The 7 best winter candles to light up your life
TIS the season to relight your fire and pick a home scent to see you through the dark, chilly nights.
And the good news is that this year’s festive candles are better than ever!
Whether you’re after a super-sweet nostalgic scent or a fir forest delight, both the high street and some of our fave independent brands have nailed it.
We’re talking some of the most stylish and cutest candles we’ve ever seen – and you can use them year after year, too. So you could view these buys as a wise investment…
Once they’re all used up, keep the fire burning pretty with a wax and fragrance refill kit like Sculpd’s for only £12, or re-fashion as a pretty piece for your shelf, desk or coffee table.
The real question is, will they be a pressie for you or a loved one?Whatever the answer, it’s time to spark some joy…
Winter’s Eve Pot, £14.50, St Eval – BUY NOW
These gorgeous jewel-toned pots from Cornish brand St Eval are handmade in a family-run factory in Portugal, making each one completely unique.
They are then filled with a warming and spicy scented wax that has notes of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon.
The vessel makes for a pretty planter or pen pot for using all year round once the flame dies out. We also adore the understated robin candle with its pretty gold rim.
Gingerbread Christmas Candle, £20, Next – BUY NOW
This one’s for the lovers of all things super-sweet, thanks to its ginger and maple notes.
Lift the roof off and you’ll find a three-wick candle, which always feels way more indulgent and special.
We’ll definitely store some naughty treats in this holder once the 45-hour burn time is through.
Santa’s Sleigh Winter Forest Luxury Christmas Candle, £37.50 Victoria Eggs – BUY NOW
Beautifully illustrated by founder Victoria herself, this divine fine-bone-china pot has been filled with hand-poured wax in the heart of Hampshire. It will bring all the winter walk feels whenever you get a sniff of its crushed pine-needle scent.
Planet-friendly, supporting British and most likely a family keepsake in the making too?
Sold.
Light-up Candle, £10, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
Marks & Spencer has hit the jackpot with these beauties, which light up as soon as the wick is lit.
And they will sell out, so be quick!
Pick from the classic white deer design or super-fun “ho-ho-ho” version, both with scents of apple and spice.
Or go for our absolute fave – the mandarin, clove and cinnamon townhouse design, which we reckon would easily earn a place on Hugh Grant’s mantelpiece in Love Actually.
FYI, we’ve seen some other high-street copycats that simply aren’t as good.
It seems these are not just any candles…
Christmas Candle, £35, Bamford – BUY NOW
Celeb-fave Bamford has a brand-new design for this year that’s perfect for astrology fans and those who adore star prints.
This moss-green version has notes of geranium, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender, while the inky-blue candle is a more classic cinnamon and clove scent.
Their frosted white jars, meanwhile (yes, there are three designs!), are all about the fresh fir vibes.
The team at Bamford also say you can pop the jar in your at-home recycling when finished, but no thanks – we’ll be keeping ours.
Marvellous Mandarin & Spice Signature Scented Candle, £42, Molton Brown – BUY NOW
Forget getting your Mary Berry on – fill your home with the sumptuous smell of festive baking without even whipping up a simple gingerbread cookie mix.
Notes of ginger, mandarin and nutmeg help make this beauty act like a warm hug to any visitors that come calling.
And the jar itself will add a touch of luxe to any mantelpiece…
Stag Glass Candle, £9, Matalan – BUY NOW
We’ll be honest, you’re not going to buy this for the scent alone.
It’s pretty standard and definitely not a heady smell of divine essential oils that the pricier options offer.
But it does make for a standout centrepiece on your table or a super-cute gift.