Big retail stores are a go-to for holiday shopping because everything is in one place: wrapping paper, lights and candles. If you are browsing Christmas candles at Target, you probably want something festive, affordable and easy to find. We will not list specific products, prices or scents, because ranges change each season and we cannot check them. What we can do is share a smart way to shop any large holiday candle aisle.
In this guide
Why big-box stores suit holiday candle shopping
Before you head out, decide how many candles you need and for which rooms. A rough list stops impulse buying and keeps your shopping focused on Christmas candles at Target that fit your plan.
The main advantage of shopping for candles at Target is convenience and choice. You can compare several candles side by side, pick them up, check the label and smell the lids. Prices at large retailers, such as Target, are generally aimed at everyday shoppers, so there is often a good range from small to large.
The trade-off is that mass-market candles can vary in quality. Some burn beautifully and others tunnel. That is why a few quick checks before you buy Christmas candles at Target matter.
What to check on the shelf
Turn the candle around and look at the label. A good one tells you the basics.
- Wax type: soy, coconut blend, paraffin or a mix.
- Weight or size, so you can compare value between jars.
- Burn instructions and safety warnings.
- Scent description with named notes.
- Any claims, treated cautiously unless explained.
Lift the lid and smell it, keeping in mind that unlit and lit scents can differ. Sweet spice, evergreen and fruit often smell stronger in the jar than they do when burned, while some florals do the opposite.
Look at the wick too. It should be centered, straight and a sensible length. A wick off to one side will burn unevenly, and one that is already long will smoke. Check the wax surface for cracks or a dull, bubbly look, which can happen when wax cools unevenly. A small imperfection is cosmetic, but big cracks are a reason to pick another candle.
Festive scent families to look for
Whatever the shop, the holiday candle aisle follows a familiar pattern, so you can plan ahead.
Holiday aisles tend to focus on a handful of classic scents, and it helps to know what they mean.
Evergreen and fir candles recreate the smell of a tree. Spice candles combine cinnamon, clove and orange. Gourmand candles smell like baked treats, such as sugar cookies or vanilla. Cranberry and berry blends are fruity and bright. Fireside and woody candles are smoky and warm.
When browsing Christmas candles at Target, choose according to the room. A fresh evergreen suits hallways, a baked scent suits kitchens and a woody blend suits living rooms. Do not buy too many at once, because the smells will compete. Two or three different scents spread through the house is plenty. It also helps to think about gifting: shoppers hunting for Christmas candles at Target as presents tend to favor safe, crowd-pleasing scents such as vanilla, orange and evergreen, which suit most tastes.
Getting good value from Christmas candles at Target
Value is more than price. Compare the weight of the candle, since a bigger jar often has a lower cost per hour of burning. Check whether multipacks or sets save money, but only if you like all the scents inside. Holiday sales and after-Christmas clearances can be great, as long as you are happy to store candles for next year.
Keep candles somewhere cool, dark and dry, ideally in their lids. Heat can warp wax, and sunlight can fade colors. They will usually keep their scent well for a season. If you buy a few Christmas candles at Target on sale, write the year on the base with a marker so you burn the oldest first.
It also pays to read reviews online before you go in. Look for comments about scent strength, tunneling and soot. Recent reviews are the most helpful, since formulas can change. If you can, read what people say about Christmas candles at Target after a week of use, not just on the day they unboxed them.
Burn them safely at home
No matter where you buy, follow the same rules. Let the wax melt to the edges on the first burn, trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch before each use, and burn for a few hours at a time. Place the candle on a flat, heat-safe surface, well away from your tree, garlands, wrapping paper and curtains.
Never leave a candle unattended, never sleep with one burning and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Stop using a candle when little wax remains. Holiday homes are full of flammable decorations, so give the flame plenty of space. Test your smoke alarms before the festivities start, and keep a lid or snuffer nearby so you can put a candle out quickly if guests bump the table.
With a little care, Christmas candles at Target can be a very good way to fill your home with seasonal scent without spending much. Check the label, trust your nose, think about value and burn them safely, and you will find plenty to enjoy.
More on this site: Aura Euphoria and Trapp Candle Giveaway on Facebook.
Header photo: Cginzel, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
