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Christmas crafts

the ultimate guide to candle making for christmas

By Eleanor Vance

Published: 18 May 2025

“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling. And what better way to bottle that feeling than with the warm glow of a homemade candle?”

The Ultimate Guide to Candle Making for Christmas

cozy christmas scene with candles | Image: Supplied

Okay, hands up – who here hasn't been utterly captivated by the flickering flame of a candle? There’s something almost magical about them, isn't there? Especially around Christmas. Growing up, our family tradition was always to light a cinnamon-scented candle on Christmas Eve, and honestly, the house just didn’t feel like Christmas until that candle was burning. Now, I’m all about taking that tradition to the next level – by making the candles myself! And you know what? It's way easier (and more fun) than you might think. Plus, imagine the looks on your loved ones' faces when you gift them a beautifully scented candle made with your own two hands. Seriously, it’s a total game-changer.

Why Make Candles for Christmas?

christmas candles burning in a cozy room | Image: Supplied

So, why dive into the world of candle making, especially when December's already a whirlwind of activity? Well, let me tell you, there are a ton of reasons! First off, it’s incredibly therapeutic. Seriously, pouring wax and blending scents is like a mini spa day for your soul. Then there's the satisfaction of creating something unique. You get to customize everything – the scent, the color, the container – to perfectly match your style or the preferences of whoever you’re gifting it to. And let’s be real, homemade gifts just have that extra touch of love that store-bought items can't replicate. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to save some money during the holiday season. Store-bought candles can be ridiculously expensive, and making them yourself allows you to control the cost and use high-quality ingredients without breaking the bank. All winning reasons, right?

person happily making candles at home | Image: Supplied

Getting Started: What You'll Need

candle making supplies laid out on a table | Image: Supplied

Alright, before you can unleash your inner candle-making artist, you'll need to gather your supplies. Don't worry, you don’t need a fancy laboratory or anything. Here's a basic checklist to get you started:

Wax: Soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax – each has its pros and cons. I personally prefer soy wax because it’s natural, burns cleanly, and holds scent well.
Wicks: Choose the right size wick for your container. Too small, and the candle won't burn properly. Too big, and it'll burn too hot and fast. You can find wick size guides online. Pre-waxed wicks are easiest to work with.
Fragrance Oils or Essential Oils: This is where the magic happens! Think about your favorite Christmas scents – cinnamon, pine, orange, vanilla. Make sure to use oils specifically designed for candle making.
Containers: Jars, tins, teacups – the possibilities are endless! Just make sure they're heat-safe.
Double Boiler or Heat-Safe Bowl and Pot: For melting the wax safely.
Thermometer: To monitor the wax temperature.
Pouring Pot: Makes pouring the wax into containers much easier.
Stirring Utensil: A long spoon or chopstick will do the trick.
Scale: For measuring wax and fragrance oils accurately.
Optional Add-ins: Dyes, glitter, dried flowers, etc., for extra flair.

close-up of candle making ingredients | Image: Supplied

Step-by-Step: The Candle Making Process

step-by-step candle making process | Image: Supplied

Okay, now for the fun part! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making your own Christmas candles:

Prepare Your Containers: Clean your containers thoroughly and attach the wicks to the bottom using glue dots or a small amount of melted wax. Make sure the wick is centered.
Melt the Wax: Fill your pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place your double boiler or heat-safe bowl on top and add the wax. Melt the wax slowly, stirring occasionally, until it's completely liquid.
Add Fragrance: Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Add your fragrance oil according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually around 6-10% of the wax weight). Stir gently but thoroughly for about two minutes to ensure the scent is evenly distributed.
Add Dye (Optional): If you're using dye, add it now and stir until the color is consistent.
Pour the Wax: Slowly pour the wax into your prepared containers, leaving some space at the top.
Center the Wicks: Use a clothespin or wick centering device to keep the wicks centered while the wax cools.
Let the Candles Cool: Allow the candles to cool completely at room temperature. This can take several hours, or even overnight.
Trim the Wicks: Once the candles are completely cool, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch.

person pouring wax into a candle container | Image: Supplied

Scent-sational Christmas Candle Ideas

variety of christmas scented candles | Image: Supplied

Need some inspiration for your Christmas candle scents? Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

Classic Christmas: Cinnamon, clove, and orange.
Winter Wonderland: Pine, cedarwood, and a hint of peppermint.
Gingerbread Delight: Ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla.
Cozy Fireside: Woodsmoke, amber, and a touch of spice.
Candy Cane Lane: Peppermint and vanilla.

christmas candles with different scents | Image: Supplied

Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own unique blends! Just remember to keep track of your recipes so you can recreate your favorites.

Safety First: Candle Making Tips

safety equipment for candle making | Image: Supplied

Candle making is relatively safe, but it's important to take a few precautions:

Never leave melting wax unattended.
Use a thermometer to monitor the wax temperature and avoid overheating.
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Keep children and pets away from hot wax and equipment.
Extinguish candles properly and never leave them burning unattended.

safety first candle making tips | Image: Supplied

Troubleshooting: Common Candle Making Problems

candle making problems and solutions | Image: Supplied

Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common candle making problems and how to fix them:

Sinkholes: These are depressions that form in the center of the candle as it cools. To prevent them, pour a second layer of wax after the first layer has partially cooled.
Frosting: This is a white, crystalline coating that can form on soy wax candles. It’s purely cosmetic and doesn't affect the candle's performance. You can minimize frosting by pouring at a lower temperature and letting the candles cool slowly.
Poor Scent Throw: This means the candle doesn't release enough fragrance when it burns. Make sure you’re using enough fragrance oil and that you’re stirring it thoroughly into the wax.

troubleshooting candle making issues | Image: Supplied

Personalizing Your Christmas Candles

personalized christmas candles | Image: Supplied

Now, let's talk about making your candles extra special! Here are a few ideas for personalizing your creations:

Add dried flowers or herbs to the top of the candle for a rustic touch.
Use glitter or mica powder to create a shimmery effect.
Decorate the containers with paint, stickers, or ribbon.
Create custom labels with festive messages or the recipient's name.
Package the candles in cute gift boxes or bags with a handwritten note.

creative ways to personalize candles | Image: Supplied

Trust me, those little personal touches will make your gifts even more meaningful.

Making Memories, One Candle at a Time

candles burning in a christmas setting | Image: Supplied

So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to candle making for Christmas! I hope this inspires you to try your hand at creating your own festive candles this year. It’s a fun, rewarding, and surprisingly addictive hobby. And who knows, maybe you’ll even start a new family tradition of your own. Happy candle making, and Merry Christmas!