Halloween Lantern: The witching hour begins as soon as the sun sets on Halloween, so make sure you’re prepared with some festive lanterns. You don’t have to buy anything new for your Halloween decor-there are plenty of DIY options, no matter what your skill level is.
Craft anything from skull lanterns made from upcycled milk bottles to fancier, Haunted Mansion-inspired metal lanterns. Regardless of what you prefer, we have plenty of ideas to get you started.
1Milk Jug Lantern
These are some of the easiest lanterns to make. All you need are some milk jugs, a permanent marker, string lights and you’re all set!
Get a full tutorial at Shelterness.
SHOP LIGHTS String lights, $15.99
2Origami Halloween Lights
These origami lantern lights put a creative spin on the Jack-o’-lantern’s tradition. You can hang these lantern lights hung around your home or even create a centerpiece out of them similar to what’s shown here.
You can find the tutorial at House of Crux.
SHOP LIGHTS String lights, $15.99
3Spider Light Up Mason Jar
This creepy-crawly craft will terrify arachnophobics to their very core. All it takes to make is a mason jar with simple spider, web, and spray paint embellishments.
Get the tutorial at Momdot.
SHOP JARS Mason Jars, $10
4Glowing Plastic Jack-o’-Lantern’s
This is another simple and mess-free jack-o’-lantern lantern that you and your family can make. If you have so plastic jack-o’-lantern buckets and some small lights you can put this together in a matter of seconds.
You can find the tutorial at Scratch & Stich
SHOP JACK-O’-LANTERNS, Plastic buckets $11.59
5Candy Lanterns
This one is so easy, you don’t even have to do any crafting. Turn any of your existing lanterns into Halloween decor by filling them up with candy!
See more at Sugar and Charm.
SHOP LANTERNS White Lantern, $40
6Plastic Cup Lantern
This plastic cup lantern is both simple and fun to make. You can make use of some of the tea lights you have hanging around and make this fun Halloween lantern creation.
SHOP LIGHTS Tea lights,$12.99
7Glowing Mason Jars
If you’ve never met a mason jar you didn’t like, this is the Halloween DIY for you. Spruce a few up with a little paint, add a glowing light, and you’ll be set.
Get the tutorial at Jolene’s Crafting.
SHOP JARS Mason Jars, $10
8Halloween Paper Lanterns
This one is easy enough that kids (or craft-challenged adults) can totally handle it. Bonus: It’s not a super messy DIY.
Get the tutorial at The Crafting Chicks.
SHOP PAPER Orange Construction Paper, $4
9Mummy Luminaries
For this one, you’ll just need papier-mâché materials (or cheese cloths) and mason jars. You could even use any extra bandage materials from a first aid kit or toilet paper if you’re short on time.
SHOP JARS Mason Jars, $10
10Haunted Mansion Lanterns
Recreate the decor from your favorite Disney ride at home! They’re Jack Skellington–approved and perfect for those who prefer decor with sleek, clean lines.
Get the tutorial at Polka Dot Chair.
SHOP LANTERNS Metal Lantern, $27
11Tin Can Lanterns
Not sure what to do with your old food cans? Make these hole-punched tin can lanterns for Halloween. Or, if you don’t have any extra cans, just order some on Etsy.
Get the full tutorial from The Paper Mama.
SHOP CANS Metal Cans, $7
12Paper Lantern Monsters
Here are some monsters that won’t scare your kiddos. Let them customize paper lanterns with their favorite colors. All it involves is a bit of coloring and glueing. Easy!
Get the tutorial at My Creative Days.
SHOP LANTERNS Paper Lantern, $1
13Enchanting Lanterns
The real magic of these lanterns happens when the lights go out. They’ll have trick-or-treaters in awe rather than terror as they walk up to your door.
Get the tutorial at Adventure in a Box.
SHOP JARS Mason Jars, $10
14Mod Podge Halloween Lanterns
Light the way to your front door on Halloween night with these ghost and pumpkin lanterns. You can never go wrong with the classics or a little Mod Podge.
Get the tutorial at Erin Spain.
SHOP TISSUE PAPER Orange Tissue Paper, $8
15Upcycled Halloween Lanterns
Instead of tossing your glass jars from sauces or dips, use them to make this is a creative, spooky DIY. We love a good upcycled craft!
Get the tutorial at Le Coin de Mel.
SHOP JARS Mason Jars, $10
16Jack O’ Light Up Lantern
This lantern DIY will make way less of a mess than carving an actual pumpkin. Although, doing both would simply mean you’d have twice the Halloween-inspired fun.
Get the tutorial at DIY Candy
BUY NOW FolkArt Evergreen Paint, $8
17Skull Lanterns
Turn empty milk bottles into lighted skulls. You can line them up on your driveway, place them on a mantle, or throw a few in the backyard.
Get the tutorial at Dollar Store Crafts.
SHOP LIGHTS LED Tea Lights, $12
18Paper Bag Luminaries
Paper bag luminaries are a no-fail classic. Scribble any Halloween-themed designs on them, toss a tea light in the bags, and call it a day.
