Lighting a candle isn’t just about the act itself—it’s about what it represents. I’ve always felt a sense of calm wash over me when I strike a match and watch the flame flicker to life. For many, especially in Jewish communities, candle lighting marks the start of something sacred, like Shabbat or a holiday such as Hanukkah or Yom Kippur. These moments are tied to specific times, usually just before sunset, which is why knowing the exact time matters so much.
I remember a road trip through Colorado a couple of years ago. I stopped in a small mountain town on a Friday evening, and a local synagogue invited me to join their Shabbat service. At exactly 7:12 p.m., everyone paused to light candles. It wasn’t a random time—it was calculated based on the town’s location and the sun’s position. That experience showed me how candle lighting connects us to the rhythms of nature, no matter where we are. Whether you’re in bustling New York City or a quiet campsite in Montana, the time shifts because the sun sets differently everywhere.
Beyond religious traditions, candle lighting matters to people for all sorts of reasons. I’ve met folks who light candles to meditate, honor loved ones, or simply make a dinner feel special. Knowing when to light them can help you align with a community or create a personal ritual. For those of us who love the open road, it’s a way to bring a bit of home into our travels, whether we’re parked at a scenic overlook or a roadside diner.
How to Find Candle Lighting Times for Tonight
Figuring out when to light candles tonight is pretty straightforward once you know where to look. I’ve spent hours researching this for my own travels, and I’ve found a few methods that work like a charm. The easiest way is to use an online tool like Chabad.org or Hebcal.com. These websites are my go-to because they’re accurate and super easy to use. Just type in your city or zip code, and they’ll tell you the exact time for candle lighting based on your location.
For example, last month I was in Atlanta, planning a Friday night dinner with friends. I checked Chabad.org and found that candle lighting for June 16, 2025, was at 8:15 p.m. That’s because Jewish tradition often calls for lighting candles 18 minutes before sunset to welcome Shabbat. I was curious, so I checked other cities. In Boston, it was 8:07 p.m. In Dallas, it was 8:13 p.m. And in Anchorage, Alaska, it was a jaw-dropping 10:43 p.m. because the sun sets so late there in June. It’s wild how much the time changes depending on where you are.
If you’re not online—say, you’re camping in the middle of nowhere—you can use a Jewish calendar. I keep one tucked in my car’s glove box for just such occasions. These calendars list candle-lighting times for major cities, though they’re less precise for smaller towns. Another option is to call a local synagogue. I did this once in Nashville, and the rabbi was happy to tell me the time for that Friday night.
For non-religious candle lighting, you can base it on sunset. Apps like AccuWeather or even your phone’s weather app will show you the exact sunset time for your location. I often light a candle right as the sky turns orange—it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on the day.
What Affects Candle Lighting Times?
You might be wondering why candle-lighting times are different every night and in every place. I was curious about this too, so I dug into the details. The biggest factor is the sun’s movement. Since candle lighting is often tied to sunset, it shifts daily as the Earth rotates. In summer, times are later because the days are longer. In winter, they’re earlier. For example, in Chicago, candle lighting might be around 4:15 p.m. in December but closer to 8:10 p.m. in June.
Your location’s geography plays a huge role too. Cities closer to the equator, like Miami, have sunset times that don’t vary much year-round. Places farther north, like Minneapolis or Portland, see bigger changes between seasons. I learned this during a cross-country drive from Florida to Washington state. In Florida, candle lighting was around 7:45 p.m. in June, but by the time I reached Seattle, it was closer to 8:55 p.m. It’s amazing how a few thousand miles can shift things so much.
Tradition adds another layer. For Shabbat, candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset to create a buffer, ensuring the day of rest starts early. Some communities light even earlier—20 or 40 minutes before—to add extra meaning. Holidays like Yom Kippur or Passover have their own rules, depending on the day they fall. For instance, if Passover begins on a Friday, candle lighting aligns with Shabbat. If it’s another day, it might be closer to sunset.
Here’s a table showing candle-lighting times for June 16, 2025, in different U.S. cities, based on my research using Hebcal.com:
| City | Candle Lighting Time (June 16, 2025) |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | 8:13 p.m. |
| Los Angeles, CA | 7:54 p.m. |
| Chicago, IL | 8:06 p.m. |
| Miami, FL | 7:53 p.m. |
| Seattle, WA | 8:56 p.m. |
These times are for Shabbat, 18 minutes before sunset. If you’re lighting for another reason, check your local sunset time and adjust as needed.
The Meaning Behind Candle Lighting
There’s something special about lighting a candle that goes beyond the flame itself. I’ve always felt it’s like creating a tiny beacon of hope or calm. In Jewish tradition, candles mark the start of Shabbat, a day to rest and connect with family and faith. The flames symbolize peace, joy, and a spark of the divine. I’ve joined friends for Shabbat dinners and noticed how the candles’ glow seems to hush the room, inviting everyone to be present.
But candle lighting isn’t just for religious folks. I’ve met people who light candles to honor someone they’ve lost, to meditate, or to make a moment feel sacred. One friend, a fellow car enthusiast, lights a candle every night in his camper van to wind down after a day of driving. Another buddy, who’s not religious at all, lights candles during winter road trips to make his SUV feel cozy. It’s a universal act that can mean whatever you want it to.
Holidays add even more depth. During Hanukkah, candles are lit to celebrate the miracle of light, with one more candle added each night. For Christmas, Advent candles mark the weeks leading up to the holiday. I’ve even seen candles used in secular traditions, like lighting one to celebrate a birthday or to set the mood for a roadside picnic. No matter the reason, the act feels like a way to pause and connect with something bigger.
How to Make Candle Lighting Part of Your Life
If you’re new to candle lighting or just want to try it, I’ve got some tips from my own experience. First, think about why you want to light a candle. Is it for a religious tradition like Shabbat? Or maybe you want to create a nightly ritual to unwind after a drive. Knowing your purpose helps you choose the right time and vibe.
For Shabbat, I light two candles about 18 minutes before sunset. I say a blessing, cover my eyes for a moment, and let the calm sink in. It’s a simple act, but it feels like a reset button for the week. If you’re not religious, you can make it your own. Maybe light a candle at sunset and say something you’re grateful for. I’ve done this at campsites, and it’s a beautiful way to end the day.
Choose a safe spot for your candles. I use a small metal tray on my table to catch wax drips. If you’re in a car or RV, go for battery-powered LED candles—they’re safer and won’t blow out. I’ve used these in national parks where open flames aren’t allowed, and they still create a warm glow.
Make it fun, too. I sometimes pick scented candles—like vanilla or pine—for non-religious nights. They add a little extra magic to the moment. If you’re on a road trip, pack a small candleholder or LED set in your trunk. I’ve lit candles at rest stops and felt like I was bringing a piece of home with me.
Candle Lighting and the Automotive Lifestyle
You might be thinking, “How does candle lighting fit into an automotive blog?” For me, it’s about the life we build around our cars. Driving is about freedom, adventure, and the moments we create along the way. Candle lighting can be part of that, whether you’re parked at a campsite, hosting a tailgate Shabbat, or just pausing to reflect after a long haul.
I’ve met car enthusiasts who weave rituals into their travels. One couple I met at a car show in Texas told me they light a candle every night in their RV to mark the end of the day’s drive. Another friend, a long-haul trucker, keeps an LED candle on his dashboard to remind him of his family. These small acts make the road feel less lonely and more like a space for meaning.
If you’re planning a trip, check candle-lighting times for your destination. It’s a great way to stay connected, especially if you’re crossing time zones. I once drove from California to Nevada for a car rally and used Hebcal.com to plan a Friday night stop for Shabbat. It turned a regular pit stop into something special, like a little oasis in the desert.
Safety Tips for Candle Lighting
Safety is a big deal when it comes to candles. I’ve had a few close calls, so I’m extra cautious now. Always use a sturdy holder or tray to catch drips. Keep candles away from anything that can catch fire, like curtains or maps. If you’re in a car or RV, stick to LED candles—they’re safer and won’t start a fire if they tip over.
Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting to keep the flame small and clean. I carry a tiny pair of scissors in my travel kit for this. Extinguish candles with a snuffer or by dipping the wick into the wax—blowing them out can splatter hot wax. And never leave candles unattended, especially around kids or pets. My dog once knocked over a candleholder while chasing his tail, and it was a mess I won’t forget.
For Shabbat or holidays, check if your tradition allows extinguishing candles. For Shabbat, I let them burn out naturally because putting them out is considered work. I buy extra-long candles for these nights to keep things safe.
Wrapping It Up
Exploring the question “When is candle lighting tonight?” has been a journey that’s taken me from city synagogues to quiet campsites, from the hustle of daily life to the peace of a flickering flame. It’s a simple question that opens up a world of meaning—whether you’re lighting candles for Shabbat, a holiday, or just to create a moment of calm on the road. For me, it’s a way to stay grounded, no matter where my car takes me. I love how it blends the practical—checking times, setting up safely—with the profound, like feeling part of a tradition or creating my own.
I hope this guide helps you find your own connection to candle lighting, whether you’re in Miami, Seattle, or a small town off the interstate. Check your local time, grab a candle, and let the glow bring a little light into your evening. It’s a small act that can make a big difference, turning an ordinary night into something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I light candles for Shabbat?
It’s usually 18 minutes before sunset on Friday, but it depends on your location. Use Chabad.org or Hebcal.com to find the exact time for your city.
How do I know candle-lighting times for Jewish holidays?
Times vary by holiday and day. Most are lit before sunset, like Shabbat, but some, like Hanukkah, are after nightfall. Check a Jewish calendar or online tool.
Can I light candles later than the official time?
For religious rituals like Shabbat, try to light candles on time to mark the day’s start. For personal rituals, you can light whenever feels right for you.
Are LED candles okay for candle lighting?
For Jewish traditions, real flames are preferred, but LED candles are great for safety or non-religious moments, like in cars or campsites.
Why do candle-lighting times change daily?
They’re tied to sunset, which shifts with the Earth’s rotation and your location. Summers times are later, winter times are earlier.
How many candles do I light for Shabbat?
Typically two, to symbolize the commandments to “remember” and “observe” Shabbat. Some families add one per child.
Is candle lighting only for religious people?
Not at all! Many light candles for meditation, ambiance, or to honor loved ones. It’s a personal ritual anyone can enjoy.