And while the smell of a real Christmas tree is hard to beat, a beautifully scented candle comes a very close second. From the traditional, spicy fragrances that make a house feel instantly festive to the woody, forest-inspired scents that conjure up snow-dusted evergreens, this year's Christmas candles are particularly lovely. Whether you're looking for something to burn throughout December, a little luxury to give as a gift or a suitably extravagant centrepiece for the Christmas table, we've rounded up 26 of the very best.
The Christmas Candle Edit: 26 Of The Best Festive Scents
From the nostalgic scent of orange and clove to the fresh fragrance of fir trees and pine forests, nothing announces the arrival of Christmas quite like a beautifully scented candle. Here are 26 of our favourites to light up the festive season.
There are many ways to announce that Christmas is on its way. The first mince pie of the season, the annual untangling of fairy lights, the appearance of a wreath on the front door. But perhaps the most evocative of all is scent. One whiff of cinnamon, clove or freshly cut fir and suddenly we're transported to Christmases past, with all their attendant magic.
And while the smell of a real Christmas tree is hard to beat, a beautifully scented candle comes a very close second. From the traditional, spicy fragrances that make a house feel instantly festive to the woody, forest-inspired scents that conjure up snow-dusted evergreens, this year's Christmas candles are particularly lovely. Whether you're looking for something to burn throughout December, a little luxury to give as a gift or a suitably extravagant centrepiece for the Christmas table, we've rounded up 26 of the very best.
And while the smell of a real Christmas tree is hard to beat, a beautifully scented candle comes a very close second. From the traditional, spicy fragrances that make a house feel instantly festive to the woody, forest-inspired scents that conjure up snow-dusted evergreens, this year's Christmas candles are particularly lovely. Whether you're looking for something to burn throughout December, a little luxury to give as a gift or a suitably extravagant centrepiece for the Christmas table, we've rounded up 26 of the very best.
Best traditional Christmas candle: The White Company Winter Large Candle, £70
Best affordable Christmas candle: M&S Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon Refillable Candle, £12
Best Christmas advent candle: Bramley Starry Nights Advent Candle, £30
Best woodland-inspired candle: TOAST Giant Fir And Mountain Juniper Scented Candle, £50
Best refillable Christmas candle: Pott Holly With Fir, £89
Best candle for Christmas gifting: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Christmas Candle Gift Set, £105
Best Christmas candle for foodies: Biscuiteers Gingerbread & Vanilla Candle, £38
Best luxury Christmas candle: Chase & Wonder The Alpine Lodge Three Wick Candle, £150
Best affordable Christmas candle: M&S Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon Refillable Candle, £12
Best Christmas advent candle: Bramley Starry Nights Advent Candle, £30
Best woodland-inspired candle: TOAST Giant Fir And Mountain Juniper Scented Candle, £50
Best refillable Christmas candle: Pott Holly With Fir, £89
Best candle for Christmas gifting: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Christmas Candle Gift Set, £105
Best Christmas candle for foodies: Biscuiteers Gingerbread & Vanilla Candle, £38
Best luxury Christmas candle: Chase & Wonder The Alpine Lodge Three Wick Candle, £150
FAQs: Christmas Candles 2026
What are the best scents for Christmas candles?
Traditional Christmas candle fragrances tend to feature cinnamon, clove, orange, frankincense and other warming spices. For something fresher, look for pine, fir, cedarwood and juniper, which evoke the scent of a real Christmas tree. Gingerbread and vanilla are particularly lovely for those who prefer sweeter, more gourmand fragrances.
Which Christmas candles smell like a real Christmas tree?
Look for candles with notes of fir, pine, spruce and other evergreens. TOAST's Giant Fir And Mountain Juniper Candle, Bamford's Eucalyptus & Fir Tree Christmas Candle and L:A Bruket's Winter Pine Candle are all worth considering if you want to bring the fragrance of a winter forest indoors.
What is the best affordable Christmas scented candle?
You don't need to spend a fortune to make your home smell festive. M&S's Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon Refillable Candle costs £12, while Norfolk Natural Living's Advent Candle, at £29.50, is another appealing option.
Are Christmas candles a good gift?
Absolutely. A beautifully scented candle makes a lovely present for a host, teacher, friend or family member, particularly when it's a fragrance they might not ordinarily buy themselves. For something especially indulgent, look to Diptyque, Trudon, Jo Loves or Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
What is a Christmas advent candle?
An advent candle is designed to be burned a little each day in the run-up to Christmas, often with numbered markings to count down from 1 December to Christmas Eve. It's a lovely alternative to a traditional advent calendar and makes a simple daily ritual of the festive countdown.
How can I make my Christmas scented candle last longer?
On its first burn, allow the wax to melt evenly across the surface to help prevent tunnelling. Keep the wick trimmed to approximately 5mm, avoid placing candles in draughts and always follow the manufacturer's recommended burning times. Never leave a lit candle unattended.
By
Lucy Abletshauser
·
Published October 2025
Lucy is The Guide's go-to expert on the best online buys, from fashion to interiors. An aesthete to her core, she does the trawling so you don't have to.
