Yankee Candle's Free Candle Day Returns Aug. 15 — With One Change

Yankee Candle is generous with discounts (we look forward to getting up to 75% off during the Semi-Annual Sale twice a year), but you can't beat free. Especially because large jar and tumbler candles ($34.99 at full price) are typically included in the Yankee Candle free candle giveaways.

Yankee Candle threw their first free-candle event for rewards members in 2025, and they've confirmed it's coming back in 2026 on Aug. 16. We called stores for the details and confirmed there's a change this year, though. You have to make a $10 purchase to get the free candle.

The Yankee Candle Love at First Light Event is a 1-day sale, with free candles for rewards members in-store only.

The free candles are part of Yankee Candle's Love at First Light Event, an in-store event for Fragrance Family Rewards members. During the event, you'll receive an Original Large Jar candle (the biggest jar size, not mini or small). These candles usually retail for $34.99.

During 2025 event, no purchase was required. You just had to be a rewards member and go to a store. But for the 2026 sale, the stores we called confirmed you'll need to make a $10 purchase.

For all Yankee free candle giveaways, there's a limit of one per rewards member. Also, expect limited supply of each eligible scent. We suggest getting to the store as early as you can whenever they offer a free candle. This event happens only at Yankee Candle stand-alone stores, not at stores (Target, Kohl's, etc.) that sell Yankee candles.

The Yankee Candle free candle event happens on Aug. 15.

This is a 1-day event, and now that it's happened two years in a row, we expect it'll be recurring.

Go for these combinations to spend (almost) exactly $10

Unless you were already planning on buying candles, you'll want to minimize your out-of-pocket spend. Here are some possible combinations:

• 3 for $12 Mini Candles

• 1 Mini Candle + 2 Car Jars for $10.99 total

• 1 Wax Melt + 1 Mini Candle for $10.49 total

Joining Yankee Candle's rewards program lets you earn free candles with points, plus a birthday freebie.

Remember, you need to join the rewards program to get your free candle, but joining is a good move anyway. That's because the program lets you earn 1 point per dollar through your Yankee Candle spending. Every 500 points gets you $5 to spend at Yankee Candle. Plus, on your birthday, you get a free birthday gift: Regular members get a free small tumbler candle for their birthday. But if you earn 1,000 points in a calendar year, you'll hit Fragrance Lover status, which gets you a free large classic jar candle or large tumbler jar candle on your birthday.

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