Want to bring the magic of Hogwarts to your next party or movie night? These floating Harry Potter candles made from pool noodles are an easy, budget-friendly way to create a spellbinding atmosphere. With just a few simple materials and a bit of creativity, you can transform any space into the enchanted Great Hall—no charms or spells required! This DIY craft is perfect for Harry Potter fans of all ages and makes a stunning party decoration that really glows.

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How to Make Floating Candles

Creating floating candles is easier than you might think and adds an instant magical touch to any Harry Potter-themed event. With just pool noodles, tealights, and a few simple supplies, you can craft glowing decorations that look like they’re straight out of the Great Hall. Here’s how to make your own!

Materials:

  • Pool noodles (the skinny ones are preferable) If you don’t want to paint them, and you want them white, you could buy white ones. The lighter the better so if you paint them, it covers easily. I got mine at the dollar store.

  • Battery-operated tealight candles (one for each noodle candle) You can also find these at the dollar store.

  • Hot glue gun (optional)

  • Light tan or white acrylic paint

  • Fishing line or clear thread

  • Large needle

  • Scissors or serrated knife (for cutting noodles)

Instructions:

  1. Cut the pool noodles:
    Use a serrated knife to slice the pool noodles into candle-length sections (6–8 inches long works great for variety).

  2. Paint if needed:
    If your pool noodles aren’t white or tan, give each piece a coat of acrylic paint. Let them dry completely. We did ours tan. I thought they looked better.

  3. Create the “dripping wax” effect:
    Use a hot glue gun to apply glue around the top edge of each noodle piece. Let it drip naturally down the sides to look like melted wax. Allow to cool and dry fully. (This is an optional step. We didn’t do it and they still turned out great.)

  4. Insert tealights:
    Most battery tealights fit perfectly into the top of a pool noodle piece. If needed, hollow out the center of the noodle slightly with a spoon or scissors so the tealight sits snugly inside.

  5. Add fishing line for hanging:
    Use a large needle or skewer to poke two small holes near the top of the noodle on opposite sides. Thread a piece of fishing line through and tie it into a loop.

  6. Hang your candles:
    Hang the candles from the ceiling using tape, push pins, or clear hooks. Vary the heights to create a floating effect like in the Hogwarts Great Hall.

Tips:

  • Turn on the tealights just before guests arrive for maximum magic.

  • Combine with starry backdrops or floating keys for extra Hogwarts vibes.

  • Add a little shimmer to the candles with metallic or pearl paint for a magical touch.

Other Places to Use Floating Candles

Floating candles made from pool noodles are a fun and magical decoration that can be used in a variety of settings beyond just Harry Potter parties. Their glowing, enchanted look adds a whimsical touch to any themed event or cozy space. Here are some great places and occasions to use them:

  • Harry Potter-themed birthday parties

  • Halloween parties or haunted house decor

  • Movie nights or Harry Potter marathons

  • Book fairs or library reading corners

  • Classroom decorations for a fantasy unit

  • Church youth events or camp themes

  • Sleepovers or magical-themed playdates

  • Theater or stage props for fantasy productions

These candles are lightweight, easy to hang, and totally reusable, making them a perfect addition to any event that needs a bit of magical flair.

How Will you Make your Magical Candles?

With a little imagination and a few inexpensive supplies, you can recreate one of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter series right in your own home. These floating pool noodle candles are sure to impress your guests and add a magical finishing touch to your party decor. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, movie marathon, or themed dinner, these DIY candles are a fun and memorable way to light up the night—wizard style!