Easy DIY Halloween Lanterns (outdoor friendly)

Make your own glowing Halloween lanterns-weatherproof, flameless, and perfectly spooky for lighting the path to your door!

Flameless outdoor luminaries with jack-o-lantern faces in grass with title.

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Every October kicks off my favorite stretch of decorating mayhem-from fall crafts to Christmas sparkle-but let's start with Halloween!

I've always loved the eerie glow of Halloween lanterns, but I wanted something durable enough for the outdoors. A quick trip to the hardware store led to the perfect idea: weather-resistant DIY luminaries that look spooky and cute.

Psst… Check out more inspiration with Halloween decorated Porches, my DIY Outdoor Halloween Witches Project or the big list of Easy Halloween Crafts!

Supplies and Notes

Here is an overview of the supplies and materials you will need to make the luminaries. Links are included for examples.

White Blank Corrugated Plastic. The kind you use for yard signs.
Metal Stakes. Ideally, they should fit through the channels in the plastic, but not necessary.
X-acto knife. A very sharp knife or craft knife.
Black Paint Make sure it is outdoor rated.
Stencils and a Cricut Machine (Optional) – I used these jack o’lantern stencils for my pumpkin lanterns.
Flameless Candles – best if a few inches tall to light up the center of the luminary
Waterproof Tape. Clear and durable for outdoor use. Packing tape works well.

How To Make Halloween Lanterns Step by Step

Tip for Sizing: For these luminaries, I used white yard signs. The plastic makes them rain resistant, while being inexpensive. I cut the signs in half lengthwise first, so they measured 10×20.

1. Cut the Plastic to Size

Cut the plastic to the size you want. I used 20×20 yard signs cut in half, so my signs measure 10×20, with the channels being 10 inches and vertical. If desired, cut a decorative edge with an X-acto knife. I cut a razor tooth edging along the top.

Cutting the edge of a Halloween luminary with a craft knife.

2. Cut the Channels to Make a Box Shape

Decide how wide the sides and front/back should be. My boxes have 3-inch sides and 7-inch front/back.
To fold your sides, carefully cut the outer layer of one channel vertically (shown above)- don’t cut through both sides. Don’t tape yet, but you can fold the channels to test your box.

3. Paint Your Design

While you can use a sharpie, waterproof exterior paint will give you the best blackout and sharp lines. A sample can of exterior black paint from the hardware store or a small craft paint bottle is all you need. Allow to dry completely and flatly.

Outdoor lighted jack-o'-lantern luminaries sitting on steps.

->>>>I used these simple jack-o-lantern patterns one side and “ENTER IF YOU DARE” on the backs.

4. Tape Together Edges.

It’s easier to paint if you haven’t taped the box in place. Bend the vertical channels away from the cut sides so you form a box. Tape the edge with clear tape.

5. Setup Outdoors

Lastly, I couldn’t have these spooky guys flying away on me if a breeze came up! If you buy actual yard signs, you may be able to use the metal “H” stakes that come with them. However, I purchased these wire stakes to secure them in the ground. They are 9-guage steel, the same as the stakes that come with the signs and a perfect fit!

Halloween luminaries back and front made for outdoors.

I put 3 flameless candles in each Halloween Lantern to give them a good glow, but you could also use battery powered string lights like these.

Quick Tips

Instead of corrugated plastic, I have seen milk jugs, plastic jack o’lanterns, and actual glass lanterns used.
Paint applied in 2-3 layers will give the best blackout for your design. I have not used a sharpie, so I would test first but they are waterproof.
These hold up great for years. I have used them for 4 years and they are in great shape. They have sat in rain, wind, and heat with no problem.
Waterproof flameless candles that are a few inches taller work the best. I trim the wax around the top to get maximum glow.

These DIY Halloween lanterns are a fun and easy way to enhance your outdoor decor. With minimal materials and effort, you can create a spooky atmosphere that delights guests and trick-or-treaters alike. Don’t forget to check out our other Halloween projects for more inspiration!

Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

More DIY Halloween Decorations

PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!