Candles are a timeless addition to Christmas decor, bringing warmth, ambiance, and elegance to your holiday celebrations. Here are some creative ideas to incorporate candles into your festive decorations.
Candlelit Centerpieces
Create a stunning centerpiece by arranging candles of varying heights on a tray or in a bowl, surrounded by ornaments, pinecones, or faux snow. Add greenery or cranberries for a seasonal touch.
Hurricane Lantern Displays
Place candles inside hurricane lanterns, accented with holly sprigs or mini wreaths. Use them to line your staircase, mantle, or entryway for a welcoming glow.
Advent Candle Wreaths
Incorporate an Advent wreath featuring four candles. Choose traditional purple, pink, or white candles and decorate the wreath with greenery, ribbons, and baubles for a meaningful and stylish display.
Window Candle Magic
Set small, battery-operated candles on windowsills to create a charming, old-fashioned holiday look visible from outside. Enhance the scene with tiny garlands or frosted pine branches.
Floating Candle Decor
Fill clear glass bowls with water and float tea lights on the surface. Add cranberries or small evergreen clippings to the water for a festive and elegant touch.
Mason Jar Luminaries
Transform mason jars into cozy luminaries. Add a votive candle, surround it with faux snow or glitter, and tie the jar with a red plaid ribbon for a rustic charm.
Fireplace Candle Display
If you have a non-working fireplace, arrange pillar candles of various sizes in the hearth. This creates a cozy, faux-fireplace glow perfect for Christmas nights.
Candles elevate any Christmas setting with their warm, flickering light. By incorporating them thoughtfully into your decor, you can create a festive atmosphere that feels both magical and inviting.
1. Advent Candle Display
An Advent centerpiece brings warmth and meaning to the season. Start with a circular tray or wreath base.
Place four candles—traditionally three purple and one pink—representing hope, peace, joy, and love.
Arrange fresh or faux greenery like pine or fir around the candles for a lush foundation. Add pops of color with red berries, such as holly or cranberries, and mix in small ornaments or pinecones for texture and sparkle.
For a cohesive look, choose ornaments that complement your decor theme. Light one candle each Sunday of Advent, creating a beautiful, glowing centerpiece full of holiday charm and tradition
2. Candles in Pinecones
Transform pinecones into charming candle holders by attaching small tealights to their tops. This simple DIY project adds a cozy, rustic vibe to your Christmas decor.
Start by selecting sturdy, large pinecones and securing the tealights with a dab of hot glue. Arrange them on decorative trays or along your mantel, pairing them with greenery, berries, or fairy lights for added charm.
The natural texture of pinecones complements both traditional and modern holiday themes. Perfect for a budget-friendly yet elegant look, these candle holders create a warm, inviting glow, making them a delightful addition to your festive decorations.
3. Mason Jar Candle Lanterns
Transform ordinary mason jars into charming Christmas decorations with this simple DIY idea. Fill each jar with faux snow or Epsom salts to create a snowy base.
Nestle a candle—real or battery-operated—inside for a warm, flickering glow. To add a rustic yet elegant touch, tie a festive ribbon or twine around the top, and embellish it with small pinecones, sprigs of greenery, or tiny ornaments.
These versatile jar candles are perfect as table centerpieces, mantle accents, or thoughtful gifts.
Their cozy aesthetic brings the magic of a snowy winter night indoors, adding charm and warmth to your holiday decor.
4. Floating Candles in a Bowl
Create an elegant and festive centerpiece by filling a glass bowl with water and adding floating candles for a warm glow.
Scatter vibrant red cranberries across the water’s surface to enhance the holiday spirit. To complete the look, sprinkle in a few sprigs of fresh pine, adding a touch of greenery and a natural fragrance.
This simple yet striking arrangement is perfect for dining tables, entryways, or sideboards, bringing a cozy and inviting ambiance to any Christmas gathering.
Easy to assemble and budget-friendly, this DIY decoration blends beauty and practicality, making it a go-to idea for last-minute holiday decor.
5. Candles on a Wooden Log
Create a stunning natural centerpiece by transforming a wooden log into a unique candle holder. Start by selecting a sturdy, straight log and sanding it smooth.
Use a drill with a spade bit to make evenly spaced holes along the log, sized to fit tealight candles securely. Once the holes are drilled, insert the candles and place the log on your dining or coffee table.
Surround it with seasonal accents like pinecones, greenery, or berries for added charm.
This rustic decor piece adds a warm, woodsy ambiance, perfect for cozy gatherings or elegant holiday dinners, while showcasing nature’s beauty.
6. Lanterns with Candles
Add a festive glow to your holiday decor by filling lanterns with candles and decorating them with seasonal accents.
Place pillar candles or LED alternatives inside the lanterns for a warm, flickering light. To enhance the festive vibe, surround the candles with small ornaments, sprigs of holly, or clusters of berries.
Arrange the lanterns on entryway tables, mantels, or porches for a versatile holiday display. You can also tie ribbons or add pinecones around the base for extra charm.
This easy yet elegant decoration combines classic holiday elements to create a cozy, inviting ambiance for your Christmas celebrations.
7. Hanging Candle Holders
Brighten your entryway with the warm glow of hanging candle holders or jars filled with tealights.
Choose glass jars or decorative hanging holders and secure them with sturdy twine, chains, or ribbon. Add tealight candles or LED alternatives for a safe, flickering glow.
Hang them at varying heights from hooks, branches, or an entryway arch for a charming effect. Enhance the festive ambiance by decorating the jars with seasonal touches like greenery, holly, or ribbons.
This simple yet enchanting decor idea creates a welcoming atmosphere, setting a cozy tone for guests as they arrive for your holiday celebrations.
8. Candy Cane Candle Holders
Craft a delightful holiday candle holder by gluing candy canes together. Start by aligning candy canes in a circular pattern around a glass votive holder or small jar, securing them with hot glue.
Ensure the curved tops face outward for a classic look. Once assembled, wrap a festive red ribbon around the candy canes and tie it into a bow for a polished finish.
Place a candle or tealight inside and display it on mantels, tables, or shelves. This charming DIY project adds a whimsical, sweet touch to your decor, making it a perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations.
9. Snow Globe Candles
Create a charming winter scene by placing candles inside large glass containers filled with faux snow and miniature Christmas trees.
Start with clear vases, hurricane lanterns, or jars, and add a layer of faux snow at the base. Arrange small decorative Christmas trees around the edge, leaving space in the center for a pillar or LED candle.
The flickering light will illuminate the snow and trees, creating a magical, cozy glow.
Perfect for mantels, tables, or entryways, this simple yet elegant decoration combines warmth and whimsy, making it a standout piece in your festive holiday decor.
10. Tree Trunk Candle Holders
Carving small slots into tree trunk slices is a creative and rustic way to incorporate candles into your Christmas decor.
Begin by selecting slices of wood with a flat surface and a suitable diameter. Using a small carving tool or a drill with a flat bit, create shallow slots in the center of each slice, ensuring the slots are just deep enough to hold your candles securely.
These wood candle holders add a natural, earthy touch to your table settings or mantlepiece. You can even decorate the slices with festive greenery, pinecones, or glitter for a more seasonal look.
11. Wrapped in Burlap
Wrapping candles in burlap and securing them with twine creates a cozy, rustic vibe perfect for Christmas decor.
Start by cutting a piece of burlap slightly larger than the candle’s circumference. Wrap the burlap around the base of the candle, ensuring it fits snugly.
Secure the burlap with twine, tying it in a simple knot or bow for added charm. These burlap-wrapped candles can be placed on a rustic tray, alongside greenery or pinecones, to enhance the festive atmosphere.
This simple yet elegant touch adds warmth and texture, making it an ideal choice for holiday table settings or mantel displays.
12. Mirror Candle Display
Wrapping candles in burlap and securing them with twine creates a cozy, rustic vibe perfect for Christmas decor.
Start by cutting a piece of burlap slightly larger than the candle’s circumference. Wrap the burlap around the base of the candle, ensuring it fits snugly. Secure the burlap with twine, tying it in a simple knot or bow for added charm.
These burlap-wrapped candles can be placed on a rustic tray, alongside greenery or pinecones, to enhance the festive atmosphere.
This simple yet elegant touch adds warmth and texture, making it an ideal choice for holiday table settings or mantel displays.
13. Windowsill Display
Lining your windowsill with candles in varying heights creates a stunning focal point and a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Arrange candles of different sizes, from tall pillar candles to smaller votives, to add dimension and depth.
Surround the candles with lush greenery, such as pine branches or holly, and embellish with ornaments like glittery baubles or pinecones for a seasonal touch.
The flickering candlelight, combined with the natural beauty of the greenery and festive accents, will create a warm, inviting glow visible from both inside and outside. This simple yet elegant decoration adds charm to your home during the holidays.
14. Hurricane Glass Candle Holders
Filling hurricane glasses with ornaments or pinecones and topping them with pillar candles creates a striking and festive centerpiece.
Start by filling the base of each glass with a mix of colorful ornaments or natural pinecones. These add texture and visual interest while complementing the holiday season.
Then, place a pillar candle on top of each glass, ensuring it fits securely. The glass will not only protect the flame but also create a beautiful glow.
For added charm, consider adding sprigs of greenery or ribbon around the base. This elegant decoration brings warmth and holiday cheer to any room.
15. Chandelier Candle Decor
Using battery-operated candles to decorate your chandelier creates a magical, hassle-free way to add festive charm to your home.
Simply hang the battery-operated candles from the arms of the chandelier, ensuring they are securely fastened. These flameless candles provide a safe, flickering glow that mimics traditional candlelight without the risk of fire.
To enhance the look, hang ornaments such as delicate glass baubles, small wreaths, or ribbons from the chandelier’s branches.
The combination of glowing candles and shimmering decorations will bring elegance and warmth to your holiday space, transforming the chandelier into a captivating centerpiece.
16. Staircase Candle Arrangement
Placing candles on each step of your staircase, paired with lush garlands, creates a dramatic and festive effect that adds elegance and warmth to your home.
Arrange battery-operated candles on the edges of each step, ensuring they are spaced evenly for a balanced look. For added safety, use flameless candles to avoid any fire hazards.
Drape a garland of greenery, such as pine or eucalyptus, along the railing or across the steps. Decorate the garland with ornaments, ribbons, or berries to enhance the festive atmosphere.
This glowing, enchanting display will create a stunning focal point for your holiday decor.
17. Candles in Christmas Stockings
Add a touch of whimsy to your Christmas décor by placing battery-operated candles in stockings.
Choose flameless candles with a warm, flickering glow for safety and ease. Hang your stockings on a mantel, staircase, or wall hooks, and carefully position the candles inside, ensuring they’re visible enough to cast a cozy light.
The soft glow creates a magical and inviting atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire.
Pair this idea with festive garlands, fairy lights, or holiday ornaments for added charm. It’s a simple yet creative way to elevate your Christmas decorations with a delightful twist.
18. Luminaria Bags
Create a magical holiday walkway with paper bag luminaries. Use simple brown or white paper bags and cut festive designs, such as snowflakes, stars, or Christmas trees, on one side.
Fill the base of each bag with a small amount of sand or pebbles to keep them stable. Place a flameless LED candle inside each bag for a safe and warm glow.
Arrange the luminaries along your driveway, walkway, or garden path to welcome guests with a charming ambiance.
This budget-friendly decoration is easy to make and adds an enchanting touch to your outdoor Christmas décor. Perfect for any festive event!