Dancing Lights

Level & School
Illusion cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S, M (a bit of phosphorus)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

You create up to four torch-size lights within range, making them appear as torches, lanterns, or glowing orbs that hover for the duration. Alternatively, you combine the four lights into one glowing Medium form that is vaguely humanlike. Whichever form you choose, each light sheds Dim Light in a 10-foot radius.

As a Bonus Action, you can move the lights up to 60 feet to a space within range. A light must be within 20 feet of another light created by this spell, and a light vanishes if it exceeds the spell's range.

Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S, M (a bit of phosphorus or wychwood, or a glowworm)
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

You create up to four torch-sized lights within range, making them appear as torches, lanterns, or glowing orbs that hover in the air for the duration. You can also combine the four lights into one glowing vaguely humanoid form of Medium size. Whichever form you choose, each light sheds dim light in a 10-foot radius.

As a bonus action on your turn, you can move the lights up to 60 feet to a new spot within range. A light must be within 20 feet of another light created by this spell, and a light winks out if it exceeds the spell's range.

Dancing Lights 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version changes the school to illusion, specifies "up to 1 minute" duration, clarifies "hover" without "air," and states "vanishes" instead of "winks out." The core mechanics of creating up to four lights, moving them as a bonus action, and the range and radius remain the same.

Spells similar to Dancing Lights

  • Light

    Both create a source of light that lasts for a duration.

  • Minor Illusion

    Both are illusion spells that create sensory effects.

  • Druidcraft

    Both have utility in creating sensory effects, although Druidcraft focuses on weather.

  • Thaumaturgy

    Both can create minor magical effects with a decorative or useful purpose.

  • Mage Hand

    Both provide utility by allowing manipulation of objects at a distance.