Chicago Candle Making Class On Magnificent Mile

A candle is a useful souvenir, but making its scent is the heart of this Magnificent Mile class. You’ll smell a range of fragrance oils, combine the ones you like, and make an 8-ounce soy candle to take away as your own creation.

I like two things here: the hands-on scent blending gives you room to make something personal, and the central location makes it easy to pair the class with a day in downtown Chicago. The relaxed, social format also suits a birthday, date, or afternoon with friends.

The main caution is value. At $75 per person, the price can feel steep if you expect a full 75 minutes of instruction or a large candle. Some people finish in about 45 minutes, and the class length can vary with how long you spend creating your fragrance.

• You blend the fragrance yourself: Choose from a range of oils and make a scent that feels personal.
• Your candle is 8 ounces: Soy wax, fragrance, vessel, and other needed supplies are provided.
• The class is at Reggie Hathorn: Look for the store on the sixth floor of 900 North Michigan Shops.
• It’s BYOB: Bring your own beverage. Do not count on drinks being supplied.
• The pace can vary: The advertised duration is about 75 minutes, but some people finish sooner.
• Parking costs extra: Validated parking is listed at $12 for three hours.

The appeal of making a scent of your own

This is not a candle-making factory tour or a technical workshop built around equipment. It is a guided, social activity where the main creative choice is the fragrance. You sample oils, decide which notes you like, and build a custom scent before making your candle.

That choice makes the experience more personal than simply picking a ready-made candle from a shelf. The fragrance can bring up memories or spark conversation, which is part of the fun if you come with a friend, family member, or date. One person might focus on creating a scent for a room at home; another might enjoy the process of comparing impressions with the person beside them.

The class also has a reflective side. The business describes itself as centered on mental well-being, and the experience may include journaling cards and time to reflect. That will appeal to you if a quiet, thoughtful activity sounds better than a fast-paced attraction. If you mainly want practical candle-making instruction, though, the reflective element may feel less essential.

Finding the sixth-floor studio

The meeting point is 900 North Michigan Shops, at 900 Michigan Avenue. The candle class takes place on the sixth floor, at the store Reggie Hathorn. That store name matters: the address alone has proved confusing for some people, and the shop is easy to overlook in a large retail complex.

Before setting out, check your ticket details for the store name and floor, and allow time to find the space. The class ends back at the meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return trip. The shopping center’s central location also makes this a handy stop between other downtown plans.

Public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed. If you plan to drive, parking validation is listed at $12 for three hours, but parking is not included in the $75 class price.

Choosing oils and building your fragrance

The scent-blending stage is where you’ll have the most room to make the candle your own. A variety of fragrance oils is available, and the instructor walks you through the process. You do not need to know perfumery or arrive with a plan. The point is to smell, compare, and find combinations that appeal to you.

This can take different amounts of time for different people. If you enjoy exploring the options, the session may feel like a relaxed chance to experiment. If you quickly land on a favorite, you may move through this part faster and finish the overall class well before the 75-minute estimate.

The room can become strongly scented as people sample oils. If you are sensitive to fragrance, keep that in mind before booking. The class is built around smelling and combining oils, so this is not a small side activity you can easily avoid.

Pouring an 8-ounce soy candle

Once you have your fragrance, you make a custom candle using 100% soy wax. The booking includes the candle and the materials needed to create it, including the wax, fragrance, and vessel. The instructor provides step-by-step guidance, so you do not need to bring tools or supplies.

The finished candle is 8 ounces, a useful size for personal use or as a keepsake. It is worth keeping expectations in proportion: you are paying for the activity as well as the candle. If you judge the $75 price only by the retail value of an 8-ounce candle, it may seem high. The value is stronger if you want the guided scent-making session and time together as part of the purchase.

One practical point needs checking before you go: a participant reported being asked to pay an additional $40 for shipping. That does not establish that shipping is normally required, but it is a good reason to ask how and when you receive your candle, and whether any extra fee applies. Do not assume a shipping cost is included in the class price.

A relaxed class, with a variable finish time

The advertised duration is approximately one hour and 15 minutes, and the group can include up to 20 people. That size allows for a shared class atmosphere, though it is not the same as a private lesson. The pace depends in part on how long you take to choose a fragrance, so the stated duration is best treated as an estimate rather than a guaranteed block of instruction.

Some people have finished in about 45 minutes. Others take more time to test fragrance combinations, talk with their group, and use the journaling portion. If you have plans immediately afterward, leave some flexibility rather than building a tight schedule around the full 75 minutes.

The instructors are an important part of the experience. Alana received especially warm praise for explaining the process, and Reggie and his team were also appreciated for creating a welcoming atmosphere. Staff assignments may vary, so you should not expect a particular instructor unless the provider confirms it.

Bringing a drink, and planning food

The experience is listed as BYOB, so bring your own beverage if you would like one. Do not book on the assumption that wine or cocktails will be provided. Some earlier expectations around included alcohol caused disappointment, and the current BYOB wording is the clearest guide.

You may bring your own food, but the space does not provide utensils. That makes a snack possible but not especially convenient, so plan accordingly. For a simple afternoon class, it may be easier to eat before or after rather than bring a meal.

The class is social by design. You can attend with friends, family, a partner, or on your own. Past groups have included birthday gatherings and larger outings, while couples have used it as a date activity. At the maximum size of 20, a group outing can feel lively; a very small class may feel quieter and may move through the steps faster.

Is $75 a fair price?

The price is $75 per person. That includes the candle-making activity, supplies, and one custom 8-ounce candle. Parking is separate, and you should clarify any shipping arrangements before class. The price makes the most sense when you value the experience of creating together, not just the object you take home.

For a couple, the outing costs $150 before any parking or other extras. For a group, the shared activity can be a memorable alternative to a meal or a standard shopping trip, particularly if your group likes hands-on projects and conversation. If you are shopping strictly for an inexpensive craft lesson, the cost may feel high for the time and candle size.

The class has a 4.6 rating from 20 reviews, with praise often centered on friendly instruction, the easy-to-follow process, and the chance to spend time together. The main concerns are the price, the possibility of a shorter-than-expected session, and finding the correct store. Those are manageable if you arrive with clear expectations and confirm the practical details.

Who will enjoy this class most

I would consider this class for a birthday, a low-key date, a family outing, or a small group of friends who enjoy making things together. It is also a good fit if you want an indoor creative activity in a central location and like the idea of leaving with a scent you chose yourself.

You may be less satisfied if you expect a long technical course, a bargain candle, or a fixed 75 minutes of instruction. It is not ideal if strong scents bother you. The class is better understood as a relaxed social experience with a craft at its center, rather than a formal lesson in candle production.

Should you book it?

Book if fragrance-making sounds fun, you want a shared activity, and you are comfortable paying $75 for both the process and an 8-ounce candle. Before you go, confirm the sixth-floor location at Reggie Hathorn, bring your own beverage if desired, and ask how the finished candle is received so there are no surprises about shipping. If your priority is a long class or the lowest possible candle price, look elsewhere.

FAQ

How much does the candle-making class cost?

The listed price is $75 per person. Parking is not included.

How long does the class last?

The approximate duration is one hour and 15 minutes. The time can vary, and some people finish in about 45 minutes.

What kind of candle will I make?

You will make a custom 8-ounce candle using 100% soy wax.

Are candle-making supplies provided?

Yes. Wax, fragrance, vessels, and the other materials needed for the candle are provided.

Where does the class meet?

It meets at 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 Michigan Avenue, Chicago. The class is on the sixth floor at Reggie Hathorn.

Does the class include a drink?

It is listed as BYOB, so bring your own beverage if you want one. Do not assume a drink is supplied.

Can I bring food?

You can bring your own food, but utensils are not provided.

Is parking included?

No. Validated parking is listed at $12 for three hours.

How many people can attend?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.