Lighting With Candles
Light a small candle and place it inside the pumpkin for the classic flickering look. Votive candles work well, and placing them in glass candle holders makes them safer and less likely to blow out. White candles will give off the most light.

Utility Lighters
Rather than lighting a candle and then trying to place it inside the pumpkin without burning your hand, try a utility lighter. These lighters have a trigger, and produce a flame at the end of a long tube, perfect for reaching the candle at the bottom of your pumpkin.

Creating A Vent
If you replace the lid while a candle is lit, a blackened area may form inside the top of the pumpkin. You can cut a 1 inch hole in that blackened area to act as a vent, allowing heat to escape.

Making Scents
Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on the underside of the pumpkin lid. Once the pumpkin is lit, the heat will spread that classic seasonal scent through the air.

Keeping It Safe
Candles inside a moist pumpkin are fairly safe, but it's best to not leave them unattended, especially indoors. If you're lighting an artificial foam pumpkin, candle flames are not safe. Use a battery powered light for those.

Lighting With Battery Powered Lights
For a longer lasting (and safer) method of lighting your pumpkin, you might consider battery operated lights, such as the Deluxe Rainbow, Artificial Candle, and Super Strobing varieties.