We’re big believers that a festive-scented candle is a must for Christmas atmosphere. They create a magical, welcoming vibe, and for those of us with fake trees, they provide a Christmas scent to permeate the house each morning.
Our favourite candle makers have done it right this year, with festive packaging and Christmas shapes galore. So snuggle up in your Christmas pyjamas, light your candle, and get to wrapping your gifts. ‘Tis the season.
Which candle scents are perfect for Christmas?
Select a rich and woody pine aroma to replicate the smell of a real Christmas tree, or choose gourmand scents like cinnamon and ginger (naturally, Glasshouse Fragrances are a firm favourite) to invoke the warming sensation of Yuletide baking.
However, it doesn’t have to be all about the smell. There are plenty of Christmas-themed candles that double as a mantle or table centrepiece.
Discover our favourite shaped and scented Christmas candles, all perfect additions to your festive decor.
The best Christmas candles to shop now

Williams Pear & Pine Christmas Candle
$88 from Lyttleton Lights
If you have a partridge in a pear tree on your Christmas wishlist (who doesn’t?) this limited edition candle might be your next best bet. Capturing the sweet smells of pear and French vanilla, along with festive notes of pine and green apple, it’s a sweet-smelling take on a Christmas candle that you can burn year-round. The best part? $1 from every candle sold is donated to Starship Hospital.

Christmas Morning Candle
$64.95 from Glasshouse Fragrances
We’ve often said if we could bottle the feeling of Christmas morning, we’d be millionaires. Glasshouse has achieved the next best thing with this smoky cinnamon, clove and blood orange-spiced candle. A festive cocktail scent at breakfast time? Don’t mind if we do.

Weekend Candle
$13.99 (usually $19.99) from Typo
If the Christmas candles on your wishlist are breaking the bank (we’re looking at you Diptyque), may we recommend this candle which comes in under $20? Smelling like delicious gingerbread cookies and in a cute-as-a-button ceramic cup (which we’ll be using for trinkets afterwards) it’s perfect for secret Santa or as a stocking filler.

Raspberry and Rhubarb Candle Decoration
$20.95 from Circa
Lean into the Christmas spirit with this mini-scented soy candle, which does double duty as a Christmas tree decoration and as a festive scent. With a sweetly delicious smell of rhubarb and raspberry, it’s giving us fruity summer pudding vibes, perfect for a Kiwi summer Christmas.

White Fig and Cedar Soy Candle
$49.95 from Circa
Circa has knocked it out of the park with its Christmas packaging this year. This candle is for those who like a slightly woodier fragrance: It’s based around the scent of a Christmas wreath, blending white fig and cedar with subtle sandalwood, cardamom, and white orchard.

Diptyque Sapin Pine Tree Scented Candle
$147 from Mecca
If money is no object, Diptyque candles are a luxurious way to bring your festive lights and fragrance indoors. This pine scented candle smells like real pine needles and resin. It’s perfect if you’re opting for a fake tree this year but still want the atmosphere.

Pear and Brandy Holiday Candle
$62 from Ecoya
We love gold accents at Christmas. This delicious pear and brandy-scented ‘Goldie’ candle from Ecoya will be taking centre stage for our Christmas lunch tablescape. Poured into brushed gold aluminium and with a 90-hour burn time, it’s a fabulous Christmas gift for a brandy lover, or for yourself.

Naughty and Nice: Handful of Candy Canes
$64.95 from Glasshouse
Got a sweet tooth? This festive candle might just be the next best thing to cut down on your Christmas candy consumption. With the zingy but sweet scent of festive candy canes, it’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. We love the opaque, glazed packaging of this one. As the candle burns, it’ll shine like a Christmas tree bauble.

Christmas Coffee Cup Candle
$89.50 from House of March
This delight is a double-whammy. Not only is the scent the epitome of Christmas, with hints of frankincense, myrrh, and a hint of ginger, once it’s fully burned you get a reusable coffee cup. Just give it a rinse, and your barista will love you.