The 15 Best Christmas Candles of 2021

Woody pine, energizing peppermint, and warm baked goods are just a few of the nostalgic scents that can easily transport you to a holiday celebration. While it's always fun to experience them during a gathering with loved ones, Christmas-inspired candles are a great way to get in the holiday spirit at home, no matter what day it is.

Whether you're craving the smell of a fresh tree or want to emulate a cozy night by a fireplace, there are tons of options out there that'll help you create a winter wonderland right at home. While you shop, consider the scent, size, burn time, and style of each candle for the perfect fit—after all, these make for great gifts too.

Here, the best Christmas candles.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust MyDomaine

Assam Tea Candle .

Apotheke

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Weight: 13 ounces | Wax Blend: Soy | Burn Time: 60-70 hours

If part of your Christmas morning tradition includes cozying up with a warm beverage, you'll love Apotheke's Assam Tea Candle. The limited-edition scent has notes of cardamom, ginger, black tea leaves, Moro orange, and pink pepper that create a warm, inviting scent.

The 13-ounce soy wax candle is housed in a minimal white ceramic vessel that'll stun anywhere in your home, whether it be on a mantel, coffee table, or nightstand. What's more, the candle (which has a unique blue wax) has an approximately 60-70 hour burn time, so you'll be able to get tons of use out of it.

Portable Xmas Candle.

Saks Fifth Avenue

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Weight: 7 ounces | Wax Blend: Soy-vegetable | Burn Time: 60 hours

The Christmas tree is a classic symbol of the Christmas season, but that doesn't mean you always have access to one each year. Whether you're living in a small space or you're traveling for the holidays, D.S. & Durga's Portable Xmas Candle is a great way to embrace the holiday, no pine needles required.

The seven-ounce candle is made with a soy-vegetable wax and has notes of spruce, snow, pine, incense, spices, and smoke. The limited-edition candle comes in a festive glass vessel and has a 60-hour burn time, so it'll last for this year's celebrations and beyond.

Old Fashioned Candle .

Otherland

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Weight: 8 ounces | Wax Blend: Coconut, soy | Burn Time: 50 hours

Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or you just want a unique holiday scent, Otherland's Old Fashioned Candle will make a great addition to your home. As part of the brand's glam Gilded Collection, the candle blends notes of plum brandy, worn leather, and dried fruit for a sophisticated fragrance you'll want to use all year.

The candle is made with a coconut and soy wax blend and cotton wick and has a 50-hour burn time. It's hand-poured into a decorative black vessel that's designed with a multicolor feathered motif on the front—once the candle burns through, you may even want to repurpose it.

Courtesy of Le Labo

View On Lelabofragrances.com

Weight: 8.6 ounces | Wax Blend: Soy | Burn Time: Not listed

There are tons of benefits of using a faux Christmas tree, but if you find that you're missing the classic pine scent, Le Labo's Pin 12 Classic Candle has you covered. The 100 percent soy wax candle has an aroma of pinewood, musk, and amber for a holiday fragrance you'll definitely want to use past December.

The 8.6-ounce candle is hand-poured into a thick glass vessel and feature's Le Labo's signature minimal label. Though you're sure to want this candle for yourself, the candle comes packaged in a kraft box with a personalized label that's great for gifting.

Holiday Candle .

Harlem Candle Co.

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Weight: 12 ounces | Wax Blend: Not listed | Burn Time: 80 hours

For a candle that truly captures the essence of Christmas, consider Harlem Candle Co.'s Holiday Luxury Candle. The scent combines notes of green pine, hyacinth, pine needle, eucalyptus, fir balsam, and cedarwood for a fragrance that'll transport you right to holiday celebrations no matter when you light it.

Inspired by Billie Holiday's favorite perfume, Emeraude, the candle's scent is meant to be strong yet dreamy, like Holiday herself. The 12-ounce candle is poured into a decorative green vessel and has an 80-hour burn time that'll last well beyond the holiday season. Depending on your preferences, you can also choose between either one wick or two.

Amazon

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Weight: 13.75 ounces | Wax Blend: Soy | Burn Time: 60-80 hours

For a unique spin on a classic piece of Christmas décor, consider The Nutcracker by Homesick. The 13.75-ounce candle blends notes of cinnamon, clove, pecan, sandalwood, wintermint, ginger, vanilla, and musk for a warm, inviting scent.

Though the glass vessel and minimal label are not as ornate as a nutcracker, the candle will still sit pretty on a mantel or coffee table. It's made with a soy wax blend and has an impressive burn time of 60-80 hours, so you'll be able to enjoy it all season long.

Winter Social Candle .

Anecdote

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Weight: 9 ounces | Wax Blend: Coconut, soy | Burn Time: 70 hours

Christmas is all about gathering with loved ones and spreading joy. While intimate dinner parties certainly do the trick, Anecdote's Winter Social Candle takes it one step further by capturing the essence of holiday celebrations.

Notes of sparkling berries, white woods, orange, prossecco, and pineapple come together for an uplifting fragrance. Though the 9-ounce gold tumbler is a beautiful addition to any holiday celebration, it's also offered in a budget-friendly travel tin.

Soiree Candle .

L'or de Seraphine

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Weight: 17 ounces | Wax Blend: Palm blend | Burn Time: 80 hours

No matter the time of year, peppermint is one scent that can always transport you back to the holiday season. L'or de Seraphine's Soirée Candle captures that essence thanks to notes of peppermint and vanilla that offer a warm, joyful fragrance for your home.

Though the scent is certainly noteworthy, the candle's packaging and holder are not to be missed. The soy wax blend is poured into a decorative ceramic vessel that has a damask pattern inspired by The Nutcracker. The candle, which is offered in two sizes, is packed in a matching decorative box that makes for a gorgeous gift.

Courtesy of Outdoor Fellow

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Weight: 8 ounces | Wax Blend: Coconut | Burn Time: 40-50 hours

There's nothing quite like being cozy by a fireplace with loved ones during the holiday season. If you don't have one in your home, though, Outdoor Fellow's No. 1 Fireplace and Clove Candle is the next best thing. The warm fragrance will create the aura of a cabin fireplace within minutes, no matter where you are.

The 8-ounce candle has notes of clove leaf, cedarwood, Guaiac wood, and Canadian spruce, amongst others, that emulate the scent of a true fireplace. Plus, 5 percent of proceeds from the candle will support The Trust for Public Land.

Brooklyn Candle Studio

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Weight: 10 ounces | Wax Blend: Soy | Burn Time: 70 hours

The holidays offer the opportunity to celebrate and toast with loved ones. Whether you're skipping adult beverages this year or just want to set the tone for a gathering, Brooklyn Candle Co.'s Vert Deco Holiday Edition Candle will make for a great addition to your home.

Notes of wild roses, red berries, and white musk come together for a unique scent that'll remind you of classic holiday cocktails. In a departure from the brand's typical minimal, clear holders, the candle is hand-poured into a matte emerald green glass vessel that'll stun in any home.

Merry & Bright Candle .

Amazon

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Weight: 9 ounces | Wax Blend: Soy | Burn Time: 40 hours

If you're looking for a thoughtful gift for anyone from co-workers to your favorite hostess, Sweet Water Decor's Merry & Bright Candle is a great option. The budget-friendly candle will spread holiday cheer thanks to a blend of classic Christmas scents anyone can appreciate.

The 9-ounce candle includes notes of bayberry, clove, nutmeg, fire, balsam, and fir. The soy wax blend is hand-poured into a minimal vessel that'll work well with any holiday décor, no matter the style. Plus, the candle includes a gold lid so it's easy to travel with or store between uses.

Christmas Eve Candle .

Johanna Howard Home

View On Johannahoward.com

Weight: 8 ounces | Wax Blend: Coconut, soy | Burn Time: Not listed

There's nothing like the warm feeling of gathering with loved ones and celebrating the holidays. No matter who you're celebrating with this year, Rose + Co.'s Christmas Eve candle captures the essence of a celebration with a scent inspired by mulled wine.

The coconut and soy wax blend is poured into a minimal glass vessel with a rose-colored label. Though you'll want to have the candle on display and lit all season long, it also includes a lid that makes it easy to travel with or store in between uses.

Spruce Candle .

P.F. Candle Co.

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Weight: 7.2 ounces | Wax Blend: Soy | Burn Time: 40-50 hours

For a classic holiday scent, consider P.F. Candle Co.'s Spruce Candle. The soy candle offers the feeling of a winter wonderland at home thanks to a combination of woodsy notes like snow powder, blue spruce, cedarwood, and citrus.

The candle is hand-poured into one of the brand's classic apothecary-inspired amber jars and includes a brass lid for easy storage. It's offered in two sizes, although the 7.2-ounce candle is recommended for dressers, countertops, and nightstands.

Sapin Candle .

Saks Fifth Avenue

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Weight: 6.7 ounces | Wax Blend: Not listed | Burn Time: Not listed

If you want to take your holiday décor up a notch, don't miss Diptyque's Sapin Candle. The limited-edition candle combines an inviting scent with a decorative vessel that'll look gorgeous anywhere in your home.

Fir tree essence, Guaiac wood, and moss are the key notes that create the candle's woody fragrance. The candle, which is offered in two sizes, is poured into a vessel that's speckled with a glam green and gold design. Though it's a bit of an investment piece, it makes for a stunning gift anyone on your list will love.

Balsam Fir Apothecary Jar.

228 Grant Street Candle Co.

View On 228grantstreet.com

Weight: 16 ounces | Wax Blend: Vegetable | Burn Time: 120 hours

If you're on the hunt for a classic woody Christmas scent, 228 Grant Street Candle Co.'s Balsam Fir Apothecary Jar is worth considering. The 16-ounce candle combines notes of balsam, evergreen, and deciduous with spicy clove bud for a unique home fragrance.

The soy candle is hand-poured into an amber apothecary-style jar that'll work well with other holiday decorations you may already have. Plus, the candle has an impressive 120-hour burn time, so you're sure to get tons of uses over time.

What to Look For in a Christmas Candle

Scent

It goes without saying that a candle's scent is perhaps one of the most important factors. While choosing a Christmas candle, consider what type of environment you're trying to create with it. If you're hosting a holiday gathering, warmer scents like vanilla and cinnamon will set the tone with ease. Whether you're using a faux tree or just love a woodsy scent, candles with pine and fir notes are great options.

Burn Time

A candle's burn time refers to the number of hours your candle will be able to burn. Several factors contribute to calculating the burn time, including the candle's weight, wick, and size. When you're shopping for candles, look for candles with higher burn times—you'll be able to use them beyond the holiday season.

Style

Candles double as decorative accents in your home, so it's important to consider the look of the vessel as much as the scent itself. From minimal glass containers to vibrant colors, there are tons of options out there that'll sit pretty in your space. If you're considering gifting the candle to a loved one, consider styles that have decorative gift boxes, as well as personalization options—they're small details that'll make a big impact.

Size

A candle's throw, or how well a candle can spread its scent, is dependent on the size of the candle. Oversized options are preferred for larger rooms, but standard sizes and votives are ideal for nightstands, desks, and mantels.

Why Trust MyDomaine?

Jamie Weissman is an associate commerce editor MyDomaine. From call candles to travel-inspired scents, she's covered a variety of candle options and knows what makes a product great. To make this list, she considered each candle's scent, style, size, and burn time.