8 of the best scented candles to get cosy with this winter - from Diptyque to Jo Malone

As the weather gets colder and dark, get cosy at home with these seasonally scented candles.

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This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but our expert’s decisions are independently made and unaffected by this.

Whether you’re shopping as a treat to yourself or for a loved one, a scented candle is always a winner, and these are some of the best for chasing away the winter blues.

We’ve selected a range of seasonally-scented candles that offer great throw (how far the fragrance travels), long-lasting burn times, scents that feel true rather than synthetic, and gift-worthy packaging. 

Transport yourself to the Moray forest in Scotland with this new candle from Noble Isle.

Comprising pine, cedarwood and a earthiness of patchouli, vetiver and musk, this is a warming, almost cologne-like take on the traditional pine scent that’s popular at Christmas (but can often smell a bit of, ahem, toilet cleaner). 

With a burn time of 45 hours, this candle would be a great gift or treat for yourself this Christmas.

Many of Jo Malone’s seasonal offerings - including the Roasted Chestnut candle, and the Pine and Eucalyptus - have sold out, which offers little surprise, as their entire candle range is superlative.  

What is still available, though, is the Myrhh & Tonka aromatic candle, which  positively sings with winter warmth. Bittersweet myrrh has a rich woodiness, while the Tonka leavens the aroma with a lush vanilla sweetness.  

 

The winter fragrance is the White Company’s signature scent for the season, and has been sold in various guises over the 21 years since its creation - from orange studded candles to room diffusers, tealights and a three wick number. 

This candle is Christmas in a jar, with cinnamon and rich warming clove but it’s the notes of fresh zesty orange that make this a winner over other winter copycats.

This bargain tin candle is perfect as a stocking filler and ideal for those missing out on a real wood fire at home. The smoky, sweet scent is subtle but complex with earthy notes - enough to defy the purse friendly price tag.

The French perfumerie’s seasonal additions have gained a cult-like status akin to their core range. This is one brand where you can rest assured that the price does equal great quality and long-lasting fragrance.

This set of three mini candles means you can try out each of the 2020 limited edition winter range, which includes Moonlit Fir, Floral Majesty and Amber Feather. As with all Diptyque candles, and especially limited editions, the packaging and jars and beautifully decorated - sure to be kept long after the candles have gone. This year is no exception, with designs from artist Ugo Gattoni.

While the names sound magical, they don’t give much away in relation to the scents, apart from Moonlit Fir, which has deep woody notes mixing with freshness from pine, eucalyptus and peppermint. Floral Majesty has the classic Christmas cinnamon but not as you know it, as this is blended with rose, while the Amber Feather fragrance is more traditional, with ginger, orange, cinnamon and a warming hint of exotic amber.

For something that doesn’t scream ‘Christmas’ but is a good winter warmer, try Marks and Spencer’s Calm candle.

 Made with essential oils, the mix of lavender, clary sage, sweet orange and cedarwood combine for a calming spa-like scent that’ll keep everyone zen this festive season.

This tartan-boxed beauty is up there with some of the most expensive candles on the market, but it has been a classic for years. 

Instead of opting for fragrances of traditional spices, the designer name has mixed evergreen, redcurrant and juniper berry, and it’s all the fresher for it.

These candles come in unassuming brown glass jars with simple labels, and would like right at home in a bathroom next to Aesop products. While their popular Spiced Orange and Red Berry candle is sold out online, why not try something a bit different to get cosy this winter?  

The vegan friendly candle burns cleanly with the scent of citrus lemon and orange, blended with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove to provide seasonal richness and spicy undertones.