Why You Should Visit Yankee Candle Village
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There are so many things to do in Massachusetts, but if you love candles, or even if you don’t, Yankee Candle Village MA in South Deerfield is a must-visit. There is more to do here than just sniff candles and wax melts, though that’s more than enough for some of us.
You’ve undoubtedly seen a Yankee Candle store in the mall or have been to a stand-alone store, but visiting Yankee Candle Village MA is a different experience altogether.
It’s more than just a store; it’s an experience.
At the flagship Yankee Candle Factory you can learn the history of candle making, visit their fun gift shop, get your Christmas fix year-round, and, yes, sniff candles and wax melts until your heart’s content.
Any time is an amazing time to visit, but if you can, I recommend also taking a trip around Christmas time if you can. Even though it’s Christmas all year at Yankee Candle Village, Christmas time is an amazing time to visit. You can ride on a horse-drawn carriage, and the decorations outside add to the festive feel.
No matter what time of year you visit, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
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The History of Yankee Candle
Yankee Candle is a New England treasure that began in 1969 in South Hadley, Massachusetts, when Michael Kittredge created his first scented candle from melted crayons as a gift for his mother. He called this first candle simply Christmas 1969.
Neighbors then began expressing an interest in Michael’s candles, so he began making his candles in larger quantities.
Finally, he enlisted the help of his high school friends, Donald MacIver and Susan Obremski. With money from Donald MacIver’s part-time job and a heated room built by Susan Obremski’s father, Yankee Candle was well on its way to the store we all know today.
After Susan Obremski invented the turntable taper wheel, which doubled production, they were able to open their first Yankee Candle Shop in South Hadley, which Obremski managed in 1975.
That store moved to South Deerfield in 1983, where the flagship store remains. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Things to Do at Yankee Candle Village MA
Buy Candles and Wax Melts
This seems like a no-brainer and something you could do at any of the umpteen Yankee Candle stores around the country. True, but the Candle Emporium at the Yankee Candle flagship store has everything you could ever want and more.
Any scent you’re looking for, they have it. Any size you want, it’s here. With over 200,000 candles in 200 scents, you will discover scents and sizes you didn’t even know you wanted.
Make Your Own Candle Souvenir
Visit Wax Works in the back end of the Candle Emporium to make your own candle. There are several kinds to choose from.
Make a jar candle with wax “powder” that is melted into a candle, make a candle of your hand or an animal, create a personalized photo candle, or go old school and make a dip candle.
Learn How Candles Were Made in the Candle Making Museum
Have you ever wondered how they made candles way back when? At the Yankee Candle Village Candle Making Museum, you can see how candles used to look and attend a demonstration on the process.
Browse the Gift Shop
Find all kinds of fun souvenirs. Many are New England-centric, of course. You will find signs, clothing, mugs, ornaments, and more, from the kitschy to the practical.
We picked up this I Love New England puzzle in the gift shop.
Celebrate Christmas Any Time of the Year
It’s Christmas year-round at Yankee Candle Village. Visit the Yankee Candle Christmas Shop and Bavarian Village, where you’ll find thousands of ornaments, model trains, a 25-foot Christmas tree, Santa’s Toy Shop, and even Santa himself!
If you wait a few minutes, you will even see some snow in the Black Forest.
Check Out the Christmas Villages
The Halloween and Christmas Village displays are not to be missed. No matter your design or pop culture style, there is something here for everyone.
You will find traditional and Americana Christmas villages as well as Halloween villages. If you are into themes from movies and books, you will also find villages from The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Grinch, A Christmas Carol, and even Harry Potter.
Grab a Bite to Eat
There are plenty of places to eat at Yankee Candle Village MA so you can stay all day. Visit Chandler’s or grab a bite in the food court for a restaurant meal.
Are you just in the mood for some snacks? Get some fudge, Popcornopolis gourmet popcorn, “penny candy” at Yankee Candy, or Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Visit Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, MA
Yankee Candle Village address
25 Greenfield Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Phone number: 877-636-7707 – Call for information on hours, including extended holiday hours, or to book a group tour.
Yankee Candle Village hours
Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day when the village is closed.
*Hours are extended to 8:00 pm during holiday seasons.
Events at Yankee Candle
There is always something going on at the Yankee Candle flagship store. See their website for up-to-date Yankee Candle Village MA events, such as visiting the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, school vacation events, and more.
Yankee Candle Sales
Find out about Yankee Candle sales by visiting their website, where you can shop online or in-store. While at the village, look in the seconds room to get a deal on slightly imperfect, discontinued, or out-of-season candles and other swag.
