Lumos! Are the Harry Potter floating candles worth the hype? We tested two options to find out.
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Perfect for Halloween! These Harry Potter Floating Candles Turn Your House into Hogwarts
Published on Oct. 07, 2024
As Dumbledore says in the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” And this Halloween, that light is available on Amazon.
Our editors tried two of the most popular options for the viral Harry Potter floating candles to see if they’re worth the hype—and price. Here’s what we thought.Â
What are Harry Potter floating candles?
If you’ve seen one of the Harry Potter movies (or read the books), you know that the Great Hall at Hogwarts is enchanted to look like the outside sky. During feasts and dinners, thousands of candles float overhead and illuminate the tables below so students can see their pumpkin pasties and treacle tart.
Now, muggles can bring that enchanting magic into their own homes with the help of battery-powered candles and fishing line. Influencers all over TikTok and Instagram have been sharing their Hogwarts-inspired porches, dining rooms and hallways. Some have even used LED lights and poly-fill to create a lightning and cloud effect. Just like the viral Pottery Barn pillows and giant Home Depot skeleton, this was one Halloween trend we couldn’t wait to try. Â
How We Tested Harry Potter Floating Candles
To make sure this TikTok product is as magical as it looks, I tested Harry Potter floating candles alongside Content Director Nicole Doster. I tried the viral 20-pack that comes with a wand-shaped remote and Nicole opted for a set of six dripping candles made of real wax.
Floating Candles with Wand
After seeing dozens of Instagram reels, I ordered my own set of Harry Potter floating candles on Amazon Prime Day in July (by the way, another Prime Day is happening this fall on October 8 and 9). I knew that they would add a spooky glow to my Halloween decor and hopefully add some ambiance as we transition into the long, dark nights of fall.
My set arrived in a neat black box and included 20 candles that were roughly 6 inches long, a wand remote, hanging hooks, glue dots and a spool of fishing line. There was also a “Hogwarts acceptance letter” which I thought was pretty funny, especially since this set is not officially licensed.
Each candle requires one AAA battery, so keep that cost in mind before clicking add to cart. (I worked my way through half a Costco pack just for these candles.) Adding the batteries is pretty easy—simply twist off the bottom and pop in the AAA. Unfortunately, two of the candles would not screw back together with a battery inside. I could have likely troubleshooted the issue and taped them closed, but since I was decorating a relatively small space, I just cut my losses.
The next step was a little trickier. You need to thread the fishing line through the tip of the candle flame. This worked just fine for about half the candles, but the other half had a hole that was too small for the task. I raided my sewing kit and grabbed a needle to gently make the hole larger, but this was a tedious step I wasn’t expecting. Finally, though, the candles were ready to hang.
I knew I wanted to decorate our family room with candles, as that’s where our TV lives. (Hello, Harry Potter movie marathon!) The instruction sheet warns that the included hangers can damage the ceiling finish, so I wanted to find an inconspicuous spot. I settled on the nook above my bar cart and got to work. Each plastic hanger adhered quickly and easily. I looped the fishing line through, adjusted it to the desired height and tied off the line. Since I was working in such a small space, I only ended up hanging about a dozen candles. I placed the rest on my TV stand with the included glue dots.
Finally, after about an hour of work, I was able to wave the remote wand and enjoy the fruits of my labor. The result was pretty impressive. The candles really do look like they’re suspended in mid-air, especially at night. And I love the warm glow they cast—without the safety risk of 20 live flames.
After about a month of use, they’re still going strong. I haven’t had any issues with batteries burning out or candles falling. In fact, they’re so pretty that I plan to keep them up for Christmas, too. Now, all I need to do is whip up some Harry Potter recipes for my next movie night!
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
20 Floating Candles with Wand
This all-inclusive set includes fishing line, hangers and a wand-shaped remote. While the setup process is tedious, the end result is worth the hassle.
Pros:
- Truly creates a floating candle effect, especially at night
- 20-pack provides enough candles for small and large spaces
- Wand-shaped remote control is incredibly fun
- Includes hanging supplies
Cons:
- A few candles in our set didn't work properly
- Tricky to thread fishing line through the candle flame tips
- Requires 20 AAA batteries
Dripping Wax Candles with Remote
If you’re looking for a bigger impact, Nicole Doster tested a set of larger Harry Potter floating candles. The set of six measures about 10 inches long and is thicker, too. But what’s even cooler is that they’re made of real wax, making the illusion look even more lifelike.
“I’ve been using these flameless tapered candles around the holidays for the past three years and love to hang them from the ceiling for a floating candle effect,” Nicole explains. “They are wrapped in real wax and have a realistic flame that flickers. Friends and family have even asked me if they were real.”
Each candle requires two AAA batteries to work, so again, keep that extra cost in mind when choosing which Harry Potter floating candles to bring home. Plus, this set does not come with hanging tools. But Nicole admits that it’s easy enough to do with fishing wire and adhesive hooks.
The candles also come with a standard remote control with options for a timer and adjusting the flicker mode and the brightness. “I have never found the brightness mode very helpful since I always want them bright!” Nicole says.
Whether you’re hosting a Harry Potter party or a spooky dinner soiree, this set casts a magical, realistic glow.
NICOLE DOSTER
We Tried It
6 Dripping Wax Candles with Remote
This set of large, battery-operated candles are made of real wax for a realistic illusion. You'll need to order your own hanging tools, though.
Pros:
- Wax body looks incredibly lifelike
- Truly creates a floating candle effect, especially at night
- Larger candles provide a bigger impact
Cons:
- No hanging supplies included
- Remote is not wand-shaped
- Requires 12 AAA batteries
Where to Buy Harry Potter Floating Candles
Both the 20-piece set and the 6-piece set of floating candles are available on Amazon. Prices range from $23 to $60, but both are frequently on sale. While we found cons with both sets we tested, the overall effect is pretty enchanting and worth adding to your holiday display.
