A room full of perfume oils sounds better than it sounds. This candle making class on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile has you mixing your own fragrance, then pouring an 8 oz 100% soy wax candle in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s a creative break in the middle of a city trip, right where you can walk out and keep exploring.

I especially like the hands-on step-by-step instruction. You’re not watching from a distance, you’re making choices, and the process feels relaxed. I also like that everything needed is provided, so you just show up, pick scents, pour, and take your candle home.

One thing to consider: at this price point, timing and extras matter. A few people felt the class ran shorter than expected, and alcohol expectations can be confusing since the class includes BYOB rather than drinks provided.

Key highlights you should know

• 100% soy wax candle making, with your own custom fragrance blend
• All supplies included for an 8 oz candle, including vessels
• Max group size of 20, so it stays social but not chaotic
• BYOB included, and the vibe leans toward relaxing and reflecting
• Journaling time at the end, tied to the calming, therapeutic theme

Why this candle class feels like more than a craft

Candle making in a major city can be hit or miss. This one works because it mixes creativity with a calmer pace. You pick fragrances like you’re building a personal mood, then you pour wax and leave with something you can actually use at home.

The strongest part is the custom fragrance. You don’t just choose a pre-made scent and call it a day. You get to explore different oils, combine them, and create a blend that feels like you. That’s why people leave talking about their scents, not just the fact that they made a candle.

The second big win is the overall tone. The brand frames the session as candle therapy, with time for reflection and journaling. One reviewer even described it as a way to relax, reset, and talk through what the scents bring up. So yes, you make a candle. But you also get a structured moment to slow down.

The only caution is expectations, especially around time and alcohol. If you’re the type who wants a fast in-and-out activity, this may feel slower. And if you were hoping for drinks included, read the BYOB detail carefully.

Finding the place: 900 N Michigan Ave Shops, 6th floor

Location is the main reason I like this class for a short Chicago stay. It’s on the Magnificent Mile, at 900 North Michigan Ave, inside the 900 Michigan Ave Shops complex. You meet there, and the class ends back at the meeting point, so you do not waste your day hunting across town.

The real practical tip is this: directions can be tricky if the store name is missing. The classroom is described in multiple places as being on the 6th floor, and the store name that helped people find it was Reggie Hathorn. When you’re walking in, look for the directory signs for the 900 N Michigan Ave Shops and then follow up to the 6th floor.

If you’re coming from public transit, you’re in a good spot. The info notes it’s near public transportation. That matters because parking in this area can quickly become a headache, or at least a long walk.

What you make: an 8 oz soy candle you actually customize

This class centers on making one finished candle: a personalized 8 oz candle in 100% soy wax. The supplies are provided, including the fragrance options and the vessel. So you’re not shopping, guessing measurements, or trying to source ingredients on vacation.

Here’s what that means for you in real terms:

• You get a guided experience that’s designed for beginners.
• You leave with a tangible souvenir that works back home, not a craft you have to finish later.
• You get to choose scent direction, so the result feels intentional.

A few people also connected the experience to social occasions. The candle is the centerpiece, but the real draw is the fragrance mixing, which naturally turns into conversation. It’s easier to talk when you’re all smelling the same oils and comparing what you like.

One more detail that can affect your comfort: candle making involves smell. If you or someone in your group is sensitive to strong fragrances, be ready for that moment when the air is scented. It’s part of the fun, but it can also be a lot for people who dislike heavy smell environments.

Step-by-step: fragrance blending and pouring your candle

The class is structured as step-by-step instruction. You’ll learn how to make soy wax candles, and you’ll create your own customized fragrance for your candle. The process is hands-on, not just theoretical, so you’re actively doing things during the class rather than waiting around.

What you’ll likely do during the session (and why it matters):

1. Choose fragrance components

You’ll smell and select from different oils. This is where the experience turns personal, because you’re building a blend that matches your taste.

1. Create your scent

You’ll mix or select your combination in a guided way. The goal is a fragrance that feels balanced enough to enjoy in your space.

1. Work with soy wax

You’ll follow the process for making and preparing your candle base.

1. Pour into your vessel

You’ll pour your 8 oz candle and finish it as your own.

The class time is listed at about 1 hour and 15 minutes. In practice, experience length can vary by group and pace. That’s why I treat this as a craft-and-reflection stop, not a tight schedule activity.

BYOB, journaling, and the social vibe that makes it stick

Two details show up again and again as part of the value: the atmosphere and the reflection time.

BYOB is included. That means you can bring your own alcohol if you want to enjoy the class with a drink. Just don’t assume alcohol is provided on site, even if you see the topic mentioned somewhere else. One thing I appreciate is that the class stays honest about what’s included: BYOB is part of the experience you manage, not a surprise gift.

Then there’s the journaling. More than one person highlighted a journaling component at the end. There are journal cards and time to reflect, and that fits the candle therapy framing. If you like activities where you can talk, think, and then physically make something, this is a good match.

For groups, the scent tasting naturally creates conversation. People end up comparing what the fragrances remind them of, which can make the class feel more memorable than a standard tutorial. For solo travelers, it can be a quiet reset too, because you get instructions and structure without needing to be outgoing.

Price and value: is $75 a fair deal for Chicago?

At $75 per person, this isn’t a budget craft. Some people feel it’s expensive for an 8 oz candle, especially if they were expecting longer instruction time or extra items. That criticism usually comes down to expectation setting.

So how do you decide if it’s worth it for you? I’d judge it on three points:

• You get all materials included for an 8 oz soy candle. You are paying for the guided experience plus ingredients and tools, not just a candle label.
• You get custom fragrance blending, which is the part you can’t buy at a regular shop without doing the work yourself.
• You’re paying for convenience. The class is on the Magnificent Mile at 900 N Michigan Ave, which saves time if you’re already in that part of the city.

Parking can add to the cost. There’s mention of validated parking at $12 for 3 hours. If you’re driving, that can soften the blow, but you’ll still want to plan your arrival so you don’t cut it too close.

Bottom line: if you want a central, guided, hands-on souvenir with a calm vibe, $75 can feel reasonable. If you only want a candle and nothing else, you may decide the price is too high.

Time-saving logistics for a smooth Magnificent Mile day

This class is set up so you can pair it with a bigger day out. It ends back at the meeting point, which makes it easy to walk to nearby sights without dealing with a long transfer.

That said, do not treat it like a quick errand. Plan your day around the class and leave a little cushion for finding the right floor and checking in. Several people noted the store name and full directions were the missing piece, so arrive with extra time, especially if you’re doing this before dinner or during a busy shopping window.

What to bring:

• Yourself, because the materials are included
• Your sense of smell, but remember fragrances can be strong
• If you want alcohol, bring your own for BYOB

What not to bring: if you plan on bringing food, note that you will not have utensils. So if you have snacks, plan something that you can eat without extra cutlery.

Who should book this candle making class

This is a great fit if you want a relaxing, structured activity that still feels creative and personal. I’d also look at it if you’re traveling with friends or family and want something that sparks conversation.

It’s especially good for:

• Couples looking for a date night with a take-home result
• Friends who like scent sampling and hands-on crafts
• People who enjoy reflection and journaling moments, not just a finished product
• Anyone visiting the Magnificent Mile who wants a local-feeling break without crossing town

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re extremely price sensitive and only want the physical candle
• You need an extremely short activity with no smell exposure
• You expected drinks provided beyond BYOB

Should you book this Chicago candle class?

If you’re already spending time on the Magnificent Mile and you want a hands-on souvenir that feels personal, I think you should book. The combination of custom 100% soy wax candle making, included materials, a small group size, and that journaling time makes it more meaningful than a typical craft stop.

Just go in with a few smart expectations. Arrive early enough to find Reggie Hathorn on the 6th floor at 900 N Michigan Ave Shops, confirm you’re good with scented oils, and remember it’s BYOB, not a drinks-included party.

If you do those things, you’ll likely walk out with something you made yourself, a scent you picked, and a calmer memory than another photo by the river.

FAQ

How much does the Chicago candle making class cost?

It costs $75.00 per person.

How long is the candle making class?

The class runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes (approximately).

What candle will I make?

You’ll create an 8 oz candle made with 100% soy wax, and you’ll customize the fragrance.

What’s included in the price?

All equipment and materials are provided for making your custom candle, and you also get the candle you create.

Do I get alcohol included with the class?

Alcohol is not listed as included. The class includes BYOB, meaning you can bring your own.

Where do I meet for the class?

You meet at 900 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, at the 900 Michigan Ave Shops. The class ends back at the meeting point.

Is parking available?

Parking is not free. There is validated parking for $12 for 3 hours.

Can I bring food, and are utensils provided?

You can bring your own food, but if you do, no utensils are provided.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The class also notes it requires good weather and offers a different date or full refund if canceled due to poor weather.