Candlelight Night
About Candlelight Night
When is Candlelight Night? This holiday is always observed on February 19
On this cold winter’s evening, don’t wait for the power to go out to light a candle. Instead, light a candle or two, or even more tonight. Then, bask in its warm glow. Today is Candlelight Night. Our everyday lives are overly busy. We are constantly on the run day and night, burning the candle at both ends. On this February 19 holiday, you can light a candle for any one of a number of reasons. Or, for no reason at all. Their soft glow enhances any special event of activity. They improve our mood and help to reduce stress. And, it brightens up normal, everyday nights, too.
Candles are amazingly popular. We burn them. And, we decorate with them. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. And, there is an unlimited variety of scents that are certain to please everyone.
Enjoy candlelight day or night. There’s nothing that says you can’t enjoy a candle during the day. While you may not get the effect of its warm glow lighting a dark room, a lit candle still makes you feel good and lightens your mood. It makes you feel better on a cold and gloomy day. And, you can always close the curtains to make the room darker.
Importantly, use them safely. Every day, an average of 23 house fires are caused by burning candles.
Song of the Day: Candle in the Wind (1972) by Elton John
Candle Trivia and Fun Facts
You can use these candle trivia and fun facts as you enjoy Candlelight Night.
- Around 500 B.C., Ancient Romans were the first to produce true dipped candles. They were made of tallow,
- On November 13, 2012, the Art of Living Foundation in Ahmedabad, India set the world record for the most candles lit simultaneously. They lit 12,135 candles.
- In 1897, the world’s largest wax candle was on display at the General Art and Industrial Exhibition in Stockholm, Sweden. It was a world record 127 feet tall.
- Speaking of records, a number of people have tied the record for the most candles blown out by a fart. It’s true!
- In zero gravity, the flame is round and blue.
- The tradition of putting candles on birthday cakes dates back to ancient Greece.
- When you blow out candles on your birthday cake, you are increasing bacteria on the cake by 1,400%.
- Rumor has it a frozen candle will last longer. It is not true.
- Candles have been made of fish! They are called candlefish.
- A person who makes candles is called a “Chandler”.
- Ceromancy is the ancient practice of predicting the future by observing how candle wax melts and flows.
- Soy candles burn cleaner and last longer than wax paraffin candles.
- Candle wax is not safe to consume.
- Wooden wicks are five times more expensive than cotton wicks.
How to Celebrate Candlelight Night
Hers are a few ways you can enjoy the warmth of Candlelight Night:
- Eat dinner by candlelight.
- Hold a candlelight vigil.
- Draw a hot bath and toss in some bubbles or bath oil beads. Light several candles. Then, hop into the tub for a long, relaxing soak.
- If you are lucky enough to be in a warm or tropical environment, light several candles around a hot tub and enjoy a warm evening. This activity is further enhanced with a bottle of wine.
- Open a bottle of wine and light several candles. Turn all of the other lights off. Then, enjoy the evening with a special someone.
- Light a candle in memory of someone who is no longer with you.
- It’s party time! Tell guests to bring a candle. As they arrive, turn out the lights.
- Look around your house. How many votive knick knacks do you see but never use? Place a lighted votive candle inside each of them.
- Decorate your home with them.
- Buy some new candles. Choose from among your favorite scents. Or, try a new scent.
- Attend a candlelight concert. If there are none in your area, organize one.
Today's Quotes
“It’s important to know when to stop arguing with people and simply let them be wrong.” – – Author Unknown
“When God comes into your life, He lights a candle in your soul.” – – Anita Bryant
History and Origin of Candlelight Night
Bob Mathews from Rochester, New York created Candlelight Night in 2025. He is the owner of HolidayInsights.com. Matthews says the creation of this holiday was long overdue. In today’s busy world, people need to take the time to “Stop and smell the candles”. Everyone enjoys the soothing and relaxing effect of warm candlelight.
A February night was selected because it’s still winter and the weather is still cold. Also, the nights are still long. So, there’s not a better time to light up the night!
This Day in History
In addition to Candlelight Night here are some things that happened on this day:
- Thomas Edison is granted a patent for his Gramophone (Phonograph). (1878)
- Prizes begin to be inserted into Cracker Jack boxes. (1913)
- Nicolas Copernicus, Scientist, controversial theory that the earth rotates around the sun was born on this day in (1473)
Related Holidays
People who like Candlelight Night will also like:
Kiss Your Mate Day – Guys, do not forget this one. Kiss her, then read her some poetry.
International and National Kissing Day
National Drink Wine Day – This holiday is best enjoyed with candles, a bottle of wine, and that special someone.
More February 19 Holidays
In addition to Candlelight Night, here is another February 19 holiday you will enjoy:
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Portulaca
Recipe of the Day: Arugula with Nutmeg
Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for just about any February calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!
Holiday Insights, where every day in February is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. February holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.