We tried multiple Christmas candles to sniff out the best

A guide to the best, tried and tested, Christmas candles available in the UK in 2021. (Getty Images)
A guide to the best, tried and tested, Christmas candles available in the UK in 2021. (Getty Images)

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Any lifestyle brand worth its salt sells a candle - and they would be silly not to. In 2019, the UK candle economy was worth £1.9 billion - a number that's likely increased due to the soaring sales seen during the pandemic's restrictions. It's easy to see why they're so popular. Some Brits use candles to set a romantic mood, some to help them relax. Others light a scented candle to help mask strong odours or to simply make their house smell good. They're ideal gifts, increasingly more eco-friendly and suit all budgets.

So, how does this year's Christmas candle selection fare? Most of us will only splurge on one festive scent each year so to save you making the wrong decision, we put some of the UK's most popular options to the test in our own homes.

Best Christmas candles UK 2021

Evermore North Candle | £55 at Harvey Nichols

Evermore's North candle. (Evermore London)
Evermore's North candle. (Evermore London)

Inspired by the North Star, this wintry candle, from up-and-coming conscious candle label Evermore, is warming, slightly spicy and oh-so-comforting. Featuring top notes of black pepper and cinnamon married with a base of oud, maple and tobacco, it's ideal for fans of musky scents. What makes it even more desirable, in our opinion, is the beautifully chic - and gender-neutral - design that will work in any home.

Light-Up Christmas Candle | £9.95 at M&S

Marks & Spencer's Light-Up Christmas Candle. (M&S)
Marks & Spencer's Light-Up Christmas Candle. (M&S)

At under £10, this Christmas candle is a real bargain and ideal for those who don't want to spend much on a Christmas home fragrance. It's also a lovely keepsake: when the candle's burnt down, simply pop in a tealight candle to continue enjoying the festive design on the glass jar.

Christmas Wish 3 Wick | £46 at Neom Organics

Neom Christmas Wish 3 wick candle. (Neom Organics)
Neom Christmas Wish 3 wick candle. (Neom Organics)

This candle manages to truly encapsulate the scent of Christmas. Packed with essential oils and spices, it's a safe bet for anyone looking for a classic festive fragrance. If £46 is a little too expensive for you, there's a 1 wick candle available for £32.

White Moss & Snowdrop Candle | £50 at Jo Malone

Jo Malone White Moss & Snowdrop candle. (Jo Malone)
Jo Malone White Moss & Snowdrop candle. (Jo Malone)

If you're a Jo Malone fan and you haven't yet tried a Jo Malone Christmas candle then what have you been doing? The luxury brand's festive edition candles are just as opulent as you would expect them to be and burn for hours and hours. This particular scent provides a refreshing change from the spices used in most other leading Christmas candles while still being clearly festive.

Winter Spice Deluxe Candle | £37 at ESPA

ESPA Winter Spice candle. (ESPA)
ESPA Winter Spice candle. (ESPA)

This beautifully packaged candle looks like it should cost far more than the RRP of £37. It comes in a gorgeous box that makes it a great present to either yourself or a loved one. The candle itself captures that nostalgic smell of Christmas (it's infused with sweet orange, clove, cinnamon and ginger) and fills each room it's in with scent - without being overpowering.

Watch: 5 great M&S Christmas gifts