Easy Halloween Lanterns for Kids
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
These Halloween lanterns are a simple, budget-friendly craft you can make with kids using jars, tissue paper, and battery-operated tea lights.
You can make a ghost, spider web, or pumpkin lantern, and each version comes together with just a few basic supplies.
They’re fun for Halloween decorating, family craft time, classrooms, or homeschool.
Jump to: The Ghost, The Spider Web, The Pumpkin
Why You’ll Love These Halloween Lanterns
These lanterns are:
- quick and easy to make
- budget-friendly
- made with simple supplies
- fun for kids to customize
- a festive addition to Halloween decor
Most of the supplies can be found around the house or at a dollar store.
Supplies for Halloween Lanterns
The supplies needed for this craft are extremely budget friendly! Most the supplies needed can be found around your house, and the rest can be found at the dollar store.
You will need:
- glass jars
- tissue paper
- tape
- rubber band
- black marker
- green pipe cleaner
- battery operated tea lights
- Halloween spider web and spiders
Watch the video of how to make these Halloween lanterns!
More Halloween Crafts and Activities
Looking for more fun and budget-friendly Halloween projects to make with your kids? Here are a few more ideas to try!
- Glowing Paper Plate Cat and Jack-O-Lantern Craft
- Halloween Bat Craft
- 5 Fun and Easy Halloween Craft Ideas for Kids
- Carrot Mummies for Halloween
- Halloween Brownie Brittle
- Spooky Pizzas for Halloween
Want to decorate your whole house without spending a lot of money? This year, I challenged my kids to make all of our Halloween decorations themselves using supplies we already had at home. They made everything from homemade ghosts to jack-o’-lanterns, and the experience turned into an unexpected lesson in creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving! See how my kids made their own DIY Halloween decorations.
How to Make the Ghost Halloween Lantern
Supplies
- 1 glass jar
- 1 piece of white tissue paper
- tape
- 1 battery operated tea light candle
- scissors
- black marker
Step 1: Cover the Jar
Fold a small piece of tape and place it on the bottom of the jar.
Drape the white tissue paper over the jar and gently press it around the sides so it takes the shape of the jar.
Step 2: Add the Ghost Face
Trim the tissue paper with scissors if needed.
Use a black marker to draw the ghost’s eyes and mouth.
Step 3: Light the Lantern
Place the jar over a battery-operated tea light and watch your ghost glow.
How to Make the Spider Web Halloween Lantern
Supplies
Step 1: Add the Spider Web
Cut a piece of faux spider web and stretch it around the jar.
Tuck any extra web into the top of the jar. Leaving a little web inside can help diffuse the light and create a spooky effect.
Step 2: Add the Spiders
If your plastic spiders have rings attached, carefully cut off the ring portion.
Place or tuck the spiders around the web-covered jar.
Step 3: Light the Lantern
Place the jar over a battery-operated tea light and watch it glow.
How to Make the Pumpkin Halloween Lantern
Supplies
- 1 piece of orange tissue paper
- 1 glass jar
- 1 green pipe cleaner
- 1 rubber band
- 1 battery operated tea light candle
- scissors
Step 1: Wrap the Jar
Wrap the orange tissue paper around the jar.
Secure it around the top of the jar with a rubber band.
Step 2: Shape the Pumpkin
Gently pull some of the tissue paper upward from the rubber band to create a rounded pumpkin shape.
Trim off any excess tissue paper.
Step 3: Add the Vine
Wrap the green pipe cleaner around your finger to create loose curls.
Remove it from your finger and stretch the curls slightly.
Cut a small slit in the top of the tissue paper and insert one end of the pipe cleaner to create the pumpkin vine.
Step 4: Light the Lantern
Place the jar over a battery-operated tea light and watch your pumpkin glow.
Final Thoughts
These easy Halloween lanterns are a fun, budget-friendly way to turn everyday supplies into glowing homemade decorations.
I love that kids can customize each lantern, whether they want to make a friendly ghost, a spooky spider web, or a cheerful pumpkin. You can make just one or create all three to decorate your windowsill, porch, or Halloween party.
It’s a simple reminder that you don’t need expensive supplies to make something special. Sometimes a few materials and a little imagination are all you need!
Happy Halloween! 🎃
