Paper Lantern: Stars and Fireworks That Glow

Colorful paper lantern template with a dark blue night sky, white stars, dot fireworks and a snowy hill, printable

While fireworks light up the sky outside, your paper lantern glows inside: stars and fireworks made of tiny dots shine through tracing paper as soon as an LED tea light sits inside. Cozy decor for New Year's Eve and long winter nights.

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What's in the PDFs

Both PDFs, color and coloring, are one landscape page: a night sky (about 10 × 4.7 in) with big stars, three fireworks made of dot circles, dots of light, a snowy hill, and a glue tab, plus four-step instructions. Rolled up, it makes a tube about 3 in across.

At a Glance

Type
Craft template
Age
ages 5+
Pages
1 × A4 + 1 × A4
Time
about 30–45 minutes

📄 What’s on the Pages

Page 1: Lantern and instructions
A night sky with stars and fireworks to cut out, a glue tab, and four steps with a safety note.

How to make the paper lantern

1
Print the page in landscape at actual size (100%) and cut out the rectangle.
2
Cut out the white stars with a craft knife or pointed scissors – only grown-ups use the craft knife.
3
Punch out the small firework dots with a hole punch or poke them with a thick needle.
4
Glue tracing paper or parchment paper to the back so the stars and fireworks glow.
5
Roll it into a tube (about 3 in across), glue the tab, and set it over an LED tea light or a jar with LED string lights.

Safety: Stuffing, tape and small parts are not for children under 3.

💡 Tips

  • Never use a real candle – paper burns. LED tea lights or LED string lights only!
  • Kids can punch the firework dots themselves wherever the hole punch reaches.
  • Light cardstock helps the tube stand up straight.
  • Yellow tracing paper makes the stars glow warm; colored pieces make the fireworks pop.

What kids practice

Kids see how light shines through paper and how light and dark play together. Punching, gluing, and rolling build fine motor skills. Most important, they learn why real flames and paper don't mix.

🔄 Variations & Ideas

Lantern row
Line up several lanterns on the windowsill for a whole glowing New Year's sky.
Colorful fireworks
Glue a different color of tracing paper behind each firework.
Pin-poke version
Instead of cutting, poke all the stars and dots – great for younger kids.

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Why families love PureSketchy:

  • Completely free: Every template with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Color and B/W: Ready in full color or as a coloring version to make it your own.
  • Print-ready: Clean PDF pages – print on US Letter or A4 and get started.
  • Made to go together: Printables, games, crafts and 92 coloring pages all about New Year's Eve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why only LED lights?
Paper catches fire easily. LED tea lights and string lights don't get hot, so they're safe for bedrooms and classrooms.

How do I make the tiny firework dots?
Use a regular hole punch as far as it reaches, or a thick needle. The dots don't need to be perfectly round.

How big is the lantern?
About 4.7 in tall and 3 in across – big enough for an LED tea light or a small jar with string lights.

Is the download free?
Yes, all templates on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal, preschool and classroom use – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version here: Papier-Windlicht.