How to Make Christmas-Smelling Candles

How to Make Christmas-Smelling Candles

The smell of Christmas can change the whole mood of a home. Pine, cinnamon, vanilla, cranberry—these are the aromas that make the holidays feel real. Lot's of people try and make them at home too. Making your own Christmas candles is a good skill to learn, and once you learn the basics, you can customize them with the exact blends that remind you of the season.

Step 1: Pick Your Wax

Start with good wax. Soy is the most popular because it burns clean and holds fragrance well. Beeswax gives a natural honey undertone and lasts a long time. Coconut wax is smooth and slow-burning. Any of these will work, but soy is usually the easiest for beginners.

Step 2: Choose Holiday Fragrance Oils

This is where the fun begins. Think about the holiday smells you love most.

  • Cinnamon and clove for warmth.
  • Fir, pine, or cedarwood for that fresh tree vibe.
  • Vanilla, orange, or cranberry for sweetness.

You can keep it simple or blend a few together. For example, cinnamon and orange make a cozy kitchen fragrance, while pine and vanilla smell like a decorated tree on Christmas Eve.

Step 3: Melt and Mix

Melt the wax slowly in a double boiler. Once it’s fully melted, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Add your fragrance oil (about one ounce per pound of wax). Stir slowly but thoroughly so the fragrance blends evenly.

Step 4: Set Up the Wick and Pour

Place a wick in the center of your container, securing it with hot glue or a wick sticker. Slowly pour in the wax, leaving a little space at the top. Use a wick holder, chopstick, or clothespin to keep the wick standing straight while the wax sets. Let the candles sit for at least 24 hours before trimming the wick.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Once the candle is ready, give it a name or add a festive label. Call it “Snowy Morning,” “Cinnamon Kitchen,” or “Fireside Eve.” Little details like this make them feel personal, especially if you plan to give them as gifts.

Go Beyond Candles

Candles are great, but you don’t have to stop there. Use the same holiday fragrances to make wax melts for a flameless option. Create a quick room spray for instant cheer in the living room or hallway. Set up a reed diffuser in the entryway so guests are greeted by a subtle, steady fragrance the second they step inside.

Shop Christmas Scents

Warm up the chilly winter months with our collection of winter candles. With fragrances like evergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, and clove, our winter candles evoke the quintessential feelings of the holiday season and frosty winter days.

Shop Winter Collection

Bring the Season to Life

Making your own Christmas-scented candles isn’t complicated, but it feels special. You get to pick the fragrances that mean something to you, mix them into blends that fit your home, and enjoy the results all season long. It’s a simple project that leaves your space smelling like the holidays and gives you plenty of options for thoughtful gifts too.

We have candles, wax melts, room sprays, reed diffusers and more! Just take a look at our store.