Illuminate Your Porch with LED Lights for Plastic Pumpkins

Christopher Jul 25, 2026

When it comes to creating a festive atmosphere during the Halloween season, one of the most iconic decorations is the plastic pumpkin. These versatile and affordable decorations can be found in a wide range of sizes and colors, making them a staple in many households. However, to truly make them stand out, you'll need to add some lighting to bring them to life. In this article, we'll explore the different types of lights that are perfect for plastic pumpkins, including string lights, fairy lights, and LED candles.

Halloween Glowing Pumpkins Lanterns
Halloween Glowing Pumpkins Lanterns

One of the most popular types of lights for plastic pumpkins is string lights. These lights are available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, and multicolor. They can be easily wrapped around the pumpkin, creating a warm and inviting glow. String lights are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for those on a budget. Additionally, they can be easily stored and reused year after year, making them a great investment for any homeowner.

DIY Light Up Pumpkins for Halloween Fun
DIY Light Up Pumpkins for Halloween Fun

Types of String Lights

When it comes to string lights, there are a few different options to choose from. One of the most popular types is incandescent string lights. These lights use traditional incandescent bulbs, which are known for their warm, yellow glow. However, they can be relatively expensive and have a shorter lifespan compared to other types of lights.

Easy Pumpkin Solar Light
Easy Pumpkin Solar Light

Advantages of Incandescent String Lights

One of the main advantages of incandescent string lights is their warm, cozy glow. They can add a sense of nostalgia and tradition to your Halloween decorations, making them a great choice for those who want to create a classic, timeless look.

DIY solar light pumpkins 🎃 #diy #project #halloween #pumpkin #shorts
DIY solar light pumpkins 🎃 #diy #project #halloween #pumpkin #shorts

Disadvantages of Incandescent String Lights

One of the main disadvantages of incandescent string lights is their high energy consumption. They use a lot of electricity, which can increase your energy bills and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, they have a shorter lifespan compared to other types of lights, which can make them more expensive in the long run.

Fairy Lights

an orange pumpkin hanging from a hook with the words let's turn these pumpkin pals to diy pumpkin pathway lights
an orange pumpkin hanging from a hook with the words let's turn these pumpkin pals to diy pumpkin pathway lights

Fairy lights are another popular type of light for plastic pumpkins. These lights are known for their delicate, whimsical appearance and are often used to create a magical, enchanting atmosphere. Fairy lights are typically made up of small, individual bulbs that are strung together, creating a beautiful, flowing effect.

Advantages of Fairy Lights

One of the main advantages of fairy lights is their delicate, whimsical appearance. They can add a touch of magic and wonder to your Halloween decorations, making them a great choice for those who want to create a unique and memorable look.

Outdoor Halloween Decor Ideas
Outdoor Halloween Decor Ideas

Disadvantages of Fairy Lights

One of the main disadvantages of fairy lights is their fragility. They can be easily damaged if not handled carefully, which can make them more expensive in the long run. Additionally, they can be more difficult to install compared to other types of lights, which can make them a hassle to use.

DIY Battery Powered Halloween Pumpkin Lights!
DIY Battery Powered Halloween Pumpkin Lights!
an orange pumpkin sitting on top of a wooden table next to power tools and a jack - o - lantern
an orange pumpkin sitting on top of a wooden table next to power tools and a jack - o - lantern
2.2M views · 408K reactions | DIY Pumpkin Solar Lights 🎃 If I said I wasn’t obsessed with these I’d be lying! Light up the yard this spooky season with these EASY pumpkin lights! 💡 Supplies linked in LTK! 🫶 Supplies: ✨Plastic pumpkin bucket (Walmart) ✨Solar Lights (used 6in) (Menards) ✨Spade drill bit or other preferred option 1. Remove handle from the pumpkin bucket. 2. Find the center on the bottom of the bucket and trace the bottom of the solor light for cutting reference. 3. Drill hole in the bottom of the bucket. Dont make the hole to big or the pumpkin wont stay. If you drill if to big just hot glue gun around it. 4. Stick solar light through the pumpkin pulling it all the way through & attach the stake. 5. Place in yard & wait for dark! 🎃 #halloweendecor #outdoordecor #halloweendiy #halloweendecorations #falldiy #solarlights #halloweenideas | Alisha Larson | Facebook
2.2M views · 408K reactions | DIY Pumpkin Solar Lights 🎃 If I said I wasn’t obsessed with these I’d be lying! Light up the yard this spooky season with these EASY pumpkin lights! 💡 Supplies linked in LTK! 🫶 Supplies: ✨Plastic pumpkin bucket (Walmart) ✨Solar Lights (used 6in) (Menards) ✨Spade drill bit or other preferred option 1. Remove handle from the pumpkin bucket. 2. Find the center on the bottom of the bucket and trace the bottom of the solor light for cutting reference. 3. Drill hole in the bottom of the bucket. Dont make the hole to big or the pumpkin wont stay. If you drill if to big just hot glue gun around it. 4. Stick solar light through the pumpkin pulling it all the way through & attach the stake. 5. Place in yard & wait for dark! 🎃 #halloweendecor #outdoordecor #halloweendiy #halloweendecorations #falldiy #solarlights #halloweenideas | Alisha Larson | Facebook
DIY Pumpkin Light Cover
DIY Pumpkin Light Cover
9 Best Plastic Pumpkin Makeover Ideas 2021
9 Best Plastic Pumpkin Makeover Ideas 2021
2 STEP, EASY DIY!! Turn Pumpkin Pails into Solar Lights!! #halloween #spookyseason #halloweendiy
2 STEP, EASY DIY!! Turn Pumpkin Pails into Solar Lights!! #halloween #spookyseason #halloweendiy
Turn a $1 plastic pail into a porch light cover.
Turn a $1 plastic pail into a porch light cover.
Glowing Jack O' Lantern Totem
Glowing Jack O' Lantern Totem
some pumpkins that are sitting on a porch
some pumpkins that are sitting on a porch

LED Candles

LED candles are a popular type of light for plastic pumpkins, especially for those who want to create a warm, inviting glow. LED candles are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, making them a great choice for those who want to save money and reduce their environmental impact.

Advantages of LED Candles

One of the main advantages of LED candles is their energy efficiency. They use a lot less electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, which can help reduce your energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Disadvantages of LED Candles

One of the main disadvantages of LED candles is their higher upfront cost. They can be more expensive compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, which can make them a less attractive option for those on a budget.

When it comes to choosing the right lights for your plastic pumpkin, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the overall look and feel you want to create. Do you want a warm, cozy glow or a more modern, high-tech appearance? Next, consider the durability and lifespan of the lights. Do you want lights that can withstand the elements and be reused year after year, or are you okay with replacing them every few months? Finally, think about your budget and what you're willing to spend on your Halloween decorations. By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect lights for your plastic pumpkin and create a truly unforgettable Halloween display.