No, LED lights emit virtually no heat...and even the regular xmas lights wouldn't heat enough (the mini ones) to melt or soften wax.

LED stay amazingly cool, I think. I would try it, but the first time I would be checking to make sure there was no problem. If they don't get hot in an hour or so, you are probably safe.

Thanks for the input. I also had an email suggestion to string the lights among logs on a grate. For the short term, I'll keep the candles but I'll be out looking for a cheap grate and logs. That might be a nice long term solution.

i love candles in clean, unused fireplaces! why not light the candles??

but, led lights won't melt the candle wax....

We have a Christmas lighting company and with all due respect, LED lights are ugly. About 5 years ago, we had clients request them and because they are way more expensive, we would tell the customer they can buy the lights but our price didn't go down to install. This year, I've had more clients specify that they don't want the "ugly lights, you know? the ones that are blue?"

Mini lights won't melt your candles.......