Soy wax, big-city calm, and your own scent. This candle-making class on the Magnificent Mile is a hands-on reset in the middle of one of Chicago’s busiest areas, where you’ll learn step-by-step and leave with a candle you truly customized. You’ll work with 100% soy wax and build your own fragrance blend, which is the part that turns a simple activity into something personal.

I love the guided, low-stress pace that helps you choose scents without feeling rushed, and I love that you leave with a ready-to-use custom candle instead of a souvenir you forget at home. One thing to consider: the class timing can vary (some people felt they were done sooner than expected), and the experience can be scent-heavy—so if you’re sensitive to strong smells, plan accordingly.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• You’ll make an 8 oz 100% soy candle with all materials and equipment included.
• Fragrance blending is the main event, and you can customize each candle’s scent.
• Small group size (max 20) makes it easy to chat, ask questions, and actually slow down.
• BYOB is part of the vibe, but alcohol is not automatically included.
• Location is central, with easy public transit access—just expect 6th-floor navigation.
• You may add a reflective journaling moment at the end, which many people really liked.

Why This Candle Class Works on the Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile can feel like nonstop motion. This class gives you permission to stop for an hour or so and make something slow, tangible, and a little therapeutic. What makes it interesting isn’t just that it’s candle-making—it’s that you’re learning a process you can repeat at home, while choosing fragrances that feel like you.

The setting is also a practical win. Your meeting point is right by 900 North Michigan Ave Shops, so after class you’re already positioned to do a city walk, grab a snack, or keep exploring without needing a long commute. If you like pairing an activity with a neighborhood stroll, this format fits nicely.

Finally, the social side is real. With a maximum of 20 people, you’re not swallowed by a huge crowd. You’ll likely end up chatting with like-minded crafters while you work, which is exactly the kind of relaxed evening plan that turns into a memorable story.

What You’ll Make: An 8 oz Soy Candle You Actually Customized

At the heart of the class is one custom product: an 8 oz candle made with 100% soy wax. You’ll be guided through the step-by-step technique, but you’re not passively watching. You’re actively involved in creating the fragrance and building your candle around it.

You’ll choose from different fragrance oils, then mix and pour into your vessel. The exact vessel details aren’t described here, but the key point is that you’re using the provided materials—so you’re not scrambling for supplies or trying to figure out what goes where.

By the end, you’re taking home your own candle, including the customized scent combination. People consistently highlight that they loved the process of sniffing oils, deciding on a blend, and then seeing it become a real candle rather than just a theory lesson.

The Class Flow: From Fragrance Mixing to Pouring (and Reflection)

Even though this is one activity, the class has a clear rhythm. Here’s what you can expect in a practical, plain-english way:

1) Check-in and getting oriented

You’ll meet at the 900 Michigan Ave Shops location. Once you’re checked in, you’ll get the walkthrough that explains what you’ll do first, second, and third. The goal is simple: make it easy to follow along even if you’ve never made a candle before.

In multiple experiences, people praise how patiently the facilitator explains the process—especially when it comes to scent choices and pouring.

2) Choose and build your fragrance

This is the most fun part for most people. You’ll cultivate your personal customized fragrance by selecting from the oils available. Expect to smell and compare. The class is structured so you’re not guessing; you get help choosing and combining.

One practical note: the process can involve a lot of fragrance in the room. If your head or breathing gets sensitive around strong scents, take it slowly and tell the instructor if you need a break.

3) Pour your candle

After you’ve chosen and prepared your blend, you’ll pour your candle using the provided wax and materials. This is where the experience shifts from choosing scents to creating something you can use later.

The class is designed for you to have time. Some people felt the pacing could run long or short depending on how quickly they completed each step, so if you’re planning this around another event, build in buffer time.

4) A reflective wrap-up (journal moment)

Several accounts mention a journaling or reflection component at the end. One review specifically calls out journaling cards and time to reflect, which matches the brand’s mental-health-leaning approach. If you like a craft plus a calming mindset, this part can make the class feel more meaningful than a typical DIY workshop.

5) Take-home candle

When you leave, you’ll have your custom candle. The class is structured around finishing what you start, so you’re not left with only a kit or a half-completed project.

Location Tips: Finding Reggie Hathorn on 6th Floor

The address is 900 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, and the class meets at the 900 North Michigan Shops area. That’s a big help—because you’re starting from a known spot in a very walkable tourist zone.

One real-world challenge: directions can be tricky. In feedback, people note that the store name isn’t always obvious from directions, and one person recommends that you look for the specific business name and that the class is on the 6th floor at the 900 N Michigan Ave Shops. The store name mentioned is Reggie Hathorn.

So here’s what I’d do if I were going:

• Use the meeting address, but also double-check the business/store name before you head in.
• When you arrive at 900 Michigan Ave Shops, plan on going up to the 6th floor rather than assuming it’s street level.
• Give yourself a few extra minutes the first time you navigate a large mall-like complex.

Good news: once you know where it is, it’s an easy launch point for the rest of your Magnificent Mile plans.

Price and Value: $75 for a Real 8 oz Candle

At $75 per person, you’re paying for more than wax and a container. You’re paying for:

• Guided instruction (step-by-step help)
• The fragrance oil selection experience
• Provided materials and equipment
• A structured, calm environment designed for relaxation and reflection

That said, value is personal here. Some people felt the class was a bit expensive for the candle size and the time they spent in the room. If you’re the type who wants maximum craft time for your money, this might feel short compared to DIY experiences that stretch longer.

A good way to protect your budget is to set expectations before you arrive:

• Confirm what you’re receiving in the candle kit (you should get the 8 oz candle with your custom scent).
• Ask if anything beyond the class fee could apply in your situation. One review mentions an unexpected $40 shipping charge, so if you’re buying this for someone out of town or expecting delivery, ask how shipping works before anything is finalized.
• If you’re expecting alcohol because of how you booked, verify what’s actually included. The provided info says BYOB.

If you want a relaxing social activity with a take-home candle you made yourself, the $75 can feel fair. If you’re only chasing a bargain craft, you may want to compare other options that run longer or include more items.

BYOB, Scent Sensitivity, and Other Practical Considerations

This class is set up for a social, unwind-and-create vibe. The provided info includes BYOB, meaning you bring your own beverages. Some reviews talk about expecting alcohol to be included, but it’s safer to assume that alcohol isn’t automatically part of the package unless it’s clearly stated in your booking details.

One more practical heads-up: because you’re working with fragrance oils, the room can get strongly scented. That’s part of the experience. But if you have a sensitive nose, consider:

• taking short pauses when needed
• sitting where airflow feels best
• bringing a backup plan for how you’ll handle the smell after class

Food is another simple detail. If you plan on bringing your own food, the info says you do not have utensils. So come with snacks that don’t require special tools, or plan to eat out nearby afterward.

And parking: parking is not included, but you can get $12 validated for 3 hours. That’s useful if you’re driving, but it’s still a cost to factor in when you decide whether this is an easy “after work” activity or a “plan-ahead” outing.

Who This Candle Class Is Best For

I’d book this if you want a calm, structured activity that doubles as social time. It’s especially good for:

• Friends doing a fun, low-pressure craft day
• Family outings where you can turn scent-picking into a game
• Date night plans that create a shared activity and a lasting take-home item
• Solo travelers who like meeting people without needing a loud atmosphere

It’s also a nice choice if you like the idea of reflection as part of the process. Some feedback connects the experience to a healing philosophy, and that matches the journaling wrap-up that people highlight.

I’d think twice if:

• you’re very price-sensitive and feel the class duration should be longer for the cost
• you’re extremely scent-sensitive
• you’re the type who needs every detail spelled out before arrival—because finding the exact store and floor can be confusing if directions are incomplete

Who Leads the Class (And Why It Matters)

This is one of those experiences where the facilitator makes a difference. People specifically mention an instructor named Alana as a great facilitator who took the time to explain fully. Others mention Reggie and his team, with a recommendation to look for them at the Reggie Hathorn store.

When the instruction is clear, fragrance selection feels easier. When it’s not, people get stuck deciding or pouring at the wrong moment. Based on what’s shared, the teaching quality is consistently a strength here.

Should You Book Chicago Candle Making on Magnificent Mile?

Book it if you want a hands-on craft with a soothing feel, right where you can keep sightseeing after. For $75, you’re getting a real take-home candle, guided fragrance blending, and a small-group setting that makes it easy to relax and socialize.

I’d also book it if you like activities that include a reflective touch—especially if you’re the type to enjoy journaling after creating something.

Skip or shop around if you’re mainly chasing the longest possible class for the lowest price, or if you’re worried about scent exposure in a closed workspace. And if you’re bringing this as a gift or have any questions about charges that could come later (like shipping), ask those questions before you finalize anything.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Chicago candle making class?

The class is about 1 hour 15 minutes.

What will I create during the class?

You’ll make a custom 8 oz candle using 100% soy wax and your own customized fragrance blend, with all supplies provided.

Is parking included?

No. Parking validation is available for $12 for 3 hours, but it is not included in the price.

Do I need to bring my own supplies?

No. The class includes all equipment and materials you need to make the candle. You just bring yourself.

Is alcohol included?

The listing states BYOB is included. In other words, you should bring your own beverages rather than assuming alcohol is provided.

Where is the meeting point?

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

How big are the groups?

The maximum group size is 20 travelers.

Is the class in English?

Yes, the class is offered in English.

If I bring food, are utensils provided?

If you plan to bring your own food, the info says no utensils are provided.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.