There's nothing like lighting up a luxurious candle to set the mood. I could be having a terrible day, but the instant I light up a holiday-scented candle, I get into the festive spirit. That's why I'm convinced that candles make the best gifts, not just for your loved ones, but for yourself, too. Picking out a seasonal scent, however, isn't so cut and dry.
I, for one, base my olfactory personality around my fondest holiday memories. From baking cookies for Santa to drinking eggnog with my family, my choice of home fragrance tends to be filled with sweet, spicy blends of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The freshness of pine and fir also reminds me of Christmas trees, and you can't go wrong with the cozy, woody aroma of a fire, either.
Whether your giftee is a gourmand lover or sticks to florals in every season, I found a home scent that is sure to create a joyful, warm atmosphere. Keep scrolling for my edit of the best holiday candles of 2025, including picks from Diptyque, Jo Malone, Bath & Body Works, and more to suit every budget. Be warned: You may end up keeping them for yourself.
Nest managed to capture the best scents of the holidays into one candle, and I'm obsessed. Light its blend of spices, pomegranate, and pine, and you'll immediately feel the festive mood. If I could only light one candle for the holidays, it would be this one.
The entire Diptyque 2025 Holiday collection is a gem, but the Sapin candle is a crown jewel. This limited-edition candle is housed in a gorgeous, sparkling gold vessel, meant to be proudly displayed. The scent it houses is just as beautiful, with a rich winter pine fragrance.
As you might expect from its festive vessel, Lafco's Eight Nights candle is a merry good time. White rum creates a vibrant and warm blend that's perfect for your holiday gatherings.
I'm a gourmand girl through and through, so naturally, a peppermint hot chocolate is my ideal holiday scent. Snif's new candle is nothing short of a dessert, with notes of peppermint, white chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and caramel swirls.
Any cool girl in your life would love to light up this D.S. & Durga candle. As the name suggests, this candle replicates the scent of a Christmas tree—no messy pine needles required.
Do not sleep on Courteney Cox's Homecourt for your home fragrances—the celebrity beauty brand creates some of my favorite candles of all time, so it's no surprise that I want to light up its warm, woody scent all season long.
An under-$100 gift that is sure to impress is a Glasshouse Fragrances candle. Each jar is a work of art, complete with illustrations of happy holiday scenes. I'm a fan of the Night Before Christmas scent as it combines festive fruit with spiced vanilla for a sweet olfactory treat.
Not every candle needs to scream "festive." This Crate & Barrel x Henry Rose candle, which features notes of nutmeg, tobacco, and lavender, feels more like a chic centerpiece than a home fragrance, but it sets the mood (or makes for a stylish gift!) nonetheless.
Bath & Body Works makes some of the best candles on the market, and I will die on that hill. Every year without fail, I ask for a Fresh Balsam candle—it's a classic pine scent that has a grounding effect. Its new ceramic vessel is so chic, too.
Trudon candles may be pricy, but you can count on them to fill your space (however small or large!) with a rich scent. For the holidays, Trudon reimagined classic florals with a wintery spin, featuring notes of rose, lotus, peony, and a touch of cedarwood.
Flamingo Estate is one of those IYKYK brands that I'm so glad I came across. Each hand-poured candle feels quietly luxurious, but it's the brand's Douglas Fir Vetiver scent that defines winter. Think: earthy vetiver, refreshing fir, and a hint of basil for even more freshness.
Jo Malone London makes the chicest fragrances, and I'm convinced its cocktail-inspired scent was made for It girls. Its zesty citrus notes are cut with bitter orange to create a blend that is subtle and unique. If they hate the smell of pine or spices, this may be the holiday candle for them.
This advent calendar is the gift that keeps on giving with 12 gorgeous candles behind every door. Scents range from crushed candy canes to French lavender, so there's a jar for every mood and occasion.
I may have audibly gasped when I came across this candle. Its bedazzled jar is simply gorgeous—a fit for any fashion lover in your life. A sparkling blend of mandarin, ylang-ylang, cashmere woods, and amber makes for an equally enticing scent, too.
Nette thought of chocolate-lovers like me when the brand launched its latest candle. It's meant to evoke the sensation of slipping into a velvet gown for a cocktail party on a snowy night. With its warm, decadent blend of milk chocolate, roasted cacao, and Madagascar vanilla, I'd say it hits the nail on the head.
There's something about the scent of vanilla that immediately makes me feel warm and cozy inside. That's why Tocca's Vienna candle is one I want to light on the coldest of days. It's as warm as can be with a touch of spicy nutmeg and not-too-sweet vanilla.
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