The 9 Best Holiday Candles We've Burned That We Think You'll Enjoy, Too

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Amazon (5); Brooklyn Candle Studio; Bath & Body Works; VoluspaCozy season has commenced, and the holidays are rapidly approaching. As I get my home ready for all the festivities and start preparingmy gift list, two words come to mind: holiday candles.Candles make great gifts — provided they’re the right scent. Since we all have different preferences regarding how our homes should smell during the holidays, I polled thePEOPLE Shopping teamabout their favorite holiday and Christmas candles.Whether it’s for yourself, awhite elephant gift, or a socking stuffer, here are a few of our favorite holiday candles from Amazon, Yankee Candle, Bath and Body Works, Homecourt, and Voulspa.PEOPLE-Approved Holiday CandlesCan’t Miss Deal:Yankee Candle 22-Ounce Balsam and Cedar Large Scented Candle, $17 (orig. $31);amazon.comTis the Season 22-Ounce Large Yankee Candle, $19 (orig. $31);yankeecandle.comOld Saint Wick Scented Holiday Candle, $39 (orig. $46);amazon.comBrooklyn Candle Studio Montana Forest Jar Candle, $30;brooklyncandlestudio.comThymes Fraiser Fir Pin Needle Candle, $34;amazon.comBath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Single Wick Candle, $17;bathandbodyworks.comVacation Sunscreen Royal Pine Deluxe Candle, $36;amazon.comHomecourt Balsam Fireplace Candle, $65;homecourt.comVoluspa Bewitching Banyan Forest Boxed Candle, $45;voulspa.comBrooklyn Candle Studio Montana Forest Jar CandleBrooklyn Candle$30 at Brooklyncandlestudio.com“This is the only candle I buy on repeat. It instantly transports me to a snowy mountain with a fire burning in the background. I also give it a hostess gift during the holiday season.”—Dwyer Frame, senior vice presidentOld Saint Wick Scented Holiday CandleAmazon$46$39 at Amazon“Oprah is a fan of this candle, and so am I. With notes of pine, sandalwood, apple blossom, fir balsam, and a hint of gingerbread, this candle smells like Christmas in a jar to me. When the candle is lit, it immediately puts me in the holiday spirit.” —Toni Sutton, shopping writer“Seconding this Oprah-approved candle! I snagged my Snif candle for this season when it was on sale during October Prime Day. I love how closely its scent resembles a real Christmas tree, making it a perfect complement toa faux one.” —Laura Gurfein, shopping directorThymes Fraiser Fir Pin Needle CandleAmazon$34 at Amazon“This is the only candle my mom buys. She scatters them all over her house, so whenever you enter a room you instantly get a whiff of pine needles and cedar — even when the candles aren’t lit!”—Lindsey Greenfeld, senior editorYankee Candle Tis the Season 22-Ounce Large Yankee CandleYankee Candle$31$19 at Yankeecandle.com“While I’m the biggest burner of a cedar-fir-balsam concoction this time of year, I was recently drawn to this unconventional Christmas candle because of its floral notes and woody base. You’ll catch the slightest scent of coconutty sunscreen that makes you imagine warm holidays on the beach, but it still doesn’t smell like summer in a jar. Whenever I burn this candle it makes me want to turn onMele Kalikimakaand dance around my apartment.”—Alyssa Brascia, shopping writerHomecourt Balsam Fireplace CandleHome Court$65 at Homecourt.co“I have two of the Balsam candles fromCourteney Cox’s Homecourt lineand have placed them near myartificial Christmas treeto give it that realistic holiday scent. These candles burn clean, smell so festive and warm, and are housed in vessels you can reuse once the wax burns down.”—Madison Yauger, shopping editorBath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Single Wick CandleBath & Body Works$17 at Bathandbodyworks.com“I love vanilla-scented anything, and this candle is the one I keep buying every year. Its scent reminds me of freshly baked holiday cookies, yet it’s not overwhelming. Plus, the candle’s green hue makes it a fun piece of décor.”—Jennifer Maldonado, associate editorial shopping directorYankee Candle 22-Ounce Balsam and Cedar Large  Scented CandleAmazon$31$17 at Amazon“I picked up this jar candle when it was discounted during Prime Day, and it has transformed my home into a cozy holiday oasis since Halloween wrapped. I use it with mycandle warmer lamp, and I have received numerous compliments from guests on how great my house smells (which is a feat with three pets).”—Kayla Kitts, shopping editorVacation Sunscreen Royal Pine Deluxe CandleAmazon$36 at Amazon“Last summer, I fell in love with Vacation for itssunscreen’s distinctive scent. Then in the spring, I fell in love with itstennis-themed candle. And this winter, I’m all about its just-released royal pine candle, which the brand sent me to test. It’s one of those candles that makes your home smell good without even having to light it.”— Laura Gurfein, shopping directorVoluspa Bewitching Banyan Forest Boxed CandleVoluspa$45 at Voluspa.com“This Wicked-themed candle is perfect for those who prefer less traditional holiday scents. I love that its warm and spicy smell makes my apartment feel cozy without screaming “Christmas” and that its notes of phosphorescent forest and Banyan tree branches elicit a slightly woody scent. Plus, its stylish container is almost as impressive as the candle itself.”—Averi Baudler, senior shopping writer

Photo:Amazon (5); Brooklyn Candle Studio; Bath & Body Works; Voluspa

Amazon (5); Brooklyn Candle Studio; Bath & Body Works; Voluspa

Cozy season has commenced, and the holidays are rapidly approaching. As I get my home ready for all the festivities and start preparingmy gift list, two words come to mind: holiday candles.Candles make great gifts — provided they’re the right scent. Since we all have different preferences regarding how our homes should smell during the holidays, I polled thePEOPLE Shopping teamabout their favorite holiday and Christmas candles.Whether it’s for yourself, awhite elephant gift, or a socking stuffer, here are a few of our favorite holiday candles from Amazon, Yankee Candle, Bath and Body Works, Homecourt, and Voulspa.PEOPLE-Approved Holiday CandlesCan’t Miss Deal:Yankee Candle 22-Ounce Balsam and Cedar Large Scented Candle, $17 (orig. $31);amazon.comTis the Season 22-Ounce Large Yankee Candle, $19 (orig. $31);yankeecandle.comOld Saint Wick Scented Holiday Candle, $39 (orig. $46);amazon.comBrooklyn Candle Studio Montana Forest Jar Candle, $30;brooklyncandlestudio.comThymes Fraiser Fir Pin Needle Candle, $34;amazon.comBath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Single Wick Candle, $17;bathandbodyworks.comVacation Sunscreen Royal Pine Deluxe Candle, $36;amazon.comHomecourt Balsam Fireplace Candle, $65;homecourt.comVoluspa Bewitching Banyan Forest Boxed Candle, $45;voulspa.comBrooklyn Candle Studio Montana Forest Jar CandleBrooklyn Candle$30 at Brooklyncandlestudio.com“This is the only candle I buy on repeat. It instantly transports me to a snowy mountain with a fire burning in the background. I also give it a hostess gift during the holiday season.”—Dwyer Frame, senior vice presidentOld Saint Wick Scented Holiday CandleAmazon$46$39 at Amazon“Oprah is a fan of this candle, and so am I. With notes of pine, sandalwood, apple blossom, fir balsam, and a hint of gingerbread, this candle smells like Christmas in a jar to me. When the candle is lit, it immediately puts me in the holiday spirit.” —Toni Sutton, shopping writer“Seconding this Oprah-approved candle! I snagged my Snif candle for this season when it was on sale during October Prime Day. I love how closely its scent resembles a real Christmas tree, making it a perfect complement toa faux one.” —Laura Gurfein, shopping directorThymes Fraiser Fir Pin Needle CandleAmazon$34 at Amazon“This is the only candle my mom buys. She scatters them all over her house, so whenever you enter a room you instantly get a whiff of pine needles and cedar — even when the candles aren’t lit!”—Lindsey Greenfeld, senior editorYankee Candle Tis the Season 22-Ounce Large Yankee CandleYankee Candle$31$19 at Yankeecandle.com“While I’m the biggest burner of a cedar-fir-balsam concoction this time of year, I was recently drawn to this unconventional Christmas candle because of its floral notes and woody base. You’ll catch the slightest scent of coconutty sunscreen that makes you imagine warm holidays on the beach, but it still doesn’t smell like summer in a jar. Whenever I burn this candle it makes me want to turn onMele Kalikimakaand dance around my apartment.”—Alyssa Brascia, shopping writerHomecourt Balsam Fireplace CandleHome Court$65 at Homecourt.co“I have two of the Balsam candles fromCourteney Cox’s Homecourt lineand have placed them near myartificial Christmas treeto give it that realistic holiday scent. These candles burn clean, smell so festive and warm, and are housed in vessels you can reuse once the wax burns down.”—Madison Yauger, shopping editorBath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Single Wick CandleBath & Body Works$17 at Bathandbodyworks.com“I love vanilla-scented anything, and this candle is the one I keep buying every year. Its scent reminds me of freshly baked holiday cookies, yet it’s not overwhelming. Plus, the candle’s green hue makes it a fun piece of décor.”—Jennifer Maldonado, associate editorial shopping directorYankee Candle 22-Ounce Balsam and Cedar Large  Scented CandleAmazon$31$17 at Amazon“I picked up this jar candle when it was discounted during Prime Day, and it has transformed my home into a cozy holiday oasis since Halloween wrapped. I use it with mycandle warmer lamp, and I have received numerous compliments from guests on how great my house smells (which is a feat with three pets).”—Kayla Kitts, shopping editorVacation Sunscreen Royal Pine Deluxe CandleAmazon$36 at Amazon“Last summer, I fell in love with Vacation for itssunscreen’s distinctive scent. Then in the spring, I fell in love with itstennis-themed candle. And this winter, I’m all about its just-released royal pine candle, which the brand sent me to test. It’s one of those candles that makes your home smell good without even having to light it.”— Laura Gurfein, shopping directorVoluspa Bewitching Banyan Forest Boxed CandleVoluspa$45 at Voluspa.com“This Wicked-themed candle is perfect for those who prefer less traditional holiday scents. I love that its warm and spicy smell makes my apartment feel cozy without screaming “Christmas” and that its notes of phosphorescent forest and Banyan tree branches elicit a slightly woody scent. Plus, its stylish container is almost as impressive as the candle itself.”—Averi Baudler, senior shopping writer

Cozy season has commenced, and the holidays are rapidly approaching. As I get my home ready for all the festivities and start preparingmy gift list, two words come to mind: holiday candles.

Candles make great gifts — provided they’re the right scent. Since we all have different preferences regarding how our homes should smell during the holidays, I polled thePEOPLE Shopping teamabout their favorite holiday and Christmas candles.

Whether it’s for yourself, awhite elephant gift, or a socking stuffer, here are a few of our favorite holiday candles from Amazon, Yankee Candle, Bath and Body Works, Homecourt, and Voulspa.

PEOPLE-Approved Holiday Candles

Brooklyn Candle Studio Montana Forest Jar Candle

Brooklyn Candle

$30 at Brooklyncandlestudio.com

“This is the only candle I buy on repeat. It instantly transports me to a snowy mountain with a fire burning in the background. I also give it a hostess gift during the holiday season.”—Dwyer Frame, senior vice president

Old Saint Wick Scented Holiday Candle

Amazon

$46$39 at Amazon

“Oprah is a fan of this candle, and so am I. With notes of pine, sandalwood, apple blossom, fir balsam, and a hint of gingerbread, this candle smells like Christmas in a jar to me. When the candle is lit, it immediately puts me in the holiday spirit.” —Toni Sutton, shopping writer

“Seconding this Oprah-approved candle! I snagged my Snif candle for this season when it was on sale during October Prime Day. I love how closely its scent resembles a real Christmas tree, making it a perfect complement toa faux one.” —Laura Gurfein, shopping director

Thymes Fraiser Fir Pin Needle Candle

$34 at Amazon

“This is the only candle my mom buys. She scatters them all over her house, so whenever you enter a room you instantly get a whiff of pine needles and cedar — even when the candles aren’t lit!”—Lindsey Greenfeld, senior editor

Yankee Candle Tis the Season 22-Ounce Large Yankee Candle

Yankee Candle

$31$19 at Yankeecandle.com

“While I’m the biggest burner of a cedar-fir-balsam concoction this time of year, I was recently drawn to this unconventional Christmas candle because of its floral notes and woody base. You’ll catch the slightest scent of coconutty sunscreen that makes you imagine warm holidays on the beach, but it still doesn’t smell like summer in a jar. Whenever I burn this candle it makes me want to turn onMele Kalikimakaand dance around my apartment.”—Alyssa Brascia, shopping writer

Homecourt Balsam Fireplace Candle

Home Court

$65 at Homecourt.co

“I have two of the Balsam candles fromCourteney Cox’s Homecourt lineand have placed them near myartificial Christmas treeto give it that realistic holiday scent. These candles burn clean, smell so festive and warm, and are housed in vessels you can reuse once the wax burns down.”—Madison Yauger, shopping editor

Bath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Single Wick Candle

Bath & Body Works

$17 at Bathandbodyworks.com

“I love vanilla-scented anything, and this candle is the one I keep buying every year. Its scent reminds me of freshly baked holiday cookies, yet it’s not overwhelming. Plus, the candle’s green hue makes it a fun piece of décor.”—Jennifer Maldonado, associate editorial shopping director

Yankee Candle 22-Ounce Balsam and Cedar Large  Scented Candle

$31$17 at Amazon

“I picked up this jar candle when it was discounted during Prime Day, and it has transformed my home into a cozy holiday oasis since Halloween wrapped. I use it with mycandle warmer lamp, and I have received numerous compliments from guests on how great my house smells (which is a feat with three pets).”—Kayla Kitts, shopping editor

Vacation Sunscreen Royal Pine Deluxe Candle

$36 at Amazon

“Last summer, I fell in love with Vacation for itssunscreen’s distinctive scent. Then in the spring, I fell in love with itstennis-themed candle. And this winter, I’m all about its just-released royal pine candle, which the brand sent me to test. It’s one of those candles that makes your home smell good without even having to light it.”— Laura Gurfein, shopping director

Voluspa Bewitching Banyan Forest Boxed Candle

Voluspa

$45 at Voluspa.com

“This Wicked-themed candle is perfect for those who prefer less traditional holiday scents. I love that its warm and spicy smell makes my apartment feel cozy without screaming “Christmas” and that its notes of phosphorescent forest and Banyan tree branches elicit a slightly woody scent. Plus, its stylish container is almost as impressive as the candle itself.”—Averi Baudler, senior shopping writer

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See More from PEOPLE Shopping

This $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and ShoesWayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% OffThe 50 Best Amazon Deals Happening This St. Patrick’s Day Weekend — Starting at $7

This $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and Shoes

Wayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% Off

The 50 Best Amazon Deals Happening This St. Patrick’s Day Weekend — Starting at $7

source: people.com