It's the most wonderful time of the year! What better way to add to the festive, magical atmosphere than with beautiful, handmade candles? If you’re a candlemaker looking to create and sell products that will make homes sparkle with holiday cheer, you’re in the right place. Here’s a guide to help you craft and market holiday candles that will delight your customers and make their homes shine.

1. Pillar Candles: Bundle Up for Festive Flair

Pillar candles are perfect for creating a warm and inviting holiday ambiance. Consider offering them as bundles to make it easy for customers to decorate their homes. A great idea is to sell sets with pillars in varying heights and widths. For instance, a bundle could include a tall pillar, a medium pillar, and a short pillar, all in matching holiday colors. This variety allows customers to mix and match for a stunning visual effect on mantels, tables, or even in centerpieces. Opt for classic holiday scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla, and use festive colors such as deep reds, forest greens, and shimmering golds to add that special touch.

2. Wax Melts: Glow and Go

Wax melts are a fantastic addition to your holiday collection. They’re not only easy and affordable to make, but they also offer a beautiful glow that enhances any room. Craft your wax melts in fun, seasonal shapes like snowflakes, candy canes, or Christmas trees, and choose holiday-inspired scents like gingerbread, peppermint, or spiced apple cider. Package them in cute, festive tins or clear bags tied with ribbons to make them gift-ready. Wax melts are a great way for customers to enjoy holiday scents without the need for a flame, and their affordability makes them perfect for stocking stuffers or small presents.

3. Seasonal Scents and Colors: Set the Holiday Mood

When it comes to holiday candles, the right scents and colors can make all the difference. Think about fragrances that evoke the warmth and joy of the season—spices, evergreen, and sweet treats are all great choices.

Here's some of our favorites: 

For colors, if you're looking for general, traditional Holiday and Winter appeal, stick with greens, and metallics like gold and silver. You might also consider adding touches of red, winter whites or glimmering silver to give your candles an festive vibrancy, contrast and sparkle. Don't hesitate to experiment with colors (blues, purples and even black!) and stacked pouring to make trending striped taper candles for the table!

Offering a range of scents and colors ensures that there’s something for everyone, making your products a hit with customers.

4. Packaging and Presentation: Make It Merry

Invest in festive packaging that makes your products stand out. Think cheerful labels, colorful ribbons, and decorative boxes! Consider creating holiday gift sets that bundle your candles and wax melts together—this makes for a gift everyone will love to get and encourages customers to purchase more. A well-presented candle not only looks attractive but also makes for a thoughtful and easy gift option - the easier to gift it, the better!

5. Marketing Magic: Spread the Holiday Cheer

To get your holiday candles into the hands of eager buyers, your holiday marketing is key. Showcase your products with warm photos and engaging posts on social media (videos really help to show off your products). Highlight any special promotions or discounts (think about offering a quantity discount to encourage people to buy multiples for unique one-stop-shop gifts), and don’t forget to participate in local craft fairs or holiday markets, if you can. These venues provide a great opportunity to connect with customers face-to-face and show off your creations. Collaborating with local influencers or businesses can also help spread the word and attract more customers. Get yourself out there! 

6. Quality and Safety: A Must-Have

Finally, make your candles are made with high-quality materials and meet safety standards. Test your candles to make sure they burn evenly and safely. Use top-notch wax and wicks, and include clear labeling with ingredient lists and safety instructions. High-quality and safe candles build trust with your customers and encourage repeat business.

By focusing on pillar bundles, wax melts, and thoughtful packaging, you can create a holiday candle collection that’s just right for gift giving.. With the right mix of scents, colors, and presentation, your candles will be the perfect addition to any holiday setting. Happy candlemaking and best of luck with your holiday sales!