Light Up the Night: 12 Glow-in-the-Dark Party Ideas

Neon or glow-in-the-dark parties are a fun way to celebrate any moment, from a tween birthday to Galentine’s Day to the end of summer. Host an incredible black-light party with these easy, exciting glow-in-the-dark party ideas.

Discover our best tips on transforming your party space, what to serve, and how to get your guests excited when you send invites.

12 Fun Glow-in-the-Dark Party Ideas

Ready to plan an incredible neon party? Wow your party guests with these glow-in-the-dark party decoration ideas, games, and food and drink ideas.

1. Neon Color Scheme

Neon is the perfect color scheme to match your party theme. While your actual celebration might be all in the dark, those pops of neon color will make your styling stand out — from your invitations to your party favors.

2. Black Lights

Black lights are a staple at any glow-in-the-dark or neon party, with their power to transform a dark room into a glowy party haven. There are a few things to consider before buying UV black lights – for example, you’ll have multiple types of black light bulbs to choose from, including incandescent and LED black lights. 

3. Neon Party Banner

Whether you choose a glowy version that stands out in your party space or a traditional banner in the arrival area to welcome guests, this is a fun way to introduce the experience. You might hang up a “happy birthday” banner in honor of the birthday guest or look for a design that says “neon party” or “time to glow” instead.

4. Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are another must-have glow-in-the-dark party supply, and they’re easy to find and use. Hand out glow sticks and invite your party guests to the dance floor to dance to your favorite songs and make neon waves.

5. Neon Balloons

One of our favorite glow-in-the-dark party ideas is to take that party classic, the balloon, and give it a neon twist. Fill your party space with glow-in-the-dark balloons, balloons in neon colors, or even LED balloons that brighten up the area with different colors. 

Another option is to combine this with our previous glow-in-the-dark party idea and put activated glow sticks in your balloons right before the party starts. 

6. Glow-in-the-Dark Paint

Encourage your party guests to have fun with glow-in-the-dark paint, a great way to introduce creativity and laughs. Supply neon body paint and face paint and let people decorate their faces, or encourage them to decorate their t-shirts and clothing instead.

7. DIY Art Canvas

Want a creative glow-in-the-dark party idea that gets everyone involved? Set up a giant canvas or tablecloth somewhere in your party space and ask your guests to decorate it with neon paint. Set out different colors so everyone can sign their name in style – at the end of the event, you’ll have a unique piece of art to display!

8. Glow-in-the-Dark Accessories

If your guests don’t want to wear a T-shirt to decorate, give them other ways to turn their outfits neon or glow in the dark instead. Look for party accessories that glow – think party hats, necklaces, and wristbands. You can also use neon tape to accessorize clothing, bags, and your party space.

9. Themed Party Games

You can add lots of exciting glow-in-the-dark party games to your agenda. Try neon ring toss, glow-in-the-dark charades, or a glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt. You could also set up an arts and crafts party table with glow-in-the-dark craft activities.

10. Glow-in-the-Dark Cocktails

Glow-in-the-dark drinks are a fun way to continue the party’s theme and give your guests a unique experience — especially if you’re hosting a cocktail party. Give your party drinks a neon glow with the help of tonic water and some glow-in-the-dark cocktail recipes.

11. Neon Cupcakes

Cupcakes make a wonderful treat at any celebration, but one of the best glow-in-the-dark party ideas is to make your cupcakes neon, too. Use brightly-colored icing to transform a standard vanilla or red velvet cupcake into something that looks like it’s from another planet.

12. Themed Party Favors

When it’s time to say goodbye to your party guests, hand them a box or bag of goodies to say thank you. We love using themed party favors like neon stickers, glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark keychains, miniature black lights, and brightly colored candy. You can also pass out leftover accessories you used to bring your glow-in-the-dark party ideas to life – neon tape, balloons, and fluorescent paint are all fun party favors. 

10 Awesome Glow-in-the-Dark Party Invitations

Ready to start planning your neon glow party? As you do, think about how you can use your party invites to excite guests about clicking “yes” on the RSVP button of your digital invitations!

Below are some of our favorite glow-in-the-dark party invitations. You can customize each one with your own wording, design tweaks, and color choices, creating a truly unique invite.

1. Neon Party Invitation

Design: Jessie Steury

Let everyone know what to expect with this bold neon party invite. It comes in three bright color options, or you can work with our designers to add your own hue to the design.

2. Neon Cocktail Invitation

Design: Ink & Letter

Planning a neon-themed cocktail party? This happy hour invite is a perfect match. It’s great for corporate happy hours, adult birthday parties, and end-of-summer celebrations.

3. Game On Neon Invitation

Design: Tennie & Co

Use this neon gaming invite for a game-themed party. Whether you’re hosting a video game night or a neon board game night, this is a fun choice. Not planning a game night, but love the design? Our designers can change the gaming-themed text to match your glow-in-the-dark party idea instead.

4. Galentine’s Heart Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This heart-themed invitation is a wonderful choice for hosting a Galentine’s Day party. It’s available in three cute color choices, or you can work with our design team to add your own custom color.

5. Neon Cocktails Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

We love the retro feel of this neon cocktail invitation. While it’s perfect for an 80s-themed night, it also works well for any glow-in-the-dark party where cocktails will be served.

6. Totally 80s Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

Another invite that honors that neon-filled decade is this 80s-themed invitation. Let your guests know they’re in for a treat with an 80s-themed party, including plenty of neon!

7. Retro Block Party Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

If you’re planning a block party with glow sticks and neon-themed decorations, this retro block party invite is a great choice. The simple, modern design works well with the bright neon colors to create a bold and fun invite. It’s also perfect for a 90s-theme party. 

8. Glow Sticks Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

Celebrate that glow party must-have with this glow stick-inspired invitation. We adore that bright neon glow and love how this invite feels so lively and 3D compared to more illustration-focused designs.

9. Hologram Pop Invitation

Design: Colin Cowie

Invite guests to a neon-themed New Year’s celebration, or change the text on this hologram-themed invite to suit your birthday party, grad party, or summer party.

10. Party On Invitation

Design: Loree Mayer Design

Make your party guests smile when this brightly-colored neon party invite lands in their inbox. With its bold colors and striking themed matching envelope, this is a great way to introduce your party theme.

Throw the Best Neon Glow Party with These Party Ideas

Use these celebration and birthday party ideas to help you plan a fantastic neon glow party. From party decorations to glow-in-the-dark drinks, there’s everything you need to create an incredible experience for your party guests.

When it’s time to choose the right party invite, use one of our neon party invitations. There’s something for every theme, and you can customize each to match your favorite glow-in-the-dark party idea.