Chicago Candle Making Class On Magnificent Mile

Soy candles, Chicago skyline, and a little therapy. This candle making class on the Magnificent Mile turns a busy neighborhood into a calm, hands-on workshop, with step-by-step help from facilitators like Alana. You mix fragrances, pour your own candle, and leave with something that actually smells like you.

I particularly like two things: the guided crafting (you are walked through the process, not left to figure it out) and the custom fragrance building (you choose from a range of oils and create your own blend). It is social, too, in a way that feels relaxed, not performative.

One consideration is time and expectations. The class runs about 1 hour 15 minutes, but some people report finishing sooner depending on how long they take with scent choices, so plan for flexibility when you book.

Key takeaways before you go

• Reggie Hathorn on Michigan Avenue: The class meets at 900 North Michigan Shops, near the action, but directions can be tricky.
• 100% soy wax, 8 oz candle: You make a full custom candle with provided vessels and supplies.
• Fragrance mixing is the fun part: You create a personalized scent blend for each candle.
• BYOB is part of the experience: Bring what you want, and do not count on alcohol being provided beyond that.
• Journaling and a reset vibe: The mental-health and reflection element shows up at the end of class.
• Small group size: Maximum of 20 travelers, so it stays hands-on and friendly.

Soy candle therapy, right on the Magnificent Mile

Chicago already has a lot going on, so it is a clever idea to give you an indoor activity in the middle of it. This class is built around quiet focus: you choose scents, blend them, pour soy wax, and step away with a candle you created.

What makes it especially appealing is the format. It is not a casual demo where you watch someone else work. It is a structured, step-by-step workshop where your decisions shape the final product, including the fragrance profile.

Also, because the location is central, you can turn the rest of your day into your own plan. If you want to do the fun Chicago thing right after, you are in the right neighborhood for that.

What you actually make: a custom 8 oz soy candle

You are making one custom candle during the session, typically an 8 oz size. The wax is 100% soy wax, and you get the vessel, wax, fragrance oils, and the rest of what you need.

That matters for value because the price is not just paying for instruction. You are walking out with a finished candle created in class, with materials included. If you like practical souvenirs, this is a good one, because it gets used later, not just displayed.

A few notes to keep your expectations grounded:

• The candle is created in the class, but you will still need to handle it like a fresh craft item (wax work can be messy even when it goes well).
• People who expected a longer, slower experience sometimes felt the session was shorter than they thought. If you like taking your time, plan to spend extra moments sniffing and refining your blend.

The class flow: from scent picking to your final pour

Most workshops like this follow the same basic arc, but what you do with your time is what makes it feel different. Here, you start with instruction, then move into fragrance selection, and finally into pouring your own candle.

1) Getting oriented and learning the method

You learn how to make soy candles step by step. The teaching style is consistently praised, including an instructor named Alana, which is a good sign that the class is designed for first-timers, not only experienced crafters.

2) Choosing and customizing fragrance oils

This is where you spend real time. You pick from different fragrance options and combine oils into a blend that fits what you want to feel in your space. Several participants liked this part because it is interactive and creative, and it sparks easy conversation in a group.

3) Pouring your 8 oz candle

Then comes the hands-on moment: you pour your candle using the materials provided. This is the part you will remember, because it turns your scent decisions into a physical result.

4) Reflection at the end

You also get journaling component material, including journaling cards for reflection. If you are drawn to experiences that are part craft, part calm reset, this is a major part of the value.

One more practical tip: if you are sensitive to strong smells, give yourself permission to take short breaks. One participant noted they were ready for less-scented air by the end of class, and that lines up with how scent-heavy craft sessions can feel.

The setting at 900 N Michigan: where it is and how to find it fast

The meeting point is 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. It is very close to the Magnificent Mile action, so it is easy to pair with shopping or a quick meal before or after.

The spot can be a little tricky even when you have the address, because the directions sometimes do not spell out the full store name. If you are coming directly from a rideshare drop-off, I would treat this as a read-the-signs moment and look specifically for the Reggie Hathorn shop inside the 900 N Michigan Shops complex.

One review mentioned the class is on the 6th floor. That is not always obvious at first glance, so expect you might need a quick elevator ride and a look for the right floor signage once you are inside.

The good news is that the location is near public transportation. So even if parking is not your plan, you can still make this class work without stress.

Value check: $75 and what you are paying for

At $75 per person, this is not a bargain workshop. It is a priced crafting experience with a defined output, which helps you judge whether it is worth it for you.

Here is what you get for that price, based on the details:

• Instruction and step-by-step guidance
• All equipment and materials included
• A finished custom candle (8 oz) that you make in class
• Journaling cards and reflection time
• BYOB is included

So you are paying for more than “just making a candle.” You are paying for a guided session, fragrance selection support, and a calm experience structure. If you go in expecting a simple craft table with no teaching and no reflection, you may feel disappointed.

On the flip side, some people felt the class was expensive for the length, especially when they finished in about 45 minutes instead of the full listed duration. That does not mean the class is poorly run. It usually means the session can feel faster when someone chooses scents quickly and follows the steps without extra lingering.

My practical advice: if you want the best value, plan for scent exploration time. Take your time choosing oils, because that is where a lot of the experience happens.

Social vibe versus solo calm

This is one of those classes that works for multiple moods.

If you want a group outing, it is built for that. Maximum group size is 20 travelers, so it stays small enough for conversation without turning into a crowded party. Several people said it was fun with friends, and it also works well for family birthdays and sister trips.

If you are going solo, you are not forced into big-group talk. The journaling component and the calm “create, reflect, reset” tone make it feel like a personal pause in a city day.

One practical scent note for both solo and group visitors: you will likely be smelling multiple oils. If you are sensitive to strong fragrances, you might want to arrive with a gentle plan, like bringing water and stepping outside briefly if you need a break.

BYOB, alcohol expectations, and what to do about it

BYOB is listed as included. That is the clearest signal in the details, and it is the safest way to plan your expectations.

Some participants expected alcohol to be included and were surprised when it was not. Others reported having wine, but quality or experience with the alcohol varied. Instead of trying to read tea leaves, treat BYOB as your baseline.

Bring what you enjoy, and keep it simple. You are there to make a candle, not to turn it into a tasting flight.

Pricing logistics to know: parking and getting there

Parking is not included. There is parking validation available for $12 for 3 hours. If you are driving, this is worth factoring into your total cost.

If you are using transit, the location being near public transportation is a big plus. For a class on the Magnificent Mile, that can save you time and mental energy.

Also, you will have a mobile ticket. So bring your phone, plan for a quick check-in, and avoid arriving too early with a dead battery and a crowd.

Who should book this candle making class?

This works especially well if you:

• Want a hands-on craft experience with a finished, usable product
• Like scent-based customization and experimenting with fragrance oils
• Enjoy reflective activities, not only making something and leaving
• Are coming with friends or family and want a structured, social activity

It might be less ideal if you:

• Are very time-sensitive and hate the idea that scent choosing may take longer for you
• Strongly prefer fragrance-free environments
• Expect a long, slow 90-plus minute process every time, regardless of how quickly your blend comes together

Should you book the Chicago candle making class on the Magnificent Mile?

If you want a creative, central-city activity that ends with a candle you actually made, this is a solid choice. The best part is that it is not just sitting through a class, you are crafting a custom 100% soy wax candle with your own fragrance blend and then using the journaling time to slow down.

I would book it if your idea of a great trip includes something small and personal, especially in a convenient location. If $75 feels steep, the key is to treat it as a guided materials-included workshop where you control the scent and leave with a finished candle, not as a quick token souvenir.

My bottom line: it is worth considering for anyone who likes crafts, scents, and a calm reset during a city visit. Just be sure you plan for the smell side of the experience, and bring your BYOB so you are not relying on assumptions.

FAQ

How long is the candle making class?

It runs for about 1 hour 15 minutes.

What candle size and wax are included?

You create an 8 oz custom candle using 100% soy wax.

Are all supplies and materials provided?

Yes. Equipment and materials are included, and you just bring yourself.

Is alcohol included in the class?

BYOB is included, but alcohol is not listed as automatically provided beyond that.

Where does the class meet?

The meeting point is 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.

Is parking included?

No. Parking is not included, but parking validation is available for $12 for 3 hours.

How large is the group?

The class has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.