My Top Five Candles For Christmas 2024

As the weather starts to turn colder, and the attic is once again searched for the mysterious disappearing box of decorations, our thoughts turn to the scents that will surround us during the month of December. In my house the aroma of warmed tinsel is a regular treat, but the Christmas Candle is also a tradition that requires a lot of thought each year. With so many choices out there, navigating the ever-growing options can be daunting. So, from Paris to Glasgow, with a stop at Leighton Buzzard, I’m back for another year to recommend the perfect flickering feast in my annual Top Five Candles for Christmas.

In fifth place we’re heading to exotic climes thanks to Revolution De La Fleur. This is the floral offering in this year’s line-up, and combines decadence with luxury. Sana Jardin was founded by Amy Christiansen with the goal to “uplift and transform” through scent, and it’s definitely working. You are treated to an intoxicating blend of tuberose, jasmine and banana-edged ylang ylang, but there’s a sweetened sandalwood in the base that provides a seductive quality. Who’s up for some romance under the Christmas tree? Revolution De La Fleur is available from the Sana Jardin website and is priced at £48 for 190g.

Fourth place sees the welcome appearance of the only true Christmas candle in the line-up this year. Nostara’s Frosted Fir aims to conjure some forested festivities, but still with a definite nod to the traditions of Christmas. You have clove-studded oranges, forest-floor oakmoss, and a delicate dose of patchouli, but all surrounding the central fir tree with its realistic covering of snow. Whether you’re amplifying a real Christmas tree or looking to scent an artificial one, the freshness that you get here is an absolute treat for the senses. Frosted Fir is available from the Nostara website and is priced at £39 for 200g.

Moving on to third place sees an unusual addition to the festive line-up, as we take an aromatic plunge. Jonathan Ward is a name that is synonymous with quality candles, and his range has just increased with the release of Cosimo. Opening with vibrant white pepper and tomato leaf, this pairing wraps itself around a heart of verbena and sage, before coming to rest on a base of spearmint-touched patchouli. This amorous aromatic is ideal for those that like their candles to be a little unconventional. Cosimo is available from the Spoiled Life website and is priced at £55 for 295g.

That brings us to second place and the music-inspired Un Air De Jazz from Bienaimé. You are transported to the 1930s, and the golden jazz age. The spiced rose that greets you is supported by a note of lavishly waxed woodwork, partnered with the dry cedarwood flooring, but there’s also a whiskyed ambrette in here that hints at cocktails and cavorting. A final wash of warming vanilla and powdery iris is the perfect embodiment of delicious hedonism, and perfectly matches the stunning ceramic jar. Un Air De Jazz is available from the Fiole website and is priced at £95 for 215g.

So, we’ve reached the top spot for 2024 and it takes us to the clever folks at Boujee Bougies. Founded by Nick Gilbert and Pia Long, their playfully named Tart candle is perfect for those that enjoy the scent of crisp Boxing Day walks. It combines “tart” notes of lemon and tangy rhubarb, but cleverly pairs them with notes of mint and ginger. This gives you an exciting cold and hot sensation, and this is then expertly expanded with a honeyed osmanthus and an earthy note of moss. All you need now is a hat and scarf, and a sprinkling of snow. Tart is available from the Eau de Boujee website and is priced at £60 for 220g.

Whichever candle you go for this year, please remember to observe the instructions and NEVER leave a burning candle unattended! To read my candle recommendations from previous years you can click on the images below. [Samples provided by the companies]