Make a pumpkin lantern

October is a great time to make a scary pumpkin lantern for Halloween. It’s a great activity for families to do together.

Make a pumpkin lantern

What you'll need

  • Pumpkin

  • Pen or pencil to help plan your design on the pumpkin

  • Knife to cut out the top and to make your design

  • Spoon or scoop to remove the seeds and the insides

  • Bowl to save those insides

  • Candle to put inside when you are finished

What to do

  1. Cut a circle around the top of the pumpkin and stalk to make a lid. Make sure it is large enough to scoop out the insides of your pumpkin.

  2. Use a spoon, scoop or your hands to remove the pumpkin insides and seeds.

  3. Draw a happy or scary or funny face and carefully cut out your design and push out the unwanted pieces.

  4. When you have finished your design, put the candle inside the pumpkin and the lid back on the top.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.