How to Make Ice Luminaries

Use votive candles in your ice luminaries.

Luminaries, also known as luminarias, are small lanterns that hold a candles. While most luminaries are simple paper bags weighed down with sand and holding tea lights, they can also be made out of other materials. Make a luminary out ice for a festive decoration on a cold winter night. Make your ice luminary in the coldest days of winter, when the chill in the air keeps it looking fresh.

Things You'll Need

• 5-gallon bucket
• Coffee can
• Rocks
• Candle

Instructions

1. Pour about 4 inches of water into the 5-gallon bucket, then set the bucket outside in the winter to allow the ice to freeze.

2. Place the coffee can on the center of the ice in the bucket with the open end up, then fill the coffee can with rocks to hold it in place.

3. Fill the space between the coffee can and the bucket with water. Do not allow the water to slosh over into the coffee can. Re-center the coffee can if necessary.

4. Set the 5-gallon bucket outside to freeze overnight again. Leave it outside long enough for the water to freeze completely.

5. Remove the rocks from the coffee can.

6. Pour hot water into the coffee can, then wiggle it until it comes loose from the ice.

7. Turn the bucket upside down carefully and allow the ice luminary to slide out. If necessary, pour hot water over it until it comes free.

8. Turn the luminary right side up and set a tea light or a votive candle in the hole in the center.

References

• The Heart of New England; How to Make Ice Luminaries; Marcia Passos Duffy