Go Batty for Easy DIY Halloween Decorations
Aug 31, 2026 / Alyssa Duranty
How do you make inexpensive DIY Halloween decorations?
Create glowing bat jars with small glass jars, battery-powered LED string lights, printed Halloween designs, tape, and printer paper. This quick indoor project can be customized with different light colors and seasonal graphics.
Key Facts
- Uses small glass jars and battery-powered LED string lights.
- Requires inexpensive, widely available supplies.
- Can be customized with orange, purple, green, or multicolor lights.
- Recommended for indoor display unless every component is rated for outdoor use.
- Battery-powered LED lights are preferable because they produce less heat than traditional incandescent lights.
Supplies Needed
- Four or more small glass jars
- One battery-powered LED string light set per jar
- Tape
- Printer paper and ink
- Printed bat silhouette or another Halloween design
Safety note: Use battery-powered LED lights. Do not use candles, open flames, or lights that become hot inside the jars.
How to Make Glowing Bat Jars
-
Clean the jars.
Wash and fully dry each glass jar. Remove labels so the light can shine through clearly. -
Test the lights.
Turn on each LED light string before assembly. Use a single color per jar or combine colors for a different effect. -
Add lights to the jar.
Coil the string lights around the battery pack and place them inside the jar. Arrange the lights to distribute the glow evenly. -
Print and attach a Halloween design.
Print bat silhouettes, spiderwebs, ghosts, pumpkins, or another Halloween pattern. Wrap the design around the outside of the jar and secure it with tape. -
Display indoors.
Place the completed jars on a mantel, shelf, entryway table, or Halloween party display.
FAQs
What lights should be used in glass jars?
Use battery-powered LED string lights. They produce less heat than incandescent lights and do not need a nearby electrical outlet.
Can candles be used instead of LED lights?
No. Avoid candles and other open flames, particularly when paper designs are taped to the outside of the jars.
Can glowing bat jars be displayed outdoors?
Only use them outdoors if the jars, lights, battery packs, and decorations are adequately protected from moisture and rated for outdoor use. Otherwise, keep them indoors.
What designs can be printed besides bats?
Popular alternatives include ghosts, pumpkins, black cats, spiderwebs, skulls, witches, and haunted-house silhouettes.
Can this project be adapted for other holidays?
Yes. Change the printed design and light colors for winter holidays, birthdays, parties, or other seasonal occasions.
