Get ready to light up the night with these spectacular glow party ideas. A glow in the dark party is a fun and unique way to celebrate any occasion. Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, Halloween party, or just want to have some fun, we’ve got everything you need to know to plan your own glow party.
We’ll show you how to create a glowing atmosphere with blacklights and decorations, choose the right food and drinks, and give you tons of ideas for glow party games and favors that will make your guests happy long after the party is over.
So grab your party planner checklists and your favorite pen, and let’s get started…
What is a glow party theme?
A glow party theme is a party where everything is designed to glow in the dark. celebration where everything glows in the dark. This can be done with blacklights, UV reactive paint and decorations, and lots of glow in the dark items. Glow parties are perfect for all ages, from kids to adults.
What do you need for a glow in the dark party?
There are three main components for an amazing glow in the dark party:
- A dark space (the darker the better!)
- The right black light
- Clothes, food, and props that glow in the dark
Let’s go through each of those now…
Where should you have a your glow in the dark party?
Glow in the dark parties are best when the party space is as dark as possible. That’s why glow in the dark parties are best after the sun goes down.
If you’re planning your party outside
Pick a night that will be as dark as possible. Try to schedule your party on a night with a new moon. (You can check out the dates on this lunar calendar.)
You might still want to use your garage or put up a party tent with sidewalls to block out light from streetlights and nearby shopping centers.
If you’re planning an indoor glow in the dark party
Choose a room that has either few windows, or windows that can be easily covered to block out any light. Basements work well, but you can just as easily use a playroom or family room as long as the windows aren’t too tall to cover.
How to block light from your windows
If your kids are too young for a nighttime party, you’ll need to cover your windows well to block out the light. Here are a few options:
- Use painter’s tape to cover windows with black trash bags (I use this for photography all the time!)
- Black foam core works well for smaller windows
- For full coverage and a cleaner look, you can apply inexpensive blackout window film.
- Blackout curtains do a good job blocking the light, but they can be expensive. And, in our experience, too much light still gets in around the edges.
Make sure you test out light blocking methods at least a week or two before your party so you can adjust your plan if necessary.
Let’s Talk black lights for a glow in the dark party
Do you need black lights?
Technically….no. You could theoretically use glow in the dark paint and glow sticks for all your party supplies.
BUT, adding a black light or two to your party space takes hardly any time at all, and makes all the difference. That’s why I definitely recommend you add them to your shopping list.
Which black lights work best?
Forget those cheap black light bulbs you got for your college dorm. You’re going to need enough black light to fill your whole room.
The best black lights for your party will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of your space and whether it’s inside or outside.
- If you want to use your existing light fixtures, grab several of these light bulbs and sprinkle them around the room.
- Black light bars are a great option for buffets. This black light bar has several good reviews that specifically mention using it for a glow party.
- An LED black light strip may be a good option for you if you have a large space and don’t want to buy multiple blacklights.
Don’t forget: Just like blocking the light from your windows, test out your black lights before your party to make sure they work for you.
What colors glow in the dark?
The best colors for glow in the dark parties are bright, neon colors like:
- Fuchsia
- Lime Green
- Bright Blue
- Yellow, and
- Bright Orange
- Neon purple
Black lights will also light up anything white, and will make neon colors appear more intense – which is what makes this party theme so much fun.
This article from Sciencing goes into more detail about the colors that glow under black lights and why.
What do you do at a glow party?
You can do anything you would at a regular party, but with the added excitement of bright glowing colors. I definitely recommend having a dance party with plenty of glow sticks and your favorite kids birthday party songs.
Don’t forget to check out the fun games and activities listed below for more ideas too.
Glow in the Dark Party Catchphrases
I love a good pun when planning my parties. They’re a fun way to add some humor to your invitations, party signs, and favors.
- Let’s glow crazy
- All Glow’d Up
- Glow and behold
- Glowing Out in Style
- Thirteen Glowing on Fourteen
- Glow up the Night
- Glow yeah
- Front glow seat
- Glow Happy Day
The Best Glow Party Ideas: Decorations, Games, Food & More
Glow Party Invitations:
Invitations set the tone for your party. And these glow in the dark party invitations are sure to get get your guests excited for your upcoming glow party.
Don't forget to check the details on your invitations - date, time, location, and what guests can expect - to ensure everyone has a great time.
Let's Glow Crazy Editable Party Invitation
These invites are so fun and a great bright color!
Glow Birthday Invitation
There will be no question about the party theme with these fun invitations.
Glow Paint Neon Party Invitation
Don’t miss out on having these super fun birthday party invitations.
Birthday Invitation Ticket Glow Birthday Invitation to Edit | Etsy
How cool is this? It’s like having a real ticket to enter the party!
VIP Glow Party Invitation
The bright the colors, the better the invitation!
Glow in the Dark Party Printables
If you're looking for some easy and affordable glow in the dark party decorations, printable party supplies are a great option. You can find everything from banners to party signs, and table decor all ready to be printed at home.
Neon Party Cupcake Toppers
Perfect for putting right on top of the cupcakes!
Glow Party Printable Bundle
I love the bright colors in this bundle - and that most of your decorating needs are done with this set.
Neon Glow Party Water Bottle Label
Grab a neon sharpie for guests to write their names on these bottle wrappers and everyone can keep track of their own water bottles easily and on-theme, too
Printable Glow in the Dark Chip Bag
Chip bags are still on trend, so let the kids glow that they’re all that and a bag of chips!
Glow in the Dark Party Decorations
Glow in the dark decorations can take your party from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some of the best DIY and ready-made glow in the dark decorations for your next party.
From glow in the dark balloons to light up chandeliers, we've got you covered. So grab your favorites and get decorating!
Glow Stick Chandelier
This easy-to-make chandelier is the perfect way to add colorful decor to your glow party with only a few simple supplies.
Rainbow Lantern Craft
How cute would it be to have several of these glowing rainbow lanterns hanging them around your party? Better yet, if your kids are old enough, let them make their own lantern and take it home as a party favor.
Neon Blacklight Reactive Cutlery
Yes, even the silverware can glow in the dark!
Glow in the Dark Balloon Garland Kit
Balloon garlands are pretty stunning most of the time, but one that glows in the dark? Heck yeah! And believe it or not, balloon garlands are easier to assemble than you might think. Click here for my best DIY balloon arch tips for beginners.
Neon Paint Splatter Party Backdrop
Can't you just see this paired with the balloon garland linked up above. Talk about a glowing combination.
Geometric Glow in the Dark Streamers
I can't get enough of these streamers. They’re such a simple way to add a cool vibe and look.
Glow in the Dark Party Food:
If you're looking for some fun and festive glow in the dark party food, look no further. We've got a delicious and dazzling selection of recipes that will light up your night.
From the perfect snack to the perfect dessert these are some of the best glow in the dark party foods around. So grab your favorites and get ready to celebrate in style!
DIY Glow in the Dark Cupcakes
Take your favorite cake or cupcake recipe (or even store bought cupcakes) and use this simple technique to create cupcakes that will shine while the lights are off.
How to Make Fun Glow Party Cookies
With this step-by-step tutorial, you can create gorgeous neon inspired cookies that will be the star of your dessert buffet. Don't forget to grab a foolproof sugar cookie recipe as the perfect base.
Glow in the Dark Jello
How cool is this? Your kids will definitely think you're a rockstar for serving glowing Jello at their party. And they don't have to know how easy it is to make it.
Glow in the Dark Cocktail Recipes
Do you want to wow your friends with a stunning drink? These adults-only glow in the dark cocktail recipes are easy, delicious, and will be the talk of the party.
Glowing Games and Activities
Glow party games are a great way to have some fun and get your glow on.
Here's a list of our favorite glow in the dark party games for you to try at your next party or event. From bowling, to painting, to temporary tattoos, these are sure-fire winners that will light up any night!
Glow in the Dark Bowling
No black light required, this DIY glow in the dark bowling craft is a fun activity to get the kids up and moving.
Glow in the Dark Sensory Bottle
I usually think of little kids when I hear the term 'sensory bottle', but this glowing bottle is so much fun. Kids of all ages would enjoy shaking it around to music during the party - and it can also double as a party favor.
Edible Glow in the Dark Slime
Made with 100% edible ingredients, this glowing slime is a fun and safe activity for kids of all ages.
Monster Rocks
It's not a glow party without a little bit of paint, right? Of course, you could just set out some canvases and let the kids have fun, but these silly monster rocks are a cute idea that kids are sure to love.
Light Up Tutu Skirt
This is the perfect independent party activity for kids to make as everyone arrives. Then, they can wear their tutus while they party!
Glow in Dark Face and Body Paint
The kids would have a blast decorating each other in this paint. But, be warned, if you don't like messes or are afraid of possible stains, you might want to skip this one.
Glow in the Dark Temporary Tattoos
I love that these temporary tattoos are a less messy way to let the kids show off their individuality and get creative with age appropriate party body art.
Glow Party Favors
The perfect way to end a night of glowing fun is with some glow in the dark party favors. I've pulled together a list of the best glow party favor ideas so you can get started right away!
Glow Stick Eyeglasses
You can’t go wrong with having fun eyeglasses as party favors!
Origami glow in the Dark Lucky Stars
Send your guests home with a little token of luck and very own origami stars.
Inspiring Glow in the Dark Parties
Are you ready to pull all these ideas together? Then you'll definitely want to take a look at these amazing real-life glow in the dark parties. They're sure to give you some fantastic inspiration for your own party.
Halloween Black Light Party
Not only is this a gorgeous black light party with a fun Halloween theme, Nikki shares all her tips after learning what does and doesn't work for a glow in the dark party.
Where to get more glow party supplies
Looking for even more ideas? You can get glow in the dark party supplies at almost any party supply store. If you’re like me and prefer to shop online, you can find supplies at:
- As usual, Amazon has pretty much anything you could want or need.
- Oriental Trading has a fantastic variety of glow sticks and light up toys.
- Small businesses on Etsy have creative ideas that you may never have considered
- You can also usually find cheap glow sticks and bracelets at Dollar Tree.
By using these simple and fun glow party ideas, you can create an unforgettable event that will be talked about for years. Whether you just use one little detail or all of our suggestions combined, there are endless ways to add some glow to your next celebration.
And if planning your glow in the dark party still feels overwhelming or too much work, we’ve got you covered. Click the link below to get this free printable party planner snapshot page sent straight to your inbox.
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Michele Morin says
Wow, these are comprehensive plans!