Holiday Candles: Tips to Keep Your Children Safe
Holiday candles create a warm, cozy feel at home, but open flames can quickly turn risky when children are nearby. Many parents stock up on candles in bulk for holiday dinners or even reuse leftover bulk candles for wedding centerpieces later in the year, so it helps to plan for safety before you light the first wick. With a few practical precautions, you can enjoy the glow without putting your children in harm’s way.
Choose Kid-Friendly Candle Options
Not every candle belongs in a busy family living room. When you shop, look for:
- Unscented or lightly scented candles
Strong fragrances can irritate sensitive noses or trigger headaches. Children often lean in close to smell the candle, which increases burn risk. - Sturdy, wide base candles
Avoid tall, narrow tapers in unstable holders in kid zones. Wider pillars, tealights in cups, or votives in heavy glass containers are less likely to tip. - Flameless LED candles for play areas
Use real flame only at the dining table or in supervised spaces. In playrooms, hallways, and kids’ bedrooms, stick to battery-powered candles that give the same gentle glow without the fire hazard.
Set Safe Candle Zones at Home
Create clear rules about where real candles can and cannot go.
- Keep all candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, paper decorations, centerpieces with greenery, or napkins.
- Place candles on solid, heat-resistant surfaces that children cannot easily bump, like sturdy sideboards or the center of a wide dining table.
- Avoid low coffee tables, window sills, or end tables near where kids play, run, or lie on the floor.
Keep Little Hands Away from Flames
Children love to touch and explore, so make candle rules simple and consistent.
- Explain that only adults may light or move candles.
- Store matches and lighters in a locked drawer or on a high shelf, never on the mantel or kitchen counter.
- Do not let children blow out large candles at close range, hot wax can splash. Teach them to stand back while an adult snuffs or blows out the flame.
Reinforce these rules before guests with children arrive, so all kids hear the same message.
Practice Smart Burning Habits
Safe candle use starts with careful preparation.
- Trim wicks to about a quarter inch before each burn to reduce high flames and flickering.
- Use proper holders that fully support the candle and catch melted wax.
- Never leave burning candles unattended, even for a short trip to another room.
- Extinguish all candles before you go to bed or leave the house, and do a final “candle check” as part of your nightly routine.
These habits lower the risk of accidental fires and help children see that candles are something adults handle with care.
Have a Fire Safety Plan
Even with good precautions, accidents can still happen, so preparation matters.
- Keep a small, easy-to-reach fire extinguisher in the kitchen or near main living spaces and make sure adults know how to use it.
- Install and regularly test smoke alarms on every level of your home.
- Teach children what to do if they see fire where it should not be, such as calling for an adult immediately and staying away from the area.
With thoughtful planning, candles can remain part of your holiday traditions while your children stay safe, comfortable, and protected.
Aashley Kai is the Editorial Director of Chelsea Famous Parenting and a licensed expert in early childhood education. She holds a Master’s in Child Psychology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and has worked as a preschool teacher and child therapist. Since joining in 2024, Aashley has been dedicated to creating well-researched, trustworthy parenting resources. Her work helps parents and caregivers foster nurturing, educational environments for children. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and photography, capturing nature from a child’s perspective.
