he holidays are all about spending time with loved ones and making memories that will last for years to come — and inspire new traditions in their wake. Since olfactory memory can intensify the clarity of the memories we make, we’re major proponents of amplifying the joys of the holiday season with gorgeous, glamorous candles. (Carefully placed away from any pine boughs, of course.)
Whether you’re picking out a thoughtful hostess gift or the fragrance that will scent your own festive fête, one of these Spotlyte favorites can set the mood and light the way (literally!) for a holiday you’ll always remember. Below, nine of our favorite memorable candles to give and get this holiday season.
Sapin De Lumière
- A limited-edition candle presented in an elegant vessel that adds a beautiful statement to your home.
- Fragrance story: Light up the pine tree of light candle, so that the stag appears in the twilight forest. From this light is born the captivating scent of fir trees, warmed by the delicate, neighboring cedars.
Diptyque®’s holiday collection is always exquisite, and this year’s limited-edition offerings — Sapin De Lumière, Baume D’Ambre, and Amande Exquise — are no exception. While each scent is special, the Sapin De Lumière is a particular favorite for its glowing fragrance of fir trees mingling with warming cedar on a snowy morning. We think it’s the perfect gift for the city dweller who’d rather be spending the holidays in a snowbound forest.
Byredo’s Chai Candle
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Byredo’s Chai Candle is inspired by the rituals of Indian tea ceremonies, and evokes a warm, nostalgic feeling akin to clutching a warming cup of tea on a cold, rainy day. The top notes of cardamom, ginger, and clove give way to a base of birch, guaiac wood, and latte and sure, it’s a lovely gift, but we can almost guarantee you’ll end up keeping it for yourself.
Abd El Kader by Cire Trudon Candle
- Abd el Kader - Moroccan Mint Tea
- Burn time: 55 to 60 hours
The pyramids of Egypt have awed scholars, mathematicians, and travelers alike for thousands of years. Now, these architectural marvels have inspired one of Cire TrudonTM’s limited-edition Egyptian holiday fragrances, Gizeh. With a heart of candied firewood, delicate top notes of chestnut glace, and a smoky base of patchouli and musk, the scent evokes an age-old history as great as the pyramids themselves.
Jo Malone London Orange Bitters Candles
This nuanced candle contains top notes of both sweet and bitter orange, sitting atop a sensual, warming base of sandalwood and amber. Bring a welcome bit of brightness to your holiday scene by lighting one (or three!) of the Jo Malone London Orange Bitters Candles on a mantel draped with a garland of fresh pine.
SALT & STONE Hand-Poured Scented Candles
- SALT & STONE Scented Candle | Hand-Poured, Aromatic & Fragrant | Made with Natural Coconut & Soy Blend Wax | 100% Cotton Wick | Long-Lasting 50 Hour Burn Time (8.5 oz)
We found the SALT & STONE Hand-Poured Scented Candles to be a superior addition to our home decor. The blend of coconut and soy-based wax provides a clean burn that lasts impressively up to 55 hours. Furthermore, the vegan-friendly ingredients reassure us of our responsible choice. The fragrance that emanates from this candle is enchanting and has the ability to transform any space. We highly endorse it for anyone seeking a quality, eco-conscious home fragrance solution.
TOM FORD Bitter Peach Candle
- BITTER PEACH Candle captures nectar-filled flesh at its luscious, bursting peak, where sweet turns suggestive – and addiction is inescapable. Fragrance Family: Floral Scent Type: Fruity Floral Key Fragrance Notes: Peche de Vigne, Blood Orange, Patchouli
We’ve recently had the pleasure of lighting the TOM FORD Bitter Peach Candle, and it’s nothing short of intoxicating. Its unique blend of Peche de Vigne and Blood Orange notes delivers a luscious, ripe peach scent that is incredibly inviting. The underlying patchouli adds a hint of earthy depth, creating a sophisticated fruity floral profile that is both sweet and tantalizing. This is not your typical fruit-scented candle; it’s suggestive and alluring, making it difficult to resist. Undoubtedly, the Bitter Peach Candle has quickly become an inescapable addiction in our space.
ELEMIS House of ELEMIS Scented Candle
We recently had the opportunity to experience the ELEMIS House of ELEMIS Scented Candle and we’re truly impressed. The sensory journey it offers is truly remarkable, transporting us to their home in London with just a whiff of its elegant blend of nine essential oils, notably Lavender, Geranium, and Eucalyptus. Lighting the candle was straightforward, and it seamlessly diffused a beautiful aroma into our living space, creating an environment of tranquillity.
Its burn time of 2-4 hours is perfect for an evening of relaxation, and we appreciate the thoughtful safety instructions provided, such as the recommendations to trim the wick, keep it away from heat sources, and use a candle snuffer for extinguishing. We did notice that approximately 10mm of wax remains unburnt, but this didn’t detract from our overall experience. We highly recommend the ELEMIS House of ELEMIS Scented Candle for those seeking to add some aromatic elegance to their homes.
Holiday Mon Beau Sapin by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Candle
We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Holiday Mon Beau Sapin Candle by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. This candle truly captures the essence of winter walks in an upland forest, with its woody and slightly resinous scent. Its aroma instantly transports us to a tranquil Christmas setting, standing next to a traditional Christmas tree. With a burn time of approximately 40 hours, it offers long-lasting fragrance that enhances the festive ambiance in our home. We highly recommend this candle for anyone looking to create a warm, holiday atmosphere.
Votivo Candle Holiday Joie De Noel
- EXCELLENCE IN THE ART OF FRAGRANCE. Created and regularly quality checked by a Votivo perfumer, Joie De Noel is celebrated for its crisp, green fir needle underpinnings and utilizes supporting notes of cinnamon, clove, and orange to stir holiday nostalgia. FRAGRANCE NOTES: herbal lavender, cinnamon, clove, patchouli, and cedar
- Votivo scented candles consist of our proprietary soy-blend wax, lead free cotton wicks, and sleek, timeless glass vessels which suit any room.
The scent, carefully crafted by a dedicated Votivo perfumer, is a nostalgic blend reminiscent of the holiday season, with its crisp, green fir needle base beautifully complemented by notes of cinnamon, clove, and orange. The additional aromatic layers of herbal lavender, patchouli, and cedar contribute to a complex, exquisite fragrance profile. One of the standout features is the high-quality, proprietary soy-blend wax and lead-free cotton wicks, housed in a sleek glass vessel that adds a touch of timeless elegance to any room.
Proudly made in the U.S.A., the candle comes in immaculate packaging that is perfect for gift-giving occasions. The burn time can be successfully maximized by following their recommended 4-hour increment burns, allowing for an even and prolonged fragrance release. Overall, this candle offers a superior sensory experience that brings the joy and warmth of the holiday season into your home.