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Advent wreath & candles 2026: what to buy
Short answer: For a Catholic Advent wreath you need a round frame or candle holder, three purple candles and one rose (pink) candle, and some greenery. Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, November 29, so order by about November 20 to have everything in time for the first Sunday. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday (December 13).
1. The wreath frame or holder
Choose a metal or wooden ring with four candle cups, or a flat base you can dress with greenery. Check that the cups fit the candles you buy: taper holders take taper candles, and pillar plates take pillars.
Shop Advent wreath holders on Amazon
2. The candles: three purple, one rose
Most families use tapers or small pillars. Buy a set made for Advent so the purple and rose shades match. Some sets add a white "Christ candle" for Christmas Day.
Shop Advent candle sets (3 purple, 1 rose) on Amazon
3. Greenery
Fresh evergreen from the yard works well, but it dries out and is a fire risk near flames. Artificial greenery or a faux pine ring lasts all season and can be stored for next year.
4. With small children: flameless candles
LED candles in Advent colors let little ones "light" the wreath themselves, and they're the safe choice for dorms, apartments and anywhere open flame isn't allowed.
Shop flameless Advent candles on Amazon
5. Small extras that help
- A candle snuffer, so children can put the candles out safely. Shop snuffers
- Drip protectors or a tray under the wreath to protect the table. Shop drip protectors
- Jesse tree ornaments, if your family keeps a Jesse tree alongside the wreath. Shop Jesse tree ornaments
Which candle on which Sunday (2026)
| Sunday | Date | Candles lit |
|---|---|---|
| First Sunday of Advent | Nov 29 | 1 purple |
| Second Sunday of Advent | Dec 6 | 2 purple |
| Third Sunday (Gaudete) | Dec 13 | 2 purple + the rose |
| Fourth Sunday of Advent | Dec 20 | All four |
The Advent Family Planner 2026 ($9 printable) has a wreath schedule with who lights and who reads each week, and the Advent 2026 calendar has every day of the season.
Questions
Why is one candle pink?
The rose candle marks Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, when the Church's tone turns to joy as Christmas comes near. Rose vestments may be worn at Mass that day.
When should I order?
Aim for about November 20 so everything arrives before the First Sunday of Advent on November 29.
Can I use the same wreath every year?
Yes. A metal or wooden holder with artificial greenery lasts for years; you only replace the candles.
