Winter is almost here and Christmas won’t be far behind, so it’s time for my annual round-up of the best seasonal scented candles, updated for 2023 to include new discoveries alongside some old favourites.
Below are spicy scents inspired by mulled wine and baking, fresh green scents that evoke fir trees and frozen forests, and deep sophisticated scents that are ideal for cocktails or late nights by the fire. I’ve also included lots of options that aren’t specific to the festive period to help you get through the cold months ahead and to ensure there’s plenty of choice for those who don’t mark Christmas. I’ve focused largely on independent makers who use natural wax, and I’ve avoided anything too heavy or cloying. I hope you find something that appeals!
- ‘Winter 23’ refillable candle by Great House Farm Stores (£54) – the cosy, woody scent of a freshly stacked log store, rounded off with touches of vanilla and oud for depth and richness
- ‘JUL’ candle by Skandinavisk (£44 for a large three-wick jar, £36 for a two-wick jar or £21.50 for a small single-wick one) – an evocative blend of baked gingerbread, cloves, spiced oranges and mulled wine, inspired by Christmas gatherings on dark winter nights [AD – affiliate link]
- ‘Winter’ candle by tulA (£15) – a subtle, earthy scent created to anchor and balance the soul as the seasons change
- ‘North’ candle by Evermore (£60 for a large jar or £36 for a standard one) – layers of pepper, cinnamon, tobacco and mysterious black oud, inspired by the North Star burning bright against a velvety winter sky
- ‘Midnight Dance’ candle by Aather (£48) – a sensual blend of amber, musk and vanilla with a deep caramel intensity, created for nighttime frivolities and celebrations
- ‘Noel’ aromatherapy candle by Ash + Ember (£20) – a cosy, anxiety-lowering mix of sweet orange, mandarin, cinnamon and clove
- ‘Fir Forest’ candle by Nui Naturals (£34) – a woodland-inspired blend of mind-cleansing pine and eucalyptus, soothing cypress and deeply relaxing frankincense
- ‘Nordic Forest’ candle by Wick + Wonder (£17) – layers of spruce, eucalyptus and sage that transport you to a peaceful Scandinavian wilderness
- ‘Altar’ candle by Byredo (£64) – a blend of clove, bud bay, carnation, ylang ylang, guaiac woods and Hatian vetiver that evokes founder Ben Gorham’s memories of winter family nights in Stockholm
- ‘Mirth’ refillable candle by Essence + Alchemy (£50) – a joyful mix of citrus, nostalgic spices and earthy evergreens, inspired by midwinter celebrations and named after an Olde English word for merriment
- ‘Yule’ candle by Cedar Lifestyle (£33.50) – the scent of orange, cardamom and cinnamon, celebrating the warmth of home over Christmas
- ‘A Winter’s Night’ candle by Beloit (£16) – a refreshing yet relaxing palette of pine, lemon, menthol, jasmine, lavender and amber
- ‘Notes of January’ candle by Loriest & Co (£40) – an uplifting combination of floral viburnum and crocus and herby rosemary and thyme, created to invigorate, cleanse the air, and inspire clarity and renewal
- ‘Frankincense + Myrrh’ candle by Hobo + Co (£26) – a warm, woody accord with notes of frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, cedar and musk
- ‘NORDLYS’ candle by Skandinavisk (£44 for a large three-wick jar, £36 for a two-wick jar or £21.50 for a small single-wick one) – a balanced yet intriguing scent celebrating the magic of the Northern Lights, with layers of Arctic freshness and sea salt over deeper citrus notes [AD – affiliate link]
- ‘Balsam Fir + Bergamot’ candle by Hobo + Co (£36 for a large jar, £22 for a medium one or £11 for a travel tin; also available as a reed diffuser) – a fresh, uplifting mix of balsam, oakmoss and bergamot, reminiscent of mountain forests
- ‘Frosted Cranberry’ candle by NØA (£14.95) – a fruity, herbaceous scent inspired by wild cranberries growing among snow-dusted trees
- ‘Wonder’ refillable candle by Great House Farm Stores (£54) – a blend of spruce, herbs and petrichor (the only oil to capture the aroma of rain and snow), evoking the beauty of starlit winter nights
- ‘Hiems’ refillable porcelain candle by Essence + Alchemy (£30) – a grounding, calming and uplifting scent with clove-studded sweet oranges, aromatic cardamom and musky ancient woods
- ‘SNÖ’ candle by Skandinavisk (£44 for a large three-wick jar, £36 for a two-wick jar or £21.50 for a small single-wick one) – a clean blend of winter berries and frozen wood, inspired by white winter light and sub-zero skies [AD – affiliate link]
- ‘Cinnamon + Frankincense’ candle by Woodspring Co (£20 for a large jar or £8.50 for a small one) – a classic Christmas scent with spicy cinnamon and warming balsamic undertones of frankincense
I also have to give a special mention to the ‘Mottainai’ candle (£30; picture below) – a wonderful collaboration between three of my favourite makers, created exclusively for Your Kind Lifestyle. Blended by Lizzy Bell of Cedar Lifestyle, the scent is a sophisticated mix of oak, incense, tobacco, cognac and musk, lightened by notes of lemon, lime, mint and jasmine. It comes in a hand-thrown stoneware vessel by ceramicist Sophia McEvoy and is presented in a hand-printed tote bag designed by artist Emilie Van Camp. It’s perfect for winter evenings, and the beautiful pot and bag can both be reused in numerous ways.
You might also like my autumn candle selection, which has plenty of other cosy, smoky and nature-inspired options – take a look here.
Please note this post contains affiliate links (all clearly marked), which means I will receive a small commission on any resulting sales. You won’t pay any more by clicking on these links than you would by visiting the websites directly.
Top image by Abi Dare; all other photography via the respective brands and retailers above
Ingrid Opstad says
Great selection, they all look lovely! I especially like the Advent candle – what a great idea.
Ingrid | thatscandinavianfeeling.com
Abi says
Thanks Ingrid! There were so many lovely candles to choose from this year. The advent candle is so clever isn’t it? x
Katarina - Sukhirugs.com says
Is it possible to get all of them? 🙂 They all look lovely and it would be amazing to try them at one point. Candles create such a soothing, peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, but come in so many colors and fragrances, so they are also festive. I love your choices here, thanks for sharing!
Abi says
A pleasure! There are so many wonderful ones to choose from this year. I think I might light different ones at different times to create different atmospheres.
Sheila Surn says
Great selection, but I really love to support smaller independent companies if I can. My favourite candles this year have been by Nui Naturals – really beautiful scents and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a candle this Christmas.
Abi says
Thanks for the recommendation Sheila! I love to support small companies too, and there are a few independent brands in the selection. I hadn’t heard of Nui Naturals before so I’ll have to take a look!
Charlotte says
What a comprehensive list! Really appreciated the variety of price points and lesser known brands too, as they can become a bit repetitive on INSTAGRAM sometimes. I love the idea of having a crackling wick.
Abi says
Thanks Charlotte – it took ages to research and update this post for 2019, so I’m so glad you liked it!
Anna says
I definitely want all of these! Thanks for putting together this brilliant selection! ??
Abi says
My pleasure! So many fantastic ones to choose from this year.
Rebecca says
Beautifully presented post, with some lovely looking candles. You can never have too many! Such a homely, cosy feeling around Christmas time. Thank you for your recommendations.
Abi says
Thank you! And I totally agree – you really can never have too many… 😉