Lighting candles on Christmas Eve is a beautiful tradition that blends ancient winter customs with Christian symbolism, centered on light, hope, and the coming of Christ into the world.

🕯️ The Light of Christ

In Christian tradition, Jesus is often called the “Light of the World” who came to dispel darkness and bring hope, peace, and salvation. On Christmas Eve, candles are lit to symbolize the birth of Jesus — the light entering a dark world.

Many churches hold a special candlelight service on Christmas Eve where the sanctuary starts dark, and a single candle (often the Christ candle) is lit to represent Christ’s birth. Then, that light is passed from person to person until the whole room glows, showing how the light of Christ spreads through believers to others.

🕯️ Roots in Winter and Pagan Customs

Long before Christianity, people in northern Europe lit candles and fires during the winter solstice to fight the long, dark nights and to ward off evil spirits. These customs were later adopted and given new meaning by the Church.

The Advent wreath, with its four candles lit on the four Sundays before Christmas, also comes from this idea of light growing in the darkness as Christmas approaches. On Christmas Eve, the final candle (often white) is lit, representing Christ’s arrival and the fullness of God’s light.

🕯️ Home and Family Traditions

In many homes, families light a special candle on Christmas Eve to mark the holiness of the night and to welcome the Christ child. It might be placed on the dinner table, in a window, or near the Christmas tree.

Candles in windows are especially common in countries like Sweden, Germany, and parts of the UK, where they symbolize light, warmth, and hospitality during the dark winter. Some families also light candles in memory of loved ones who have passed away, making the evening both joyful and reflective.

🕯️ Symbolism of Hope and Community

Beyond religion, candlelight on Christmas Eve carries deep emotional meaning: it stands for hope, peace, and the warmth of family and community. The soft, flickering light creates a sense of calm and wonder, helping people pause and reflect on what Christmas truly means.

Sharing the light — whether by passing candles in church or placing them in windows for neighbors to see — is a quiet reminder to share kindness, love, and generosity with others.

TL;DR:
We light candles on Christmas Eve mainly to symbolize Jesus as the “Light of the World” coming into darkness, a tradition rooted in both ancient winter customs and Christian faith. It’s also a way for families and churches to mark the sacredness of the night, welcome Christ, and share warmth, hope, and light with others.