The holidays are full of wonderful aromas. There's the sharp, piney smell of a new Christmas tree; the comforting sweetness of freshly baked cookies; and the rich, warm zing of cinnamon and cloves. Our sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotion. Filling your home with a festive fragrance can evoke feelings of coziness, joy, and relaxation. For an instant hit of ambiance, there's nothing better than a holiday candle.
We've compiled a list of the top ten holiday candles to fill your home with wintry cheer. Our favorite? The Balsam Fir & Cedarwood Candle from La Jolie Muse. This candle combines the woody fragrances of cedar and fir with spicy pepper and musky patchouli for a sophisticated take on a classic holiday scent. Check out the rest of our favorite holiday candles below, and if you're struggling with candle indecision, our buying guide has some great tips to help you out!
These candles all have one thing in common: they're fantastically festive! But within the realm of holiday candles, there's a huge variety of scents and styles. We've included sweet, spicy, and fresh fragrances, as well as unscented and flameless options.
Balsam Fir & Cedarwood
$29.99
Size | 19.4 oz. |
---|---|
Wax | Soy |
Container | Glass |
Burn time | 90 hrs. |
Sparkling Cinnamon
$29.50
Size | 22 oz. |
---|---|
Wax | Paraffin |
Container | Glass |
Burn time | 110-150 hrs. |
Brown Sugar Chestnut
$10.99
Size | 12 oz. |
---|---|
Wax | Soy/paraffin blend |
Container | Glass |
Burn time | 25 hrs. |
$20.99
Size | 12 oz. |
---|---|
Wax | Soy |
Container | Glass |
Burn time | Not provided |
Winter White
$17.85
Size | 11.8 oz. |
---|---|
Wax | Paraffin |
Container | Tin |
Burn time | 50 hrs. |
Mulled Cider
$19.99
Size | 26 oz. |
---|---|
Wax | Paraffin |
Container | Glass |
Burn time | 170 hrs. |
Holiday
$43.62
Size | 8.1 oz. |
---|---|
Wax | Soy/paraffin blend |
Container | Glass |
Burn time | 50-60 hrs. |
$15.99
Size | 13 oz. |
---|---|
Wax | Soy/paraffin blend |
Container | Glass |
Burn time | 100 hrs. |
12 pack
$16.99
Size | 8 in. tapers |
---|---|
Wax | Paraffin |
Container | None |
Burn time | 8 hrs. |
3 pack
$22.99
Size | 4-6 in. |
---|---|
Wax | Not listed |
Container | None |
Burn time | Battery powered |
Image | 1 ![]() La Jolie Muse | 2 ![]() Yankee Candle | 3 ![]() Chesapeake Bay Candle | 4 ![]() Lorenzen Candle Co | 5 ![]() Illume | 6 ![]() Village Candle | 7 ![]() NEST Fragrances | 8 ![]() Our Own Candle Company | 9 ![]() Mega Candles | 10 ![]() GenSwin |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Natural Soy Wax Scented Candle | Large Jar Candle | Two-Wick Scented Candle | Christmas Tree Soy Candle | Noble Holiday Collection | Glass Jar Scented Candle | Classic Candle | Apple Pie Cinnamon Vanilla Scented Candle | Unscented Metallic Taper Candle | Flameless Flickering LED Candles |
Features | A Spicy Pine Scented Candle With a Wood Wick | A Warming, Cozy Candle in a Large Jar | A Sweet, Earthy Candle With a Minimal Container | Get the Christmas Tree Fragrance Without the Christmas Tree | A Bright, Woodsy Candle in a Festive Tin | A Candle That's Fruity, Spicy, and Sweet | A High-End Holiday Candle | A Mason Jar Candle for Apple Pie Lovers | Shiny Tapers for Your Holiday Table | A Decorative Wintry Flameless Candle |
Price | $29.99 | $29.50 | $10.99 | $20.99 | $17.85 | $19.99 | $43.62 | $15.99 | $16.99 | $22.99 |
Size | 19.4 oz. | 22 oz. | 12 oz. | 12 oz. | 11.8 oz. | 26 oz. | 8.1 oz. | 13 oz. | 8 in. tapers | 4-6 in. |
Wax | Soy | Paraffin | Soy/paraffin blend | Soy | Paraffin | Paraffin | Soy/paraffin blend | Soy/paraffin blend | Paraffin | Not listed |
Container | Glass | Glass | Glass | Glass | Tin | Glass | Glass | Glass | None | None |
Burn time | 90 hrs. | 110-150 hrs. | 25 hrs. | Not provided | 50 hrs. | 170 hrs. | 50-60 hrs. | 100 hrs. | 8 hrs. | Battery powered |
Link |
When buying a holiday candle, the fragrance is a top priority. However, there are other factors to consider, too, like the type of wax used and the container it comes in. Keep reading for some tips on how to choose the right holiday candle for your home this winter.
Do you prefer a scent that’s light and refreshing or rich and warm? Holiday scents are generally fruity, woody, sweet, or spicy, but many are also a combination of these.
Fruit is a symbol of abundance and is often tied to the holidays. Think orange and clove pomanders, cranberry garlands, and apple pie. Fruity scents are fresh, vibrant, and juicy. They’re sweet without being too heavy and can be a comforting scent in any room of the home.
If you find yourself drawn to fruity scents, consider which type of fruit you like. Holiday candles often include orange, pomegranate, apple, cranberry, or plum. Many fruity scents may be combined with warming spices like cinnamon or cloves for added dimension.
There’s something special about being inside a warm, cheery home on a cold winter night. The classic carol says it best: “Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful.” Woody scents perfectly encapsulate this feeling.
They’re crisp and fresh, like a snowy forest, while still being rich and rustic, like a warm hearth. For the holidays, fir, pine, and spruce will provide the classic Christmas tree fragrance. For a more earthy, smoky scent, look for cedarwood, chestnut, sandalwood, or vetiver.
The holidays are a time for indulgence, especially in the form of sweet treats. If you constantly crave the smell of freshly baked goods, consider a sweet and spicy candle.
Some candles are made to mimic the smell of a specific dessert, like gingerbread, apple pie, or snickerdoodles. Others may just include a blend of delicious smells. Sweet and spicy scents will commonly include vanilla, brown sugar, caramel, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and even peppermint!
If you love the look of candles but don’t want any fragrance, consider an unscented holiday candle. Unscented candles are a great option for people who are sensitive to smells. They’re also ideal for dining rooms since scented candles may interfere with your sense of taste.
Unscented holiday candles can be real or battery-powered. If you like a more elegant or minimal look, try tea lights, votives, or tapers in solid holiday colors like red, gold, silver, or white. If you prefer a cuter holiday aesthetic, look for candles decorated with holiday designs, like reindeer, ornaments, or Santas.
The type of wax used in a candle can affect its burn time and scent throw. You’ll typically see candles made from soy or paraffin wax. While there is some discussion on the health effects of paraffin wax, there have not been enough scientific studies to support that one wax is healthier than another.
Soy wax is made from soybeans, which are a natural and renewable resource. It's biodegradable and burns slowly, which can mean a longer-lasting candle with less smoke and soot.
Soy wax candles don’t hold as much fragrance as other wax, so their scent throw is subtler. This can be a pro or con, depending on your personal preference. Soy wax is sometimes blended with other ingredients, like vegetable oils, coconut oil, or paraffin wax.
Paraffin wax is made from petroleum, coal, or shale oil that has been extracted from the earth. It’s a traditional candle wax that’s prized for its ability to hold color and scent.
Paraffin has a faster burn time than soy wax, so the candle may not last as long. Paraffin candles are not as eco-friendly as soy candles, but they may be a better choice if you prefer a stronger scent.
Like the type of wax used, the candle's size will affect its burn time and scent throw. Candles are measured in ounces, but the manufacturer will often list the estimated burn time in the product details.
Smaller candles may burn for 20 to 30 hours, while larger candles can burn for over 100 hours. Generally, smaller candles will throw less scent, while larger candles will throw more.
A smaller candle is a great option for a smaller or more enclosed room or if you want to try out a new scent. Larger candles are best for big rooms and open spaces. Larger candles are more of a commitment, so we recommend going with a scent you know you love.
The container is an important aspect of a candle’s aesthetic. Some holiday candles have cute designs, some are more minimal, and some are simply informative. If you plan to show off your candle on a table or display it on a shelf, make sure it comes in a container that fits your style.
Most holiday candles will come in either a glass or tin container, both of which can be reused or recycled once the candle is done. Glass containers allow more light to pass through. Sometimes the glass will be colored or textured, which can be a beautiful look.
Tin containers won’t allow light to pass through, but they’re lightweight and won’t shatter if dropped. Also, think about whether or not you want a lid for the candle. While lids aren’t necessary, they’re convenient for storage and will prevent your candle from getting dusty when not in use.
'Tis the season to make your home jolly! Create a merry atmosphere with music, decor, and more.
Holiday candles are an easy way to create a festive ambiance in your home this winter. Fill your living room with the fragrance of fresh, crisp pine, or perfume your kitchen with warm spices and vanilla. Or, buy multiple candles and light them depending on your mood.
When purchasing a holiday candle, pay special attention to all of the scent notes to ensure that it's something you'll enjoy. Think about what kind of atmosphere you want to create. And if you're not sure about a new scent, you can always start with a small candle!
Author: Melissa Jong
Household goods
Home electronics, PC, camera
Cosmetics and skincare
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Smartphones and mobile phones
Mobile data
Investment and asset management
Credit cards and loans
Insurance
Music
Smartphone applications