DIY Glowing Ghost Balloons for Halloween

Want a spooky-cute Halloween decoration you can make in minutes? These glowing ghost balloons are budget-friendly, kid-approved, and easy to scale for parties, porches, and trunk-or-treat. All you need are white balloons, glow sticks (or LED tea lights), and a marker. No fancy tools—and they look amazing once the lights go down.

Supplies

• White latex balloons, 10–12″ (mixed sizes look extra fun) —
  shop white balloons
• Black permanent marker (fine and chisel tips work best) —
  Sharpie marker
• Glow sticks (8–12 hour) or mini LED tea lights (longer-lasting) —
  bulk glow sticks |
  LED tea lights
• Optional: white tissue/cheesecloth + tape for “floating sheet” effect
• String, clear fishing line, or removable hooks for hanging

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the glow. Snap 1–2 glow sticks until fully lit. (If using LED tea lights, switch on.)
2. Insert in balloon. Carefully slide the light source into the balloon.
3. Inflate & tie. Blow up the balloon to your desired size and knot it securely.
4. Draw the face. Use a black marker to add wide eyes, surprised “O” mouths, or silly expressions. Let the ink dry a minute.
5. Hang or stage. Use string/fishing line to hang from branches, porch ceilings, or curtain rods. For a “sheet ghost,” tape a square of white tissue or cheesecloth around the balloon knot.

Pro Tips, Variations & Safety

• Longevity: Standard glow sticks last ~8–12 hours. LED tea lights can glow for days—great for multi-night displays.
• Color play: Green reads classic spooky; blue or purple looks eerie; red is intense (use sparingly!).
• Texture: Add a gauzy “sheet” (tissue or cheesecloth) for movement outdoors.
• Weather: Balloons do best in cool, dry conditions. Windy? Anchor a few at different heights for depth.
• Latex allergy? Choose latex-free white balloons or paper lanterns with LED lights.
• Kid safety: Small parts and burst balloons can be choking hazards. Supervise young kids; keep lights and broken balloon pieces out of reach. For general safety tips on Halloween night, see the CDC’s guidance
  here.

Where to Display

Hang single ghosts in windows, cluster groups of three on porches or trees, line an entryway for a glowing path, or fill the car with “passenger ghosts” for trunk-or-treat. Indoors, suspend at different lengths over a treat table for instant ambiance.

DIY Glowing Ghost Balloons: FAQ

How long do glowing ghost balloons last?

With glow sticks, expect 8–12 hours of brightness. With LED tea lights, they can glow multiple nights—great for weekend parties.

Do glow sticks heat up or melt balloons?

No—glow sticks don’t create heat. If you’re in hot sun, bring displays outside closer to dusk to protect balloons from heat.

Can I skip glow sticks?

Yes—mini LED tea lights work beautifully and last longer. They’re also reusable year-round.

How do I hang them without leaving marks?

Use removable adhesive hooks, painter’s tape, or clear fishing line looped over existing hardware.

Can I make different faces or characters?

Absolutely! Try vampire fangs, witch brows, or turn them into glowing eyeballs by drawing irises and veins.

About StacyStacy loves sharing smart, doable ways to save money with easy recipes, simple DIYs, and the best seasonal deals. She loves classic and easy Halloween fun—on a budget.