THE FESTIVE CANDLE EDIT

It’s officially that time of year. It’s dark by 4pm, the festive playlists sneak back onto rotation, and lighting a candle suddenly feels like a personality trait. We’ve rounded up the Christmas candles that’ll make your home smell like pure magic – think: mulled wine, fresh pine, cosy cashmere, there’s one here that’ll make you want to stay in, pour a glass of something festive, and chill…

7 OF THE BEST FESTIVE CANDLES, from £12.99

NEOM Christmas Wish Scented Candle: The calm, cosy one – all mandarin, cinnamon and tonka bean, made from 100% natural essential oils – it smells like home-baked Christmas pudding without the sugar rush. Forget the razzle-dazzle of Christmas time, this leans into that calm, slow-down, JOMO energy. If you’re looking for a natural, plant-based candle this is for you.

Beauty Pie Fir Balsam, Sandalwood & Sweet Orange: If you want something outside the usual “gingerbread/cinnamon” loop but still totally festive, this is for you. It’s ‘The Holiday’ vibes, pine-forest-walk energy blending winter greens and sweet orange with fir balsam, pine essential oil, and sandalwood. Perfect for those who prefer chic forest to candy spice.

Jo  Malone  Frosted Cherry  &  Clove  Home  Candle: I have staged a one-woman campaign for the last ten years to get them to bring this back. It’s that “I’ve just wrapped presents, lit a fire, poured something fancy” vibe. Sweet cherries meet warm clove and amber in this iconic festive scent. It’s packed with seasonal decadence; rich, velvety and very “log-fire at a fancy hotel”. One to burn on Christmas Eve with a glass of fizz in hand.

The White Company Fireside: When you’re done with the candy-cane sugar rush and gingerbread overload, this candle brings you back to rustic winter comfort. If you’ve ever wished you could bottle the moment when you settle down in a plush armchair, wrap a soft throw around you, listening to the crackle of logs – this it it. Think deep smoked woods, a hint of birch, warm amber and creamy vanilla. Pure snuggled up at Soho Farmhouse energy.

Diptyque Sapin Candle: Fresh forest air, bottled. Think pine needles, cedar and a whisper of winter resin – cool, crisp and elegant. Basically, the scent of your uber-expensive-in-another-life dream ski chalet. The golden vessel is so stunning, wash it out and you’ll use it for years to come well after the candle burned out.

Space NK Shimmering Spice Scented Candle: The ultimate “Christmas is here” scent. All cinnamon, cedar and festive sparkle. It’s rich and warm without being sickly, and the glass jar glows beautifully once lit. Basically, the candle equivalent of slipping into sequins with a glass of mulled wine in hand and Mariah on full blast.

H&M Hot Cocoa Candle: Think pure hot chocolate + marshmallows + cosy winter evening – this candle nails the “I’m staying in, fire on and Netflix fully loaded” mood.