Holiday Candles

When we hear "holiday candles", we tend to think of Thanksgiving and Christmas.  They are definitely the big "candle buying" time of year, with approximately 35% of all candles sold during this time.

But there are other holidays where candles when candles are burned as well.  For example, where would jack-o-lanterns be without candles?  It would definitely be difficult to see their grins in the dark!

Let's take a look at some holiday candle traditions and some ideas.

Advent, Christmas and Chanukah

December is obviously a big time for candles, with these three holidays.  Advent and Chanukah especially feature candles as a large part of the celebration and ceremony.

These three are so wrapped up in the candles and their meanings, that each has its own page -- Advent, Christmas and Chanukah -- where you can discover more information.

Other Holiday Candles (or Candle Holidays)

What are some other examples of holiday candles thoughout the year?

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is associates with romance, and what's more romantic than dinner by candlelight?  Soft music plays in the background, and the candles softly shed their light, setting a romantic mood indeed.

Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, many will light a candle to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives defending our nation.

4th of July

The 4th of July is a holiday that is often spent outside, with a grilled meal.  But it's Summer, and Summer often means insects!  Many people swear by burning citronella candles to keep the bugs away.  Actually, it's probably more the smoke that keeps the bugs away, but whatever works...

Halloween

I mentioned earlier about the traditional use of candles in a jack 'o lantern.  But candles are also popular at Halloween parties, to eerie cast shadows around the room.

Thanksgiving

This is another holiday where candles play an important part.  Many lovely table decorations include one or more candles.  Also, a richly scented candle in pumpkin or apple pie aromas gets everyone's mouth watering for dinner (er, dessert)!

Kwanzaa

Although it falls in December, I didn't include it with the Advent / Chanukha / Christmas section because Kwanzaa is less widely-known holiday.

During Kwanzaa , seven candles are lit which are symbols referencing the Nguzu Saba, There are three red candles to the right, three green candles to the left and one black candle in the center of the kinara (holder).

Just keep in mind that you don't need a holiday or other special occasion to burn candles -- they are appropriate 365 days a year!

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Two Holiday Ideas Using Scented Candles

For Valentine's Day, consider scented candles in chocolate or rose fragrances (just not during dinner).

Here's an interesting idea for the Halloween jack 'o lanterns -- use a highly scented candle with a pumpkin pie or chocolate fragrance! 

Pumpkin pie, obviously for the pumpkin.  Chocolate is a favorite treat, so why not a chocolate scented candle?

Outdoor Candle Lanterns

If you are planning to burn candles outside, you'll want to take a look at the outdoor candle lanterns page.

Partylite Candles and Candle Holders

If you're looking for unique candle holders for your holiday, you might want to take a look at the Partylite candles page.