A candle class on Michigan Ave is a mood shift. You learn step-by-step soy candle techniques and build your own custom fragrance in a setting made for chatting, relaxing, and creating. It ends right back at the Magnificent Mile area, so you can keep your day moving.

I especially like the hands-on process—you’re not just watching, you’re pouring an 8 oz soy candle with everything included. I also like the social angle: with a max of 20 people, it’s easy to talk with like-minded crafters without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

One thing to consider is value and timing. At $75 for an 8 oz candle, some people felt the class ran shorter than expected, so you should plan to give yourself enough time for scent choosing and a calm, unrushed finish.

Key Things That Make This Class Worth Your Time

• 100% soy wax and a real 8 oz custom candle you take home
• Your own fragrance blending, with lots of oil/scents to choose from
• A relaxed class vibe that mixes craft and reflection (journaling is part of the flow)
• Central location for easy follow-up plans on the Magnificent Mile
• Small group size (max 20), which keeps the attention on you
• BYOB included, but alcohol details can feel confusing—double-check what to bring

Finding Reggie Hathorn on 900 N Michigan Avenue (and Getting Up to the 6th Floor)

This class starts at 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. The biggest practical tip: the store name matters. Several people said the directions were tricky until they realized the business is called Reggie Hathorn, and that the class is on the 6th floor.

If you want a smooth arrival, I’d build in extra time. When signage or ticket directions don’t spell everything out, it’s easy to lose 10 to 20 minutes just finding the right entrance and taking the elevator up. Start early, especially if you’re meeting friends.

Good news: you’re in a spot that’s near public transportation. That means you can plan your day around the Magnificent Mile without needing a car for the whole outing.

What You Make: A Take-Home 8 oz 100% Soy Candle With Your Scent

The core experience is making one custom candle: an 8 oz vessel filled with 100% soy wax. You’ll create your own fragrance for that candle, picking from different fragrance options and learning the step-by-step method to blend and pour.

What makes this more fun than a basic craft is the fragrance part. You’re cultivating a scent combination that’s personally yours, not choosing something pre-made off a shelf. If you like trying new smells or you’re the type who always comments on what perfume or lotion someone is wearing, you’ll likely enjoy the process.

Everything you need is included. You bring yourself, and the class supplies the wax, fragrance oils, vessels, and the setup tools for making and pouring. You should still keep your expectations grounded: you’re making one candle, and the joy is in the customization and the process, not in producing a whole set of candles.

The Class Flow: Scent Selection, Pouring, and a Journaling Moment

Expect a structured, guided session that walks you through the basics and keeps you moving at a comfortable pace. The facilitator takes you step by step, and multiple comments mention that the instruction feels patient and clear.

A few reviews also highlight something personal and slightly different from the typical candle class: a journaling component at the end. That matters because it turns the activity from a simple souvenir into a short mental reset. If you’ve been craving a low-stakes activity where you can talk, laugh, and then quietly reflect, this ending is a nice touch.

One detail I’d plan around: the process can take different amounts of time depending on how long you spend deciding on fragrance. People reported finishing faster than the full scheduled window, and others said they stayed busy through the allotted time. That usually points to the same thing: scent choosing and refining takes time for some people, and others lock in their blend quickly.

BYOB, Food, and the Alcohol Expectation Check

BYOB is listed as included, and that’s the cleanest way to think about it. Some people expected alcohol to be provided and were disappointed when it wasn’t included as they thought. Other participants did mention having a drink during the class, but the only reliable statement in the experience details is BYOB.

So here’s my practical advice: if you want a glass or two, plan to bring what you’re comfortable with rather than assuming it’s part of the setup.

If you’re thinking about bringing your own snacks, there’s another useful rule: no utensils are provided for outside food. That means you’ll need to come with what you need (or pick foods you can eat with minimal mess).

Timing and Group Size: Why It Sometimes Feels Short

This session runs about 1 hour 15 minutes. The experience has a maximum of 20 travelers, which keeps the room from getting chaotic and helps the facilitator keep an eye on everyone’s pours and fragrance blends.

Still, your actual pace will depend on how you experience the steps. Some people finished around 45 minutes and felt the class ran short for the price. Others felt the full time was used and appreciated the slow, supportive teaching.

A good strategy is to treat this like a craft workshop, not a fast factory. If you’re the type who loves sniffing scents and comparing notes, you’ll probably use the whole window more naturally. If you’re rushing, you might finish sooner and feel like you paid for more airtime than you got.

Location Value: Why the Magnificent Mile Works So Well After Class

One underrated perk is where this is based. You’re on the Magnificent Mile area, so after you finish, you can transition instantly into sightseeing, shopping, or a meal without commuting far.

That matters because candle-making is a sensory activity. Once you’ve been handling soy wax and sniffing fragrance oils, you often want a calm next stop nearby—something bright and easy rather than getting stuck in traffic.

Also, because this activity ends back at the meeting point, you don’t have to solve a second logistics puzzle. You’re already set up to wander.

Price and Value: Is $75 for One 8 oz Candle Reasonable?

At $75 per person, you’re paying for a guided craft class, the supplies, and the customization experience—not just the materials. The candle you make is an 8 oz 100% soy candle, and the class provides the wax, fragrances, and vessel, plus the time with a facilitator.

So is it worth it? For the people who rate it highly, the value comes from three places:

• The process feels fun and well taught, including help blending scents.
• You walk away with something personal, not generic.
• The vibe is calming and social, with some added reflection through journaling.

But balance matters. A few lower ratings focused on price not matching time. When the class ends early for you, the math feels harsher—especially if you were expecting more hands-on steps or more time for instruction.

My take: if you’re excited about fragrance selection and you enjoy a guided workshop, $75 can feel fair as a one-time experience. If you want a quick, no-thinking activity, you might feel it’s pricey for the amount of time spent.

Also factor in parking. Parking isn’t included, but there’s a note about validated parking: $12 for 3 hours. If you’re driving, that helps, but it’s still an extra line item compared to using transit.

Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Want a Different Activity)

This candle class is a strong fit if you want a creative activity that’s still easy to join. It works for:

• Friends and group outings where you can laugh while picking scents
• Date night energy that combines a relaxing activity with a take-home keepsake
• Solo travelers who want something calm and guided instead of a museum sprint
• Families looking for a hands-on workshop (one class member brought a 14-year-old and had a good time)

It may be less ideal if you’re very sensitive to scents. During the fragrance choosing, the room can smell strongly. One person specifically noted they were ready for less-scented air by the end.

And if you care deeply about guided time, consider the pacing variable. The class is about 1 hour 15 minutes, but your personal scent decisions can change how long you feel you’re in it.

The Staff and Vibe: Clear Teaching, Good Energy, and Real Personality

The teaching style shows up in the feedback. Multiple people praised facilitators by name and highlighted how patiently the process is explained. One review specifically called out Alana as a great facilitator, and others mentioned Reggie and his team, with the shop’s on-site staff creating a welcoming, positive environment.

That matters because candle-making is partly technique and partly comfort. If someone is checking your pour and helping you feel confident about fragrance choices, you end up enjoying the class instead of worrying.

The vibe also seems intentional: people described it as good vibes, a relaxing reset, and a nice experience for meaningful moments like birthdays.

If you’re the type who likes a calm atmosphere where you can chat or just focus on your own blend, you’ll likely appreciate it.

Should You Book Chicago Candle Making Class on Magnificent Mile?

Book it if you want a guided, social-friendly workshop on the Magnificent Mile and you’re excited about making a custom 100% soy candle. I think this is a great choice when you value the process: picking fragrance oils, pouring your own candle, and taking home something that smells like your own taste.

Skip—or at least rethink—if your main goal is maximizing time for the price. Because the scent-selection step can make the session feel shorter or longer, you’ll want to go in prepared to spend time choosing a blend that you truly love.

If you do book, do two things that will make the biggest difference: bring your own alcohol if you want it (BYOB is included), and arrive with enough time to locate Reggie Hathorn on the 6th floor at 900 N Michigan Ave Shops.

FAQ

How long is the Chicago Candle Making Class on Magnificent Mile?

The class runs about 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.). Actual pacing can vary depending on how long you take with fragrance selection.

What do I get to take home?

You create and take home one custom 8 oz candle made with 100% soy wax, customized with your chosen fragrances.

What is included in the price?

Included items are the candle and custom candle you create, plus BYOB.

Do I need to bring anything besides myself?

You do not need to bring supplies for the candle. If you plan to bring your own food, note that no utensils are provided.

Where do I meet for the class?

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

Is parking available?

Parking is not included, but there is a note about validated parking for $12 for 3 hours.

Is there a cancellation option if plans change?

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