How to Light Advent Candles: 1 Minute to a Meaningful Advent Tradition

Lighting Advent candles is a cherished tradition that brings meaning and anticipation to the weeks leading up to Christmas. Typically, the Advent wreath includes four candles—three purple (or blue) and one pink—with a possible fifth white candle in the center for Christmas Day. Each candle represents one of the four Sundays of Advent and carries its own symbolic significance: hope, peace, joy, and love.

To light Advent candles, follow these steps:

1. Place the Advent wreath in a safe, prominent spot such as a dining or coffee table. Make sure there’s minimal risk for fire and decorations don’t overshadow the candles.
2. On the first Sunday of Advent, light the first purple candle—traditionally known as the “Prophet’s Candle,” representing hope.
3. Each subsequent Sunday, light the previous week’s candles, then a new candle for that week:
4. Second Sunday: First and second purple candles (faith and hope)
5. Third Sunday: Add the pink candle, symbolizing joy (Gaudete Sunday)
6. Fourth Sunday: All previous candles and finally the last purple candle (peace or love, depending on tradition)
7. If you have a white candle in the center (the Christ Candle), light it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
8. During each lighting, consider reading a short scripture, prayer, or singing a hymn to enrich the experience.

As a designer, I always recommend using candle holders that reflect your personal style while remaining fire-safe. Incorporate the wreath into your seasonal decor by coordinating with your table settings or using greenery and ornaments that echo your home’s palette. Thinking of how lighting can shape mood, consider the placement and color choice of your Advent candles to enhance your room’s ambiance. Smart tools can help with layout and safety—if you want a virtual preview, a room planner is great for visualizing candle placement and seasonal arrangements ahead of time.

Tips 1:

Never leave burning candles unattended, and keep them away from flammable materials. For a modern twist, incorporate LED flameless candles—safer for homes with children or pets, and available in realistic designs for a warm festive glow.

FAQ

Q: What is the order of lighting Advent candles?

A: Begin with the first purple candle on the first Sunday, add another purple the second week, then the pink candle the third week, and the final purple candle on the fourth Sunday. If a Christ Candle is used, light it on Christmas Eve or Day.

Q: What do the Advent candle colors mean?

A: Purple (or blue) candles symbolize hope, faith, and love; the pink candle represents joy; the white Christ Candle stands for purity and the birth of Christ.

Q: Can I use different colored candles for Advent?

A: Traditional colors are purple and pink with an optional white candle, but some use blue or alternative hues to fit their personal decor while preserving the symbolic meanings.

Q: How long should Advent candles burn each time?

A: Let them burn for the duration of your devotional time, typically 15–30 minutes, and extinguish promptly to maintain safety and candle longevity.

Q: What is the significance of the Advent wreath in interior design?

A: The Advent wreath serves as a focal seasonal decor piece, adding warmth and meaning to your space while encouraging mindful reflection throughout the Advent season.