Drive through almost any neighborhood in December and you’ll see them: single candles glowing in the windows of homes. A candle in the window is one of the oldest and most widespread holiday customs, and it carries a simple, warm message: you are welcome here. Here is where the tradition comes from, what it means to different people, and how to keep it safely today.
The Irish Christmas Eve tradition
The custom most people think of comes from Ireland. On Christmas Eve, many Irish households place a candle or light in the front window as a sign of welcome to Mary and Joseph, who, in the Christmas story, found no room at the inn in Bethlehem. The light also welcomes any traveler who might be passing on a cold night. In some homes, the youngest member of the family traditionally lights it.
A popular story links the custom to the era of the Penal Laws, when the practice of Catholicism was restricted in Ireland. According to this account, a candle in the window was a quiet signal that a home was safe for a priest to visit or to celebrate Mass. Historians can’t be sure exactly how the custom began, but the story is widely told and helps explain why the tradition means so much to many Irish families.
A light for those far from home
The candle in the window has also long been a symbol for people who are away. Irish families who saw children emigrate kept a light burning as a sign that they were remembered and would always be welcome home.
That meaning got a famous public moment in 1990. In her inauguration speech, Irish President Mary Robinson promised there would always be a light on at Áras an Uachtaráin, the President’s residence, for Ireland’s emigrants and exiles. A light has shone from an upstairs window there ever since, and later presidents continued the tradition.
The candle in the window in North America
Irish emigrants carried the custom with them, and window candles became a familiar holiday sight in the United States and Canada. Over time the tradition picked up new meanings:
- A welcome to guests and neighbors during the holiday season.
- A sign of hope for loved ones away from home, including family members serving in the military.
- A remembrance of those who have died, kept especially during the first holidays after a loss.
- Simple decoration. Many historic towns and neighborhoods put a candle in every window for a classic holiday look.
Other window lights around the world
The candle in the window isn’t only an Irish custom. Many cultures share light at the darkest time of year:
- During Hanukkah, many Jewish families place the menorah in a window facing the street, to share the light of the holiday with passersby. Learn more in our guide to the Hanukkah menorah.
- In Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia, electric candle arches and stars are common in windows throughout Advent.
- On Christmas Eve in Poland, some families set an extra place at the table for an unexpected guest, a custom with the same spirit of welcome.
How to keep the tradition safely
Traditionally, the candle was a real flame. Today, almost everyone uses electric or battery window candles, and for good reason: windowsills are next to curtains and blinds, and a flame left burning overnight is a serious fire risk.
Choosing window candles
- Battery-operated candles with a timer are the easiest. They switch on at dusk and off after a set number of hours, and there are no cords to hide.
- Plug-in electric candles give steady light and suit windows near an outlet. Look for ones with a built-in sensor or use a plug-in timer.
- Brightness and color. Warm white bulbs look closest to a real flame.
- Base and finish. Classic white, brass and pewter finishes suit most homes. Make sure the base is stable on your windowsill.
- Flicker or steady? A flicker effect looks more like a real candle; a steady glow can look more traditional from the street.
If you light a real candle
If you’d like to keep the tradition with a real flame on Christmas Eve, place the candle in a sturdy holder on a heat-safe surface, well away from curtains, blinds and decorations, and only while someone is in the room. Put it out before bed. Our Christmas tree candle safety guide covers safe distances that apply to any holiday display.
Ideas for making it your own
- Light it on a meaningful night, such as Christmas Eve, the first night of Advent or a loved one’s birthday.
- Choose one window or every window. A single candle in the front window carries the traditional message; a candle in every window gives a classic, festive look from the street.
- Write a note. Some families leave a short note near the candle about who they’re keeping it for.
- Pair it with the yard. Luminarias or lanterns along the path continue the glow outside. See our candle yard decoration ideas for ideas.
For choosing indoor holiday candles, see our guide to finding the perfect holiday candle.
FAQ
What does a candle in the window mean?
It’s a sign of welcome. In the Irish Christmas tradition, it welcomes Mary and Joseph and any traveler in need. It can also be a light for loved ones who are far away or have passed.
When do you put a candle in the window?
Traditionally on Christmas Eve, though many families keep window candles lit every evening through the holiday season.
Is it safe to leave a window candle on overnight?
Not with a real flame. Battery or electric candles with timers are the safe way to keep a light on through the night.
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