Schlitz Christmas Candle facts for kids
The Schlitz Christmas Candle is a giant candle-like structure. It appears every Christmas season in Schlitz, a small town in Hesse, Germany. It is about 42 meters (138 feet) tall. Many people believe it is the biggest non-wax candle in the world.
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The Amazing Schlitz Christmas Candle
The Schlitz Christmas Candle is a very special sight. It is created each year in the German town of Schlitz. This huge candle is thought to be the largest non-wax candle on Earth.
How the Candle is Made
The candle is made using a tall stone tower. This tower is right in the center of Schlitz. Workers drape a giant red cloth over the tower. Then, an electric flame is placed on top. This makes the tower look exactly like a huge Christmas candle. You can see its glow from far away. It stands high above the town's old buildings. These buildings have a special style called Tudor.
The Hinterturm Tower
The tower used for the candle is named the Hinterturm. It was built way back in the 14th century. This means it is hundreds of years old! The Hinterturm is what's left of an old castle. That castle is no longer standing today. You can even go inside the Hinterturm. An elevator takes visitors all the way to the top. From there, you can enjoy amazing views.
A Yearly Christmas Tradition
The Schlitz Christmas Candle has been a yearly tradition since 1991. The very first candle was lit on November 28, 1991. This candle is the main attraction for the town's Christmas market. The market is a fun place to visit. It has many vendors selling things. There are also activities and entertainment for everyone. Sometimes, even Santa Claus makes a special visit!
Why the Candle is Important
The Christmas Candle brings many people to Schlitz. The town's mayor, Hans-Jürgen Schäfer, once said, "People come from all over Germany just to take a look at the Christmas candle." This helps people around the world learn about Schlitz. Every January, the town gets newspaper stories. These stories are from all over the world. They all talk about the famous Schlitz Christmas Candle.
The Previous Record Holder
Before the Schlitz Christmas Candle, another candle held the record. It was believed to be the largest non-wax candle. This was the Peace Candle. It is a tower-like structure. It is put together every holiday season in Easton. Easton is a city in the United States.