DIY Halloween lanterns are as versatile as they are fun to make. Use them to light up your porch or windowsills for a festive glow, or place them around a backyard “campfire” for spooky storytime under the stars. They’re perfect for lining a walkway during a Halloween scavenger hunt, adding a warm glow to your front yard on trick-or-treat night, or serving as a not-so-scary nightlight in your child’s room. You can even use them as table centerpieces during a Halloween dinner or movie night. Wherever you put them, they add just the right touch of handmade seasonal magic.

These DIY Halloween Camp Lanterns are memory-makers. Whether your kids are lighting the way on a spooky nature walk, using them as campfire story props, or proudly displaying them in the window, you’ll be amazed how something so simple brings so much magic to the season.