It’s that time of year again when our home glows from the inside out and the world feels a little kinder.
Every December I wait for the sun to set, the house to quiet down and all the soft lights and candles to come alive. There’s just something about Christmas at night, the flickering of the flame, the twinkling of the lights, the silence that settles over everything that makes me stop, breathe and reflect on what really matters.
I always say that home is more than a place; it’s a feeling. And at Christmas it’s that feeling pure magic.
I’m continuing our usual tradition here of sharing with you this year’s Christmas Night Candlelight Tour. Think of it as your virtual holiday walk around our home after dark, no chatter, just cozy pictures to scroll through, moments of cocoa sipping by the fire, and a little peace for your busy season.
Related: How to photograph Christmas tree lights at night
Entrance hall
This year the entrance looks a little different than usual and not by choice.
Just days before I photographed this tour, we had a pipe burst that resulted in a complete water cut in our foyer (the kind that turns your home upside down overnight). Because of this, I don’t have as much input to share after dark as I usually do.
But luckily, I was able to capture two photos of our lobby lit up at night before the mayhem began, and I’m glad I did.
Beauty can exist even when things are not completely finished or perfect. And honestly, it feels right for this season.
Dining room
Walk a little further and the tree in the dining room stands tall and glitters.
I am so excited about how ours DIY tree stand planter ended up here. This room reads almost like a painting in the dark: rich greens, soft whites and warm amber light against the landscape mural.
Switching from candles to battery lights was definitely a good decision here.
The media room is one of the most sentimental spaces in our home at Christmas, especially at night.
I kept the mantelpiece simple but layered with an asymmetrical garland, soft fairy lights and lots of candles flickering in front of the mirror above the mantelpiece. Once the lights go down, everything is reflected and doubled, and the whole room takes on this warm, golden glow that feels especially cozy.
Our Christmas tree here might be my favorite of all, not because it’s perfectly styled, but because it’s filled with memories to last a lifetime. Every ornament has a story, from pieces Robert and I hung on the trees from our childhood, to the girls’ handmade ornaments and more recently, collected as road trip memories. This is a timeline of our family, softly glowing after dusk.
On the hearth, I always put my wooden shoes next to my brother’s, a gift that grandfather brought us from Holland when we were little. It’s a small detail, but one that means so much, especially at this time of year now that he’s no longer with us.
And under the tree, you’ll usually find Christmas storybooks strewn about, ready for cozy evenings reading together with our girls. This room is all about tradition, memory and making room for moments that feel slow and meaningful.
Master bedroom
Our master bedroom practically wanted to be dressed up for Christmas this year.
We recently painted the walls a rich, moody green (Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue) and once the lights go down, the color envelops the room in the coziest, most soothing glow. Seriously, it feels like a warm hug here. It didn’t need much to feel festive, just a few simple layers.
I added a string of garland along the headboard, a few vases filled with winter foliage, and some lighted branches on the dresser for a soft, shimmering touch.
But really the magic in this room comes from the lamps. This warm, low lighting against the dark walls creates that relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Here is a quiet Christmas, simple, cozy and relaxed, which feels especially welcome at the end of the day during the busy season.
Living room
This year we painted the mantel a dark blue (The Temptation of Benjamin Moore) and added tongue and groove boards to the ceiling, which instantly gave the room a richer, more luxurious feel. At night, these updates really come alive.
Darker tones ground the space, while candlelight and twinkling lights soften everything around them.
I also took a few of my grandmother’s silver items out of storage and finally gave them a good polish. Seeing them on display again was such a joy. The way the candlelight reflects off the silver adds the most beautiful effect to the room. We feel like we have a piece of her with us this season.
With the lit Christmas tree, flickering fireplace and room bathed in soft light, this is where the house feels most comforting as we settle in for movie night. It’s where we gather, unwind and hang out, and at night it really feels like the heart of our home.
As I walk through our candlelit home each year, I’m reminded that Christmas was never meant to be loud or rushed. It was to be quiet, holy, and full of hope. One single light breaking through the darkness, the Light of the world, to dwell with us.
I hope this candlelight tour feels like a little break in your season. A reminder to slow down, rest your heart and make room for what matters most. From our home to yours, may your nights be peaceful and your Christmas filled with His presence.
PS If you want to take a photo of your home with candles at night, you can use mine Christmas glow presets mine too a guide to night photography here I would love to see how your candlelight tours are doing this year! Tag me so I can swoon over your cozy lights and flickering candles.
