A Magical Birthday Experience: Candlelight Concerts of Taylor Swift

Over the past few months, I couldn’t help but notice the glowing ads for Candlelight Concerts popping up all over my social media. Each time, I wondered if it might be something my husband and I would enjoy. Then, my daughter went to a Candlelight Concert performance of Hans Zimmer in Sacramento and loved it. That was enough to convince me to give it a try, and as luck would have it, there was a show on my birthday featuring Taylor Swift songs. So, I thought, "Why not?"

Now, before diving into my experience, I have to mention that my daughter’s debrief after her show was super helpful. She had the inside scoop on both the good and the not-so-good parts of the event, which made the ticket-buying process and navigating the experience much smoother. For instance, in Sacramento, the seating is divided into Zones A, B, and C. She was seated in Zone B and shared that she couldn’t fully see the candles because of where she was sitting, which diminished the magic of the ambiance. So, armed with her advice, we opted for Zone A, and boy, am I glad we did.

We arrived about 45 minutes early to claim good seats since seating within each Zone is first come, first serve. This turned out to be the best decision! We were able to snag a front-row spot, and I can’t stress enough how much it enhanced the experience. The view of the flickering candles was absolutely stunning—especially compared to the darker Zones B and C, where the candles’ soft glow couldn’t fully shine.

The atmosphere itself was truly something out of a dream. Soft candlelight surrounded the stage, creating an intimate and serene environment. Four incredibly talented musicians took the stage—two violinists, a cellist, and a performer on the viola. They introduced themselves, gave us a rundown of what to expect, and shared interesting tidbits about the original artists. It was like they were weaving stories with their instruments.

When the music started, I was instantly swept away into a world where it was just me and the sound. No vocals, but somehow, you could still hear every word and emotion of Taylor Swift’s iconic songs. I’ve always had a deep connection to music, and while Taylor Swift may not be everyone’s favorite, her songs have a way of tapping into deep feelings. Without the distraction of lyrics, the musicians did an incredible job of expressing the songs’ emotional depth. It was like a private concert—just me, the flickering candles, and the music. I can’t quite put into words how magical it felt, but let me tell you, I’m ready to see another show.

That said, there were a few drawbacks. The chairs? Plastic foldable ones like you’d find at Costco. The seats were very close together, making it a bit uncomfortable, especially if you’re like me and enjoy a little personal space. My suggestion would be to reduce the number of seats and give us a little more room to stretch out. Also, a heads up: no food or water is allowed, though they did sell bottled water for $2. As for photos and videos, they’re off-limits until the last song, which is understandable to keep everyone immersed in the experience.

All in all, this Candlelight Concert was the perfect birthday gift to myself. It was a beautiful blend of music, ambiance, and atmosphere that I’ll cherish for a long time. If you’re considering it, I highly recommend going—just make sure to follow the tips for seating and get there early! You won’t regret it.