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Worldwide Candle Lighting Day

Light a candle on Worldwide Candle Lighting Day to honor and remember those who have passed away - it's a beautiful way to show love and respect.

Sunday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESecond Sunday in December

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYYouth

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Light up the sky and honor those we have lost on Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, held every year on the second Sunday in December. This day of remembrance first began in 1997 as a way to bring families together to share stories and memories of their loved ones who have passed away. It's a powerful reminder that no matter how long it has been since they left us, they are still remembered and will always be part of our lives. Whether it's gathering around with family or lighting a single candle alone, this special day is sure to bring comfort and peace to all who observe it.

TIMELINE

Worldwide Candle Lighting Day Timeline

Compassionate Friends Founded

The Compassionate Friends, a self-help organization for families grieving a child’s death, expanded its mission to include all who are grieving.

First Worldwide Candle Lighting Day

The Compassionate Friends held the first Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, a day dedicated to honour and remember children who have passed away.

International Acknowledgment

The event gained international recognition as bereaved families across the globe joined the candle lighting ceremony to commemorate their loved ones.

Digital Remembrance

The Compassionate Friends introduced a virtual candle lighting page on their website, allowing those who couldn't attend a physical event to participate online.

Worldwide Impact

Hundreds of services in all 50 United States and more than 100 countries took part in the Worldwide Candle Lighting Day events.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Worldwide Candle Lighting Day

Host a candle-lighting ceremony

Invite family and friends to your home, or a local park or beach, and light candles together in remembrance of those who have passed away. Take time to share stories and memories.

ORGANIZE

Organize a candle-lighting vigil

Gather with others at a local public space or place of remembrance, such as a memorial garden or cemetery, and light candles in honor of those who have passed away.

CREATE

Create a candle arrangement

Using various sizes and colors of candles, design an arrangement that can be placed in a special spot to honor a loved one.

LIGHT

Light candles in each of your windows

Decorate your windows with candles and let their light shine out into the night sky so that everyone can see them.

RELEASE

Release floating lanterns

Find a local body of water and launch floating lanterns into the water as a special tribute to those who have passed away.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Worldwide Candle Lighting Day

Candles are perfect for decoration

As well as having practical applications, candles are an easy way to add beautiful decoration to your home. You can choose from all sorts of colors, scents and shapes to suit your style and make any space more cozy and inviting!

Candles bring a calming atmosphere

The flicker of a candle's flame can be an incredibly peaceful and soothing sight. Lighting candles creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere that makes it easier to connect with those around you. Whether its for a dinner with friends or just some quiet time alone, the gentle glow of candles can make any moment feel special.

Candles provide light & warmth

When the electricity cuts out or emergency situation arises, candles can provide much needed light and warmth in times of darkness. They can also be used safely indoors to create outdoor ambience within when the weather isn't permitting.