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Nothing says cozy like a flickering candle that smells like the best parts of fall. We’ve rounded up the best fall candles to shop in 2023, from luxury candles to affordable candles on Amazon. These candles will remind you of gathering around the Friendsgiving table with your favorite people, taking a long walk to see the changing leaves, cozying up in your favorite cute hoodie and sweatpants to rewatch “Gilmore Girls” or walking into your favorite coffee shop to order your first pumpkin spice latte of the year.
Candles are an easy and surprisingly effective way to set a tone for the new season in your home. These candles have warm autumnal notes that make them an ideal way to get ready for the holidays ahead. The range of fall candles we’ve highlighted here includes the best fall scents. We’ve featured plenty of fall scented candles, from sweet pumpkin-spice inspired candles to elevated options with earthy, spicy notes that make them an ideal transitional home fragrance. We’ve also selected candles in a wide range of sizes, from dainty candles that are perfect for a small space to larger ones that can be burned all season long.
Here, you’ll find classics like Nest’s Pumpkin Chai and Yankee Candles Apple Pumpkin, along with unexpected choices like a candle inspired by luxury perfumes for women or smoky ones that might remind you of your favorite colognes for men. In addition to choosing candles with different scent profiles, we’ve also deliberately highlighted candles at a wide range of prices.
These candles make for thoughtful, cozy holiday gifts for anyone in your life, too. If you’re looking to get ahead on gift shopping, we’ve also got plenty of ideas for designer coffee table books, TikTok-viral products, the best Amazon beauty products and wellness gifts. And if you’re looking to give yourself a self-care gift, buying yourself a cozy fall candle and a pair of silk pajamas is highly encouraged. Have your matches at the ready — these are the best-smelling fall candles on the market.
Top Fall Candles of 2023
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Nest New York Pumpkin Chai Classic Candle
Fragrance notes: Wild pumpkin, cardamom, ginger, and spicy masala chai
Wax type: Proprietary premium wax
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
This earthy candle will evoke the feeling you get when you’re walking around the neighborhood wearing your favorite winter coat and enjoying a crisp, sunny day. You’ll get to enjoy this fall-scented candle all season long, thanks to its burn time of 50 to 60 hours. If you want an even bigger, longer-lasting candle, the brand offers a 21.1-ounce candle that will burn for up to 100 hours.
What testers say: “This candle makes my house smell like freshly baked pumpkin pie — a lasting, but not overpowering, scent that greets you the minute you open the door and smells fresh and not fake or sickly sweet.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
Voluspa Mini Baltic Amber Glass Candle
Size: 5.5 oz.
Fragrance notes: Vanilla orchid, amber resin, sandalwood
Wax type: Coconut wax blend
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
This clean-burning Voluspa candle feels like golden hour. It’s earthy and woodsy with a touch of sweetness thanks to the vanilla orchid scent. The marigold-colored glass jar makes a striking visual impact and is practically begging to be reused as a mini vase or makeup organizer once you’ve gotten through this candle’s 50-hour burn time.
What testers say: “The burnt orange glass jar is a true standout and perfect for fall. Its rich, warm color adds a touch of vibrancy to any room, and it exudes a sense of coziness. The mini size is perfect for adding a pop of color to smaller spaces while still delivering a big impact.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $20
Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle
Size: 8.5 oz.
Fragrance notes: Black pepper, cardamom, williams pear, olibanum, vetiver, smoked amber, cypriol, guaiac, jasmine, cedarwood, fir balsam, hinoki, oakmoss
Wax type: Coconut and beeswax blend
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Space NK Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
It’s hard not to adore this candle from undeniably cool brand, Boy Smells. Upon lighting it, you’ll smell the energizing and warm scents of black pepper and cardamom, shortly before they meld with the other notes of cedarwood and fir balsam. You’ll also pick up on the vetiver and smoked amber notes. It comes together in a warm, spicy blend that’s perfect for feeling cozy as the temperatures drop, and it boats a 50-hour burn time and braided cotton wick.
What testers say: “It’s rich and woodsy without smelling like generic aftershave. I like the smell of Hinoki but this has a sooty, dark finish that is really exquisite. Like a very peaty scotch. This is my favorite cold weather scent. It feels cozy to me — not like warm baking spices, but dried leaves and a campfire.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
La Jolie Muse Pumpkin Chai Scented Candle
Size: 8.11 oz.
Fragrance notes: Sweet orange, cloves, pumpkin, cinnamon, sandalwood, musk
Wax type: Natural soy wax
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Wayfair Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
This gorgeous La Jolie Muse candle comes in a colored glass jar emblazoned with a delicate daisy pattern. The flame shining through the light orange glass adds a comforting autumnal feeling to any room. That’s to say nothing of the balanced fragrance, which brings together notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, sandalwood, and cloves in a pleasant, cheerful blend. This non-toxic fall candle makes a great gift for anyone you’re shopping for this season.
What testers say: “The candle arrived in a beautiful package that is perfect for gifting if that were the intended purpose. I couldn’t believe how gorgeous the candle glass is, and when I lit it, I was so pleased with the scent!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $21.99
Lafco New York Amber Black Vanilla Candle
Size: 15.5 oz.
Fragrance notes: Jasmine, cassis, clove, black vanilla, black amber, sandalwood
Wax type: Soy wax
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Bluemercury Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
When it comes to candles, Lafco is synonymous with luxury. The clean-burning materials, 90-hour burn time and chic vessel make it feel unmatched in its elegance. This intoxicating scent blends together sweet (but not overpowering) notes of vanilla, sandalwood and amber. Everyone who walks into your home will be complimenting you on how lovely it smells.
What testers say: “Love this casual but elegant candle. The scent is not gourmand but soft and welcoming with the amber and vanilla. The container is a lovely color for fall decor.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Harlem Candle Company Speakeasy Luxury Candle
Size: 11 oz.
Fragrance notes: Cardamom, smoked incense, pimento berry, saffron, licorice, plum blossom, tobacco leaves, palo santo, patchouli, vanilla, dark chocolate
Wax type: Vegetable soy wax
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
A moody maroon candle with a luxurious fragrance is the perfect way to set the atmosphere in your home this fall. With a complex blend of fragrances hand-selected by Harlem Candle Co.’s perfume experts and an 80-hour burn time, this luxury fall candle is sure to become your favorite way to set a sensual and playful mood in your home. Plus, the company encourages customers to reuse the vessels as cocktail glasses when they’re used up — in case you felt like really committing to the speakeasy theme.
What tester say: “Speakeasy offers such a wonderful warm mix of smokey bourbon and palo santo, and there is no other candle that I have found that compares. Definitely worth the money!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $48
Diptyque Délice Scented Candle
Size: 6.7 oz.
Fragrance notes: Dried fruit, vanilla
Wax type: Paraffin, slack wax
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Indulge yourself (or win the gift exchange) with this limited-edition candle from Diptyque. The spicy-sweet combination of dried fruits and vanilla will make you want to curl up with a blanket and book while the leaves change outside your window. The vessel for this candle dons a special flame-inspired motif that makes it an eye-catching addition to your coffee table or mantle.
What testers say: “The Delice candle fills the room with a delicious fragrance of dates, vanilla and patchouli. Diptyque makes the most wonderful scents perfect for the holiday season.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Candle
Size: 8.5 oz.
Fragrance notes: Sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, and amber wood
Wax type: Soy wax blend
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars
If you prefer a minimalist design and elegant scent for fall, this luxe but affordable candle from Maison Louis Marie deserves to be added to your cart. It has a spicy cinnamon nutmeg scent that plays beautifully with notes of earthy vetiver and sandalwood. The minimalist font on a simple glass jar gives it an understated appearance that’s chic when paired with any decor style. If you truly fall in love with it, you can buy the scent as a perfume gift set.
What testers say: “Favorite for cooler weather. I have the perfume, perfume oil, and candle. This is also a go-to gift for friends and family.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
Ulta Beauty Collection Caramel Cookie Scented Soy Blend Candle
Size: 15 oz.
Fragrance notes: Salted Caramel, toffee crunch, and vanilla ice cream
Wax type: Soy blend
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
If you’ve never met a tray of holiday cookies that didn’t make your mouth water, this is the candle for you. It smells like caramel cookies that are fresh out of the oven, with a blend of creamy vanilla, warm caramel, and buttery toffee. Who doesn’t want to smell that all season long? It also makes an excellent candle gift for anyone with an enduring sweet tooth in your life.
What testers say: “This by far is my favorite fall candle, with the yummiest smell of maple. This candle does not disappoint and gives that blend of fall season with maple Christmas mornings.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $20
Capri Blue Pumpkin Dulce Glitz Candle
Size: 19 oz.
Fragrance notes: White pumpkin, sweet gingersnap and whipped vanilla
Wax type: Soy wax, paraffin
This candle equals party time. The sparkly autumnal exterior is sure to lift your spirits when the weather outside gets dreary and the leaves have all fallen. Not only is it nice to look at, the notes of white pumpkin, sweet gingersnap, and whipped vanilla melt together to produce an addictive, sweet scent that will have every guest in your home asking what smells so enticing. This is the candle for someone who’s never been described as minimalist and wouldn’t have it any other way.
What testers say: “I love this candle, it is both beautiful and smells wonderful. The pumpkin dulce is my favorite fall scent, I could burn one all day every day!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
Homesick Friendsgiving Scented Candle
Size: 13.75 oz
Fragrance notes: Toasted pecan, pumpkin soufflé, allspice, butternut squash, sage, star anise, oud wood, sheer musk, vanilla
Wax type: Natural soy wax
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
We all have a friend who throws the best dinner parties. This Friendsgiving candle will remind you of throwing open the door to their apartment during an autumn dinner party and smelling the savory, sweet, warm dishes they’ve been prepping all afternoon. Just saying, if you’re headed to a Friendsgiving fête and don’t have the culinary skills to whip up a shareable dish, you can bring this candle as your host or hostess gift for the evening. The 80-hour burn time and natural soy wax make it a gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
What testers say: “Love the Homesick line! It’s a great hostess gift for Thanksgiving!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $28.50
Bath & Body Works Leaves 3-Wick Candle
Size: 14.5 oz.
Fragrance notes: Crisp red apple, golden nectar and warm clove spice
Wax type: Proprietary fragrance wax blend
Bath & Body Works Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
This candle brings together all the best parts of fall: Apple picking, leaf-peeping, and a hot cup of cider to top it all off. This three-wick candle burns for 45 hours and gets tons of love from reviewers for the cozy autumnal scent and the fact that it makes for a great candle gift. It also comes in a vessel that lets the light shine through the leaf pattern, making it a noteworthy fall decor piece.
What testers say: “This is the ‘I just cleaned my whole house so now I want to cuddle up with a soft blanket, get cozy and watch reruns of Grey’s Anatomy’ candle. It’s so cozy and smells amazing!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $14.95
Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle
Size: 8.6 oz.
Fragrance notes: Amber, coco, vanilla, cedar, spices, musk and sandalwood.
Wax type: Custom blend
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Ssense Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
If luxury fall candles are your favorite mode of self-care, check out this cult-favorite Le Labo offering that’s perfect for fall thanks to the cozy blend of spices, sandalwood, and vanilla. These hand-poured candles feature natural-fiber wicks, a high concentration of fragrance oils, and a 60-hour burn time. If you just can’t get enough, consider the extra-large concrete version of this candle that comes in at 42.3 ounces and boasts a burn time of 150-plus hours.
What testers say: “The scent is beautiful, sexy, sophisticated, and cozy at the same time. The fragrance will definitely fill your house. Le Labo candles are pricey, but totally worth it & of quality. You won’t be disappointed!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $84
Threshold Black Label Wooded Sage Candle
Size: 8 oz.
Fragrance notes: Aromatic wooded sage, olive leaves, rosewood and charcoal
Wax type: Soy wax
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
If you’ve been known to find most autumnal candles cloyingly sweet, give this one from Target a look. It’s woodsy and warm without being sugary. With a chic black label and gold-finish metal lid, this fall-scented candle looks far more expensive than it is. It has a 30-hour burn time, but at this price point you might as well buy two or three so you can keep enjoying this addicting scent.
What testers say: “Amazing scent! It’s warm and kinda sweet; this is the perfect fall scent that isn’t a pumpkin, all spice, cinnamon or apple.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $10
Jo Malone London Special-Edition Glowing Embers Townhouse Candle
Size: 10.6 oz.
Fragrance notes: Wood
Wax type: Blend of beeswax, coconut wax, and soy wax
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Not sure what to get your partner’s mom for the holidays? Impress her with this stately candle that smells like a cozy fire. The limited-edition buy from Jo Malone comes in a textured bisque ceramic that complements nearly any home decor style. It’s just over 10 ounces and has an impressive 70-hour burn time.
What testers say: “I love the smell of a good fall/winter fire in the fireplace, unfortunately I don’t have a fireplace anymore but here comes Jo Malone to my rescue with this amazing candle. This candle wraps my home with the luxurious scent of a warm fire. Highly recommend, get one and soak in the warm glowing embers.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Opalhouse Lidded Glass Jar Autumn Harvest Candle
Size: 4.1 oz.
Fragrance notes: Coconut, peach, and cinnamon
Wax type: Soy wax blend
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
“Fruity” might not be the first word you think of when it comes to fall candles. But you’ll quickly find that notes of coconut and peach pair beautifully with a hint of spicy cinnamon. It makes for a comforting and energizing fall fragrance that we’re ready to call one of the best Target fall candles. At 4.1 ounces, it has a burn time of 20 hours. The brand also offers a 15.1-ounce version if you prefer a bigger one.
What testers say: “This smells like pumpkin bread without the strong caramel or cinnamon smell you often get from other fall candles.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $5
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Candle
Size: 9.8 oz.
Fragrance notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris
Wax type: French plant and mineral wax
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
If all your friends know that Baccarat Rouge 540 is your signature scent, this Maison Francis Kurkdjian candle deserves a place of honor in your home. This luxurious scent melds heady notes of jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, and ambergris for a blend that’s similar to the iconic perfume. It’s perfect for burning year-round, especially on cozy fall evenings.
What testers say: “It’s definitely a great way to fill a space with my favorite scent without being overwhelming. I get compliments on it all the time from guests coming into my house, and I love relaxing in my space with it burning.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Otherland Cardamom Milk Candle
Size: 8 oz.
Fragrance notes: Cardamom, frothy milk, and praline woods
Wax type: Coconut and soy waxes
Otherland has gained a cult following not only for their playful, colorful vessels but for their affordable approach to luxury candles. Case in point: This gorgeous one that smells like curling up in your favorite coffee shop on an overcast day and sipping on a creamy latte made just the way you like it. These vegan candles have a 55-hour burn time and are hand-poured in the USA. Sure, they make for great gifts, but you just might find yourself tempted to hang onto this candle once you catch a whiff.
What testers say: “It is such a comforting, warm scent and I don’t even like sweet scents — I’m more of a santal/fig lover but there’s something about this scent that has a chokehold on me. I go to sleep so excited to wake up the next morning ready to light it. The throw is fantastic and even when the candle isn’t lit, the scent permeates throughout my office.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $40
What to Look for in the Best Fall Candles
- Wax type: Some of the most common candle wax types include soy wax, paraffin wax, beeswax and coconut wax. It’s also common to see candles that use a blend of several different waxes. Paraffin wax tends to be inexpensive while soy and coconut waxes are generally more pricey. Coconut and paraffin waxes hold fragrances strongly, while soy wax doesn’t hold as much fragrance (but this can be a good thing if you don’t want an overpowering scent).
- Fragrance: For the most part, people buy candles for the fragrance. Autumnal fragrances usually include notes like pumpkin, apple, cinnamon and vanilla, so we’ve highlighted several candles that feature these fragrances. Top notes are generally the scents that you smell as soon as you open the lid of the candle. As they fade, the full-bodied middle notes become more apparent. Lastly, you have base notes that tend to be deeper and anchor the scent; these are usually the ones you smell even after you blow the candle out.
- Size: Candles are available in a wide range of sizes. Small candles can be useful if you only intend to burn them for a short time or in a small area. Of course, if you want a scent to permeate large areas of your home, you may want to look for a larger candle and keep an eye out for reviews that mention “good scent throw.” That refers to how faint or strong the fragrance is and how it moves through a space.
- Burn time: The burn time refers to how many hours a candle will burn before it’s out of wax and no longer usable. Smaller candles typically have shorter burn times than larger ones. The type of wax used also impacts this. Soy wax candles tend to burn faster than candles made with beeswax or coconut wax.
How We Chose the Best Fall Candles
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
We chose the best fall candles of 2023 based on factors including hundreds of product reviews, detailed product descriptions, and special features like wax types. We researched a wide variety of candle brands and retailers to determine which ones are among the best. We also deliberately chose candles that contained typical fall fragrances, such as pumpkin, cinnamon, apple, and vanilla, though we’ve also included candles that don’t contain these notes but still have an autumnal element to them. Lastly, we searched for candles at a wide variety of price points. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Jamie Ballard is a shopping writer who regularly writes about home goods including candles, sleep products, holiday decor and furniture. She also writes about beauty, fashion, sex and relationships, and travel. She is a regular contributor to Women’s Wear Daily, Allure, Cosmopolitan and The Hollywood Reporter, among other publications.
This article was fact checked and reviewed by Leanna Yip, a veteran copy editor with over 12 years of experience, including eight years text editing researched shopping stories and in-depth product guides across several categories, including fashion, beauty, home, footwear, tech, gifts, and more.
