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Something about lighting a scented candle during the holiday season feels especially apropos. For me, it’s a ritual. Throughout fall and winter (I tend to burn incense in warmer months), and especially in December, scenting your space and setting the mood with a festive candle is a tradition. The warm flicker, the burning of the wax, and the anticipations of the inevitable scent “throw” mark the season in an intimate and celebratory way. Plus, it makes your abode smell darn good whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a cozy night in. Many fragrance houses release limited-edition holiday scents crafted especially for this time of year, and we’re here to guide you through common olfactive families. We also share some of our favorite candles to help make your season more festive.
When most people think of holiday candles, their minds often drift to the familiar scents of pine and wood. And for good reason. who doesn’t love the smell of fresh spruce or crisp pine needles to capture the essence of the season? But delve into the world of artisanal candles, and you’ll uncover a world of complexity and sophistication across various olfactive families. Luxury perfumers approach candle-making with the same artistry as crafting fine colognes, layering top, heart, and base notes into intricate scent pyramids. A classic pine scent might be elevated with hints of vanilla, cedar, or florals, creating unique and intoxicating interpretations of holiday aromas.
While we’ve grouped the candles below by scent profile, some blur the lines—woody notes intertwine with gourmands, or spice mingles with incense. These candles are more than fragrances; they’re aromatic compositions crafted to set the festive mood. With that in mind, holiday candles generally fall into a few fragrance families – something to suit every taste. Here are some of the more common categories to guide your nose:
Woods and pine: Pine, as stated above, earns its place in every holiday candle story. Balsam Fir and Spruce are in rotation every season with their invigorating, classic winter tree scent. It’s timeless, and if you prefer to stick with these traditional woods for the holidays, I wouldn’t blame you. In fact, most holiday candles—whether Pine or in other scent families feature some woodsy notes. For example, cashmere wood brings a creamy softness, oakwood adds a robust earthiness, and cedar has a grounding, crisp character. The magic lies in how these woods are blended—paired with everything from juniper berries and vanilla to patchouli—crafting distinctive scents that showcase each candle’s personality.
Gourmands: Gourmands are fragrances inspired by foods, and during the holiday season, they evoke the edibles we find comfort in. This broad category includes notes like vanilla and chocolate, known for their rich, indulgent tones, caramel, and honey for sweet warmth and nostalgia. Cozy, baked-good notes like gingerbread, spiced cake, and pistachio imbue a comforting, café-inspired vibe, and crisp accents like peppermint or fruit tones like raspberry add a playful aroma. Festive nuts are also a hallmark here—chestnut offers a sweet, earthy quality, while praline and hazelnut bring equally rich aromas. Decadent and almost good enough to eat, gourmands set a warm and comforting tone.
Winter Florals: Winter florals have become a trending category in recent years. While florals are typically associated with warmer weather, winter florals imbue a sweet, fresh, and invigorating aura, often grounded by subtle woody notes. These fragrances draw inspiration from flowers that either thrive in winter or symbolize the season. Think of the deep musk of rose, the powdery or alpine brightness of edelweiss, or the delicate elegance of winter jasmine and freesia. Winter florals also incorporate seasonal greenery like holly or mistletoe, often as complementary notes to add earthy, crisp depth. What makes this category so captivating is its balance—fresh, delicate blooms intertwined with warm, woodsy notes or spices, creating an olfactory juxtaposition that feels as festive as it is sophisticated.
Spice: Spice candles are a perennial holiday staple, offering cozy yet zesty aromas that evoke crackling spices and pungent nostalgia. The best winter spice candles have a bit of bite, often blending elements of gourmand and woodsy notes for balance. Cinnamon, perhaps the most common spice note, brings a sweet, warm, and slightly woody character. Clove has its distinct, earthy, smoky edge, while cardamom adds a citrusy spice. Ginger and pepper are other oft-used spice notes that add character. Spice candles can veer into overly sweet, cloying cinnamon-bomb territory. But when crafted with an artisanal balance of supporting notes, they deliver a fantastic aromatic kick that will infuse your space with holiday vibes.
Incense: There’s something nostalgic and otherworldly about incense aromas. I have long been a fan of any scents that evoke the tranquil ambiance of an old church on a crisp winter’s day, and festive candles provide a canvas for these ancient interpretations. Winter marks the season for notes like frankincense, with its smoky, balsamic, and slightly citrusy profile that offers a sacred, meditative quality. Myrrh adds a warm, earthy richness with a hint of smokiness. Benzoin, with its sweet, vanilla-like warmth, softens sharper notes and lends a luxurious depth to the composition. Incense notes can work all winter, but when combined with gourmands, wood, or spices, they become a transportive holiday staple.
Whatever your olfactive preferences, ’tis the season to light a candle (or a few) and fill your home with a festive ambiance. The holiday candles below, many of which are limited editions, are crafted by renowned fragrance houses specializing in their craft. These perfumers create artisanal, intoxicating scents, with packaging often as elevated as the wax itself. Remember, it’s the season for giving, and a scented candle makes a thoughtful, elegant gift that’s universally appreciated—perfect for hosts or fellow fragrance connoisseurs. So, check a box off your gift list, or simply cozy up, put on a record, light the wick, and treat yourself to its warming, fragrant aroma.
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Diptyque Sapin
Image Credit: Diptyque Little has changed about Diptyque’s classic Sapin candle since the iconic Parisian house first released this limited holiday scent—and there is a reason for that. While I’m partial to woodsy fragrances, Diptyque’s take on pine is aromatic perfection, and I burn this intoxicating pine scent every holiday season- it’s become a tradition. Siberian pine takes center stage and mingles with resin, cedar, and patchouli for an earthy yet slightly sweet and enchanting twist. The packaging is just as stunning as you’d expect from Diptyque, featuring a green vessel and a gold lid to preserve the aroma. Plus, the scent is wonderfully strong—with an impressive throw, it can fill an entire apartment or large room with its must-burn classic Christmas tree aroma.
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Ralph Lauren Bedford
Image Credit: Ralph Lauren Besides being, you know, the most celebrated and iconic American fashion designer of all time, Ralph Lauren also produces some seriously luxe holiday candles. (If you know, you know). It’s about quality, not quantity, and olfactory insiders burn the brand’s (usually two) holiday waxes every season. While the Holiday Candle, with its evergreen, red currant, and juniper berry notes, is a perennial favorite, my nose favors the woodsy allure of the Bedford Candle. It evokes the scent of a most luxurious evergreen tree, blending pine needles and crisp cypress with a grounding, earthy base of vetiver. The green wax adds a festive touch, and as expected from the iconic designer, the packaging is just as stunning—housed in a tartan box that’s perfect for gifting, yourself included.
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Maison Francis Kurkdjian Mon Beau Sapin
Image Credit: Maison Francis Kurkdjian The limited-edition Mon Beau Sapin candle, released annually by renowned fragrance house Maison Francis Kurkdjian, has become a classic for Christmas tree scent enthusiasts. It is a subtly sweet interpretation of balsam fir pine that transports you to a Nordic Forest on a quiet winter’s night, with snow blanketing the ground (right up my alley). Resinous notes add depth, while a hint of vanilla rounds out the aroma with sweet warmth. As expected from the Parisian Maison, the packaging is just as exquisite as the scent. The box, adorned with holly and berry motifs, evokes the charm of a festive countryside home in France, while the elegant white vessel and gold typeset feel luxuriously merry—a perfect match for this understated pine perfection.
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Harlem Candle Company Holiday
Image Credit: Harlem Candle Company Each of Harlem Candle Company’s delightful scented candles is an olfactory ode to a person or place that contributes to the world-famous neighborhood’s renown. In the case of the Holiday scent, named for singer Billie Holiday, that takes form as a remembrance of one of her favorite perfumes, Francois Coty’s Emeraude. The candle imagines what that fresh green fragrance must have smelled like in the wintertime, and blends pine, spruce, mint, and eucalyptus for an enveloping and uplifting aroma.
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Carrière Frères Winter Flower
Image Credit: Aedes Winter florals work well with a touch of wood or spice to transform their typically spring-like character into a seasonally festive aroma. Known for single-note-named scents that smell anything but singular, Parisian fragrance house Carrière Frères’s candles deliver intoxicating aromatic compositions, and Winter Flower from the Holiday Collection exemplifies this dichotomy. This regal candle blends white florals with a cashmere wood accord for warmth, honey for sweetness, and leather for subtle earthiness. Cinnamon and clove add spicy depth, while patchouli and sandalwood provide a rich, grounding base. The result is a beautifully balanced winter floral that juxtaposes the elegance of blooms with the cozy allure of woods.
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Mizensir Edelweiss des Alpes
Image Credit: Mizensir Edelweiss, Edelweiss… The blossom of snow shines with this unique aromatic holiday candle from the luxury Swiss fragrance house Mizensir. Allow me to set the tone. Transportive and otherworld, this candle conjures the image of standing on a snowy, starlit mountainside, breathing in the pure mountain air mingled with fresh, sharp greenery and Edelweiss’s sweet, honey-like warmth. This mystical scent is purifying and invigorating, balancing crispness with a festive warmth that feels wild and green. Mizensir also impresses with its size options: the 230g candle is perfect for setting the mood in a single room, while the larger 700g vessel doubles as a stunning decorative centerpiece for your holiday soirées, effortlessly scenting larger spaces.
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The Maker Baker’s Box
Image Credit: The Maker Gourmand lovers, rejoice! The Maker’s candles are inspired by unique spaces in their curated, eclectic hotel, and this limited-edition holiday trio is no exception. Channeling the artisanal charm of their café, these three savory scents steer clear of the gimmicky trap edible-inspired notes can sometimes fall into. Instead, they diffuse the sophisticated, addictive aromas The Maker is celebrated for. Pistachio Croissant is a creamy, nutty blend of pistachio, chestnut, and vanilla, while Cherry Apricot Jam is a luscious mix of cherries, apricot purée, and bourbon. Café rounds out the set with a smoky, indulgent mix of chocolate, coffee bean, cardamom, and oud. All are gourmand grand slams, and the box makes a fantastic presentation as a gift this holiday season.
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Apotheke Cardamom Chestnut Candle
Image Credit: Apotheke No holiday gourmand list would be complete without a chestnut shout-out. Brooklyn-based Apotheke has been a perennial hip favorite rise since its inception in 2011, with hand-poured candles- made in their Red Hook factory – that are staples for scent enthusiasts. Their holiday lineup never disappoints, and while I’m also a fan of their woodsy Black Cypress, the Cardamom Chestnut candle deserves the spotlight this season. Warm cardamom and spices blend beautifully with chestnut, oakwood, and creamy vanilla, resulting in a decadent, cozy holiday aroma with just the right hint of spice. Housed in a stunning ceramic vessel with a gold interior and art deco-inspired packaging, it’s as much a visual treat as an olfactory one.
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Trudon Gloria
Image Credit: Trudon Trudon, one of the most revered candlemakers, has been crafting candles for French cathedrals and nobility since 1643. Their holiday offerings are always special, and this season, the Parisian house drew inspiration from the grandeur of Louis XV’s balls and masquerades at the Château of Versailles. Among the four exceptional seasonal scents, Gloria is a recurring vessel in the collection and an opulent, spicy masterclass. Trudon’s mastery of nuanced note pyramids shines here: Cardamom, incense, and orange waltz with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg layered over a base of amber, cedarwood, patchouli, and vetiver. The result is a spicy, woodsy masterpiece, where the interplay of orange and incense electrifies with complexity. And as always, the packaging is exquisite: a red-speckled glass vessel adorned with a chandelier motif and a gleaming gold interior makes an elegant keepsake long after the wax has burned.
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Cander Paris Fete
Image Credit: Cander Paris Fête, crafted by candle connoisseurs Cander Paris, is spice done right. A bit of an insider secret, the Parisian brand is renowned for its subtle, sophisticated scents, often leaning into woods and citrus as olfactive signatures. With Fête, however, cinnamon takes the spotlight and is beautifully balanced with clove, cardamom, and citrus. Notes of pomegranate and incense weave in layers of depth, while a woodsy patchouli base and opopanax soften the scent into something warm and inviting. Housed in a striking monochromatic red vessel, Fête also looks festive. Light it to infuse your space with a luxurious, spicy warmth that feels celebratory and cozy.
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Byredo Ancient Sand
Image Credit: Byredo When Byredo, one of the hippest niche luxury fragrance houses, drops a limited-edition holiday scent, you can expect something unique and exemplary. Don’t let the name fool you: Ancient Sands has nothing to do with the beach. Instead, imagine the journey of the three wise men crossing the sands of the desert, bearing gifts—including spice. The festive note mingles with floral and gourmand tones for a wonderfully aromatic yet ancient-feeling olfactory experience. Spicy cardamom blends with the rich, velvety sweetness of rose. Cedarwood and carrot seed add a warm, earthy heart, while cashmere wood and raspberry base provide a sweet, amber-like depth. This wax is for those who appreciate a holiday scent that marches to the beat of its own drum.
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D.S. & Durga Before Common Encens
Image Credit: D.S. & Durga We’ve sung D.S. & Durga’s praises enough that we hope you already rock one of their stellar indie colognes. But let’s not overlook their candles, which deserve just as much love. Their holiday editions are always a treat, with Portable Xmas Tree now a pine-scented Christmas classic. Before Common Encens, however, is a limited fume that deserves laurels here. Leave it to D.S. & Durga to reinvent Incense with their signature twist, honoring its ancient roots while giving it a festive edge. Myrrh and galbanum meld with costus root, gum resins, and balsams, creating a smoky, spicy masterpiece that feels straight out of a cathedral or old-world castle— but perfectly designed to scent your festive abode in 2024.
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Fischersund JÓL Holiday Candle
Image Credit: Fischersund I discovered Fischersund on a recent trip to Iceland and have been obsessed with the brand’s artisanal, moody, and captivating aromas since. They put their unique spin on all things olfactive, crafting scents that encapsulate the raw beauty of Iceland’s landscapes, history, and nature—all with a rock ‘n’ roll edge. Their limited-edition Christmas candle, JÓL, is no exception. It’s not your typical incense scent, though frankincense, myrrh, and pine take center stage. These notes are softened by a cozy interplay of vanilla and clementine, evoking the warmth of a church or cottage tucked away in the Icelandic countryside. Designed to summon nostalgic Christmas memories on cold, dark winter nights, JÓL is further charmed by its wooden wick, which crackles like a fireplace as it burns.
Authors
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Michael Stefanov
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