Anybody who enters my home tends to make note of several things, one of which is the amount of home and personal fragrance I have scattered around my tiny flat. There are perfumes aplenty, while dozens of candles lay out on every surface, at any given time.
Not only is this a constant fire hazard, but the thing about this collection is that it’s ever-changing. It gets switched up as often as I change my clothes or skincare routine; each season deserves a new candle ‘wardrobe.’
Come Christmas time, it’s all about the rich, festive notes that fill the air. I adore green, zesty pine and warming, delicious chestnuts, along with sweeter gingerbread smells and a touch of winter spice.
This year there are more options than ever, whether your budget is under £15 or £50+. Feast your eyes (and noses) on the following best Christmas candles for all budgets.
Pick one up for a friend – and yourself of course, while you’re at it.
Best mini Christmas candle: Interlude Roasted Chestnuts Mini Scented Candle, £12
I’ve long been a fan of Interlude Candles, a sweet start-up that began on Etsy. The brand has some of the loveliest scents going, which notably rival more expensive brands on the market. Perfect for a treat during the current cost of living crisis, then.
This year for Christmas, Interlude has a whole host of newness to get excited about, from a ‘Christmas Tree’ scent to sweet Gingerbread and this divine Roasted Chesnuts option, which will make you go all warm, fuzzy, and nostalgic for childhood.
This is the mini version of the candle, but it also comes in a classic size for more burn time.
Best pine Christmas candle Nest Birchwood Pine Classic Candle, £45, available Oct
This year, Nest has so many Christmas options it’s hard to keep track of, honestly. Spoilt for choice? You certainly are.
Follow my lead and opt for the Birchwood Pine, which is housed in a gorgeous neutral glass jar (with gold detailing) and blends white pine, fir balsam and birchwood over a base of rich musk and amber.
The candle comes in several sizes, including this classic one, a smaller votive, a three-wicker and a huge ‘grand’ candle. It is also available in a diffuser if you really can’t get enough of the scent (I wouldn’t blame you, TBH).
Best Christmas candle for self care: ESPA Winter Spice Classic Candle, £50, available 3 Oct
If you’re big into bodycare, ESPA is where it’s at every Christmas. Candle-wise, it also goes hard when it comes to the festive season, and I’m all about this Winter Spice option.
It smells like sweet orange, clove cinnamon and ginger, and is available in this size or one that’s even bigger. You can also snap it up in a limited edition diffuser oil and enjoy the scent all around the house.
Best luxury Christmas candle: Goutal Paris Une Forêt D’or Limited Edition Christmas Candle, £70, available Oct
As a sucker for a pine scent, I’m head over heels for this luxury option by Goutal.
Not only is the packaging utterly divine (and epitomises Christmas, if you ask me), the wax inside boasts the most incredible scent of snow-covered pine branches, fresh oranges and tangerines.
Yes it’s pricey, but if you really feel like treating yourself or know somebody who deserves an extra-special gift, this is the best Christmas candle for you.
£63.90
Goutal Paris
Une Forêt D'or Limited Edition Christmas Candle
This stunning scented candle is ‘inspired by returning from a walk in the forest’ and brings very Christmassy aromas of tangerines and oranges to the fore.
Best Christmas candle for affordability: Liz Earle The Scent of Winter Botanical Candle, £20
At just £20, this Christmas candle is excellent value for money. It’s made with 100% natural wax for a clean burn and smells just like everything the Christmas season should.
It features notes of bitter orange, along with velvet petals and earthy patchouli that grounds the fragrance and adds a woody edge.
A brilliant affordable alternative for the pricier Christmas candles on offer.
£20
Liz Earle
The Scent of Winter Botanical Candle
This 100% natural wax candle has notes of bitter orange, patchouli and wood and it’s a perfect gift for someone who loves a seasonal scented candle.
Best fruity Christmas candle: Molton Brown Merry Berries and Mimosa Candle, £42, available 19 Oct
If you prefer something a little fruitier and sweeter, this candle by Molton Brown might be just the buy for you.
Created by Senior Perfumer Nathalie Koobus, Merry Berries and Mimosa captures the spirit of Christmas with candied red berries and winter-blooming flower mimosa, which is unique and rare with only a global harvest of only 100-300kg per year.
The bright red packaging will also add a spring to your step and will look beautiful on any coffee table.
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