Friends and family of Nick Donnelly, 19, launched the floating lights on Friday.
The keen footballer, who had just completed a joinery apprenticeship, collapsed and died last Saturday. Police are investigating whether he had taken ecstasy.
Six days after Nicks death, police and health chiefs issued a public warning about deadly pills that have killed six people in Scotland in the past two months.
The victims are thought to have taken a green pill being sold as ecstasy with a Rolex crown logo and containing the deadly stimulant PMA.
Police refused to say if Nick, of Castlemilk, Glasgow, was one of four people in the city whose deaths are linked to the drug.
The other two casualties were in Ayrshire and Lanarkshire.
Nick, whose funeral will take place tomorrow, is survived by his mum Marie, dad Desi and younger twin brothers.
His uncle Thomas Donnelly said: The family want to thank the people of Castlemilk who came in their droves offering support and help.
The community has been outstanding Ive never seen anything like the light display.
Nick was such a lovely boy and this is just tragic. I hope people can learn from what happened to him.
Nick Donnelly
The poignant tribute could be seen for miles and many of the lanterns contained messages and poems to the dead teen.
Friend Aimee McCann, 20, wept as she said: He was just a legend and its so sad that hes gone so young.
The lanterns gave off so much light that it was like being indoors.
Another pal, Darren Joyce, wrote online: Glasgows sky was shining as bright as Nick and his personality.
John Copeland added: I feel lucky and privileged to have witnessed something so beautiful for something so sad.
Police have also warned about other tablets being sold as ecstasy, including white pills with the Mitsubishi logo and a yellow tablet with a star on it.
But they have refused to release further information on where and when the six deaths occurred.
Last night, Glasgow Cathcart MSP James Dornan called for more information to be released.
He said: Obviously my thoughts are with the family of Nick Donnelly.
This is a very serious issue and it is not a one-off. I think it is important that as much information as can be given should be made public to make people aware of the dangers and risks.
Patrick Johnstone, 15, died from a suspected overdose in April after taking ill in the street near his home in Glasgows Royston.
The next month, Bobbi Aird, 17, collapsed near a home in the citys Baillieston and died a short time later in hospital. Police said they were pursuing a line of inquiry that his death may be drugs-related.
Police Scotland yesterday confirmed they were probing Nicks death, adding: There would appear to be no suspicious circumstances.
Source The Daily Record