How to Make an Ice Lantern

Use winter's frosty temps to your advantage when decorating your home's outdoors for the holidays. These ice lanterns are pretty, festive and just require water, plastic containers and a chill in the air.
Easy to Make: Ice Lanterns

Inexpensive Holiday Decor

These ice lanterns are very easy to make, incredibly inexpensive (practically free!) and are absolutely beautiful when lit on your doorstep through a cold night.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Follow Marian on:

Related To:

Materials Needed:

water
medium to large plastic containers
plastic cups
evergreen sprigs and/or winter berries (optional)
tea lights/pillar candles
lighter

Pour Water into Containers

Fill a small plastic cup with water and put inside a larger plastic container. Fill large plastic container with water. As an option, add evergreen sprigs and/or berries to water to add some color and texture. Carefully put inside a freezer (or outside if temperatures are below freezing.) Allow it to freeze for several hours or overnight. Tip: The size and shape of the lanterns are only limited by the containers you find. Try making two huge ones to flank a front door by using 5 gallon buckets and large pillar candles.

Pouring Water for Lanterns

Pour Water in Containers

Fill a small plastic cup with water and put inside a larger plastic container. Fill large plastic containers with water. As an options, add evergreen sprigs and/or berries to water to add some color and texture. Carefully put inside a freezer (or outside if temperatures are below freezing.) Allow it to freeze for several hours or overnight.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Unmold Lanterns

Run warm water over outside of large plastic container to unmold lantern. The ice may crack, but the cracks look beautiful against the candlelight. Set outside and insert tea light candle or pillar candle that will fit inside ice lantern. (Never leave candles unattended.) 

Holiday Ice Lanterns

Shimmering Lanterns

Ice lanterns are beautiful, shimmering illuminated orbs that are easy to make and guaranteed to brighten every holiday season.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Next Up

Boozy Bourbon + Cranberry Cocktail

Simplify holiday hosting with this not-too-sweet cranberry cocktail you can make days before the party. Serve this big-batch cocktail in a punch bowl, pitcher or large beverage dispenser so guests can help themselves and you can actually enjoy the party!

Cranberry Pistachio Sables Recipe

These little gems are a great standard recipe to know. They incorporate holiday colors and flavors in a treat that’s both sweet and a little salty. The cookie's texture is crumbly, the cranberries are chewy and the pistachios lend just the right amount of crunch to finish it off. These sables are holiday perfection. 

Lemon Lavender Pound Cake Recipe

Lemon and lavender taste divine together and the sweet, tart icing adds a wonderful finishing touch. This cake is moist and totally fork-worthy. Make it anytime or save its tangy sweetness for special occasions. 

Ginger Date Chews Recipe

Dates have a way of adding sweetness and chewiness to a cookie that nothing else does. These ginger date chews have just enough date flavor without it taking over the cookie. 

Tuxedo Cookie Recipe

Friends and family will flip for these crunchy, chocolatey cookies filled with rich mascarpone cream and then rolled in mini chocolate chips.

Cranberry Bliss Dacquoise Recipe

This rich and decadent dessert has all the best flavors of the holiday season. Make the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to really wow your guests.

Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

These flavorful cookies combine the wonderful tastes of fruit and spice. The robust mincemeat center is perfect with the sweetness of the cookie. Be sure to refrigerate before baking to prevent unwanted spreading of the dough in the oven

Citrus Marmalade Recipe

Tangy citrus marmalade is simple to make and, canned in jars, it is a thoughtful holiday gift. Pair your homemade marmalade with freshly baked croissants or scones for a treat they'll never forget.

How to Make a Hand-Painted Burlap Table Runner

Rustic burlap is given new life as a sophisticated holiday table runner with the addition of pleated trim and hand-painted details.

Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies Recipe

Sweet and tart, these sandwich cookies combine two favorite seasonal flavors and are as pretty as they are tasty.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.