DIY Floating Candle Centerpieces For Your Christmas Table

The holidays are here, and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s that magical time of year when everything feels a little cozier, a little brighter, and a lot more festive. But I also know how overwhelming it can be to juggle all the decorating, gift-buying, and holiday prep. That’s why I love finding ways to make our home feel special without adding too much stress. This DIY project is the perfect example of that—simple, beautiful, and super quick. These floating candle centerpieces are a charming addition to your Christmas table or any holiday setting, and they’ll fill your home with all the warmth and cheer you crave this season. Which is why I’ve made them several times!

mason jar floating candles

If you love the idea of adding a little greenery to your holiday decor, you might also enjoy my post on How to Make Rosemary Wreath Christmas Place Cards. It’s another simple and beautiful way to bring nature into your holiday table settings. Just like these floating candles, the rosemary wreaths add a fresh touch of charm and elegance. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or a cozy gathering, these place cards are the perfect little detail to make your table feel extra special. After all, it’s the little things that make the season feel so warm and inviting!

How to Make Holiday Mason Jar Floating Candles

Quick & Easy Floating Candles for Your Christmas Centerpiece

Supplies

For each floating candle you wish to make:

  • mason jar
  • 10-15 frozen or fresh cranberries (depending on size of jar)
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1-3 cups of water (depending on size of jar)
  • 1 floating candle

Instructions

1. Place sprigs of rosemary into mason jar. You can trim them to fit, or bend them into the jar however you like. 

2. Fill mason jar with water to just below the rim. 

3. Add cranberries. 

4. Gently place floating candle into water, pushing cranberries out of the way if necessary. 

floating candle holiday centerpieces

And yes, if you’re wondering, those are tea lights in my jars, not floating candles. I totally forgot to grab the floating candles when I got supplies for this project. And no, they don’t really work as well as floating candles. Lol. They tend to want to sink. Which is not good, because water and flames don’t really mix. So, do yourself a favor and remember to get floating candles for this project! 

Quick & Easy Floating Candles for Your Christmas Centerpiece

FAQs

Can I use other types of greenery besides rosemary?

Absolutely! You can use any fresh greenery you like, such as pine sprigs, eucalyptus, or even holly. Just make sure the sprigs are sturdy enough to stay in place when submerged in water.

Can I use fresh cranberries, or do I need frozen ones?

Either will work! Frozen cranberries tend to float better because they’re a bit firmer, but fresh cranberries will still give a lovely, festive look.

Where can I find floating candles?

loating candles are available at most craft stores, big-box stores, or even online retailers. If you can’t find them, regular tea lights will work in a pinch—just make sure they’re securely placed in the water so they don’t tip over.

How long will the floating candles last?

Depending on the size of the candles, they should last for several hours. If you want them to last longer, you can use larger floating candles or tea lights, though they may not float as well.

mason jar floating candles

DIY Mason Jar Floating Candle Centerpieces

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $15-$30

These floating candle centerpieces are a charming addition to your Christmas table or any holiday setting, and they’ll fill your home with all the warmth and cheer you crave this season.

Materials

  • mason jar
  • 10-15 frozen or fresh cranberries (depending on size of jar)
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1-3 cups of water (depending on size of jar)
  • 1 floating candle

Instructions

    1. Place sprigs of rosemary into mason jar. You can trim them to fit, or bend them into the jar however you like.
    2. Fill mason jar with water to just below the rim.
    3. Add cranberries.
    4. Gently place floating candle into water, pushing cranberries out of the way if necessary.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

And just like that, you’ve created a gorgeous and easy centerpiece that’ll add a festive touch to your holiday table. The beauty of these floating candles is in their simplicity—you don’t need to spend hours on complicated projects to make your home feel magical. Plus, you can customize them with different decorations or scents to suit your style. I hope this little DIY brings you as much holiday joy as it has for me. Remember, sometimes the simplest things are the most beautiful! Enjoy the season and let your creativity shine.

Have you made a floating candle centerpiece before? Let me know in comments below!

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