Advent Candle Guide for Home and Church 2024

By Aaron - Eden Bibles & Bible Study Specialist

•21 October 2020

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

When choosing an Advent Candle, there is a lot to keep in mind. Questions about colour, size, location, safety, burn time. To help you find the perfect one, here's our guide to choosing, setting up and safely using an Advent Candle.

Our Top 5 Bestselling Advent Candles

In 2024 Advent starts on Sunday the 1st of December. If you are looking to focus on Christ this Advent, then alongside a candle we recommend an Advent devotional or study.

Advent Candles For Home or Church?

Size is the biggest factor in deciding which candle to chose. Advent candles, when done well, offer a real place of peace and reflection.

If you are choosing a candle for home, something sturdy and smaller would be best. We suggest a pillar candle. Their shape makes them less likely to be knocked over. They are also small enough to be used in any size home. For any other candles, anything 30cm (12”) or under in height would be best. There is still a range of styles and colours available. Our favourite candle for this season is the stunning Nativity Candle which features images of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

For a Church setting, there is no real limit on how large an Advent Candle you choose. As long as it matches the size frame.

How big are Advent candles?

Advent Candles come in a wide range of sizes. When shopping, remember that they're described by their diameter. Also, the most common unit of measurement for Advent candles is inches. So, a 2" Advent Candle means it 2" across. Not 2" high.

Advent Candle Colours

There is no single set colour for an Advent Candle. They come in a range of different colours. When shopping for sets, you will find a mix of red, white, pink and purple candles. To discover more about why these colours are used, check out our guide to Advent Candle colours that explains what is Advent and which candles are used.

Can I use the same advent candle colours for home and church?

Yes. There is no distinction between which candle colours are used at home and Church.

Dated vs Un-dated Advent Candles

A key question is 'How often will I be lighting it?'

If you are only lighting the candles for weekly Advent services, un-dated candles are best.

But, if you are using a candle for every day of Advent, buy a dated candle. Dated Candles feature the days of advent down their sides, from top to bottom. Perfect for making the candle last through advent.

How long do Advent Candles burn for?

Different size candles have different burn times. Many Christmas Advent candles have their burn time listed. This will help you know when to light them.

How can I make my Advent candle last the right amount of time?

The best way to make sure your candle lasts is to know how long it’ll burn for. Then you can plan accordingly.

Stands and Accessories

For safety reasons, we always recommend that your candles sit in a frame, holder, or stand.

When deciding if you need to use a holder or a frame, the key question is ‘how many candles’ are you using. If you are just lighting one candle for home or Church, a single holder will do the job nicely. Our most popular candle stand is the Lipped Black Metal Candle Holder made for 2" candles.

For more candles, then a frame is the most secure. Candle holders and frames are made of metal, so the weight of an advent candle won't be a problem. See our full range of Advent Frames

How can I make my candle fit?

If you have the right size candle and frame but are having a little trouble achieving a good fit, consider a candle sharpener. Candle Sharpeners help you you plane away enough wax to achieve a secure fit. An advent candle sharpener is a small cone of metal that cuts the corners of a candle’s edge.

How do I know I have the right size stand?

Advent Candles and their stands are described by their width. That way, you know that if you have a 2” Candle, you’ll need a 2” frame. This means, as long as you have the correct width you can shop regardless of your candle’s height.

Another use for Advent Candle frames is that they are the ideal base for making your very own Advent Wreath.

Do I need to get anything else with candles?

To ensure that your Advent candle lighting is simple and secure, here is a checklist of accessories:

A stand or frame
A way to light it
A sharpener
A taper
A metal hood to extinguish the flame

Advent prayers for lighting candles

Do I say prayers when lighting the candles?

Some traditions say prayers before lighting the Advent candle. The Church of England has a set of Prayers of Penitence. These short prayers focus your thoughts on the light of the candle and the light of Christ coming in the world.

Can a candle be used with an advent calendar?

You can use a dated Advent candle alongside an advent calendar.

See our full range of Advent Candles and Frames