Halloween is all about creating spooky, unforgettable moments — and nothing sets the scene quite like a DIY Dry Ice Pumpkin! Imagine a glowing jack-o’-lantern with thick, eerie fog pouring from its eyes and mouth, giving your front porch or party table an instant “wow” factor.
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This simple yet dramatic project combines the classic charm of a carved pumpkin with the theatrical effect of dry ice, making it a perfect centerpiece for Halloween decorations or a festive outdoor display.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or special skills to make it happen. With a few basic supplies — a pumpkin, some dry ice, warm water, and a little creativity — you can transform an ordinary pumpkin into a bubbling, misty masterpiece.
It’s a safe, budget-friendly, and show-stopping Halloween craft that kids and adults alike will love, whether you’re hosting a party, welcoming trick-or-treaters, or just adding some spooky flair to your fall décor.
Supplies Needed:
- Carved jack-o-lantern
- Dry ice
- Small cup
- Gloves to handle dry ice
First of all, if you have never handled dry ice before, you might want to read up on how to handle dry ice. It requires special storage, and you cannot handle it with your bare hands.
Dry ice is not like regular ice. It does not melt, it just dissipates into the air. You cannot store it in your freezer because as the dry ice dissipates it will build up gas that could potentially cause an explosion. It is also so cold that it can actually cause your freezer to shut off!
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Dry ice is best handled with gloves. You can store it in a container that is not completely airtight, such as a styrofoam cooler. Dry ice will last less than a day before it completely dissipates in the air, so you will want to get it the day you want to use it.
Some grocery stores sell dry ice…you might have to ask around. I found some at a local Cash and Carry wholesale grocery store. They store it in a special freezer, separate from other frozen food.
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To create a smoking effect, place a small cup filled with water into your carved jack-o-lantern. Using gloves, place a small piece of dry ice into the cup and put the lid on top of the pumpkin.
That’s it! Your pumpkin will smoke for several minutes. You will have to keep adding dry ice for the effect to last for a longer period of time.
You have to try this at least once. Your kids will love it!
Like this article? Try my candy corn painted pumpkin.
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