Fact: Lighting a brand new candle makes everything better in an instant (especially if they light up [1]). OK, don't quote us on that, but I think we can all agree that there's something about lighting a candle that makes the cold winter nights seem less doom and gloom and much more cosy and comforting.
Luckily for us candle-loving folk, there are plenty of brands and scents to choose from. We've done the hard work by searching high and low for the cosiest winter candles out there. We've discovered unique scents that smell like beautiful ancient buildings (sounds weird, but trust us) from Boujee Bougies, traditional Christmas market scents that bring back the festive nostalgia from Mint Velvet, and comforting scents that are the perfect companion for reading a book by the fire from Miller Harris. Whether you're looking to invest in a special centrepiece or hoping to stock up (we don't blame you), we're certain you'll find a candle that suits your winer style.
Get a closer look at our absolute favourite winter candles for 2021.
Beauty Pie Gingerbread Candle
The Beauty Pie Gingerbread Candle [3] (£24) wins on packaging alone. Seriously, I would buy this candle solely for the bright copper vessel. The fragrance is milky, smooth, and fills the room with a nostalgic yet elegant Christmas cooking scent.
Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Candle
Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Candle [4] (£44) is the sexiest candle in the list. It's fruity but not too sweet, spicy but not overpowering, and fresh but not too soapy. It might not be a traditional winter candle, but we're burning it all through this cosy season.
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Candle
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Candle [5] (£48) is the perfect bath companion to create a spa-like experience at home. Its blend of frankincense, camomile, and petitgrain leaves feelings of groundedness and calm. There's no better time than the cold winter nights to unwind with a bath using all the products — a candle included.
Mint Velvet Mid Winter Candle
Mint Velvet Mid Winter Candle [6] (£29) is a Christmas market captured in a candle. It's a true festive fragrance thanks to its blend of orange, lemon, jasmine, pine, clove, ginger, and musky wood base. Christmas comes to life with this candle burning in the background, and it's one of my absolute favourites.
August & Piers Darling Candle
August & Piers Darling Candle [7] (£64) doesn't just smell incredible — it'll be the centrepiece of your coffee table. The details are immaculate from its ceramic vase to its embossed base — everything has been carefully considered. The scent is chic, clean, and uplifting, all without being too heavy or overpowering.
Christian Dior La Collection Privée 30 Montaigne Candle
Christian Dior La Collection Privée 30 Montaigne Candle [8] (£120) is about as luxurious as candles come. The magical floral pattern is festive and special without being over the top, making it an elegant coffee table addition. The scent is fresh, earthy, and a little bit spicy.
Keys Soulcare Sage and Oat Milk Candle
If a candle could feel like home, it would smell like the Keys Soulcare Sage and Oat Milk Candle [9] (£35). It's one of, if not the, most comforting candles around. The combination of sage and oat fills the room with a soothing and warm scent.
Boujee Bougies Gilt Candle
Boujee Bougies Gilt Candle [10] (£55) is described by the brand as encapsulating "whispered confessions, incense smoke, and gold leaf", and we couldn't agree more. It's rich, smells like beautiful ancient buildings, and brings a sense of calm to any room. Trust us, if you're looking for a unique winter candle, this won't disappoint in the slightest.
The Muses Kickback Candle
The Muses Kickback Candle [11] (£45) is a Christmas ornament of its own with its pure brass vessel. Its blend of fig, jasmine, and musk leave a fresh but relaxing scent. The brand carefully considers sustainability in every aspect of its producing process making it an incredibly thoughtful winter candle.
Miller Harris Santal Candle
Miller Harris Santal [12] (£50) is perfect company when you want to sit down and take some time our to devour your favourite novel. Its blend of warm sandalwood paired with the slightly spicy pink pepper feels like a cashmere hug on a cold day — total bliss.
Sana Jardin Tiger By Her Side candle
Sana Jardin Tiger By Her Side Candle [13] (£48) is simply heavenly. It packs a punch with its combination of incense and patchouli and has wonderful warmth with the addition of amber and rose. It's a truly beautiful candle scent that's perfect for winter.
Diptyque Sapin Candle
Diptyque Sapin Candle [14] (£60) is a delicate pine fragrance that fills any room with the magic of the festive season without being in the slightest bit overpowering. It's crisp, fresh, and beautiful.
& Other Stories Sardonyx Fire Candle
& Other Stories Sardonyx Fire Candle [15] (£17) is rich, earthy, and a little spicy with its blend of rose, saffron, jasmine, patchouli, amber, and vanilla. It's the perfect winter candle for all occasions.
Jo Malone Whisky & Cedarwood Home Candle
If ever there was a handsome candle, it would be the Jo Malone Whisky & Cedarwood Home Candle [16] (£62). Lighting this reminds us of sitting by a lit fire with cosy blankets, comforting food, and an abundance of festive alcohol. It warms up the room in an instant.
Wildsmith Bothy Candle
There is no place cosier than Heckfield Place, and that's a fact. But we can't always book into the Hampshire staycation so the Wildsmith Bothy Candle [17] (£65) is the next best thing. Inspired by the walled garden toward the Bothy Spa at Heckfield Estate, it's herby and artisan in its scent and design.
Sun.day VI. Céleste Candle
Sun.day VI. Céleste Candle [18] (£26) is one of the most unique candles out there. It's got a medicinal, spa-like scent but with a festive twist, thanks to the addition of peppermint and pine needle.
Jo Loves Snowflakes Candle
If fruity Christmas scents aren't you thing, you might like the crisper fragrance of the Jo Loves Snowflakes Candle [19] (£55). It has notes of pine needles paired with cooking mulled wine and Christmas spices.
Drowsy Zen Candle
If you're into scents that lean a little more on the medicinal side of the spectrum, allow us to introduce you to the Drowsy Zen Candle [20] (£40). It does exactly what it promises: relieves stress, anxieties, and a busy mind. You'll feel incredibly Zen after chilling out with this candle. Plus, the ceramic vessel and lid give this candle a special centrepiece feel.
L'Occitane Relaxing Candle
This isn't your traditional winter candle but still deserves a spot in your collection. If you're not quite ready to let go of your summer candle collection, the L'Occitane Relaxing Candle [21] (£20) is zingy, zesty, and fresh.
Women in Mind London Fields Candle
Infuse your home with the full-bodied notes that the Women in Mind London Fields Candle [22] (£45) offers. Its base notes of musk vetiver, and cedar come through strong with the rose, orange, patchouli and bergamot lingering in the background.
Boy Smells Broken Rosary Candle
Boy Smells Broken Rosary Candle [23] (£45) packs a festive punch. As the name suggests, this gives off an ancient church scent from the get-go. It'll fill the room with its blend of cinnamon and cardamom mixed with cedarwood and rose water.
Ouai North Bondi Candle
Now we can have our beloved North Bondi scent wafting through the entire house. If you need a break from the sweet, cinnamon scents on winter, light the Ouai North Bondi Candle [24] (£32). Its notes of bergamot, lemon, blackberry, amber, patchouli, sandalwood, and white musk leave any room smelling fresh and clean.