A self-illuminating tooth for a vegetable lantern is provided. The self-illuminating tooth has a tooth portion with a front facing portion, a rear facing portion, and a cavity provided within the tooth portion provided on the rear facing portion. A tooth retention portion is coupled to the tooth portion and has a plurality of flights, each flight having a serrated edge. A light is provided within the cavity of the tooth portion. The light in certain examples comprises a chemiluminescent tooth insert and is replaceable within the cavity. In other examples, a light and switch mechanism are provided. The light may be selectively actuated to illuminate the tooth portion. A method of decorating a vegetable lantern and a kit are also provided.