Isn't it amazing how a candle, with its warm ambient glow and a nostalgic festive fragrance, can instantly make a room feel like Christmas? It's not just about the candle itself, though. The holder it sits in adds so much to the experience, turning a simple flame into a beautifully handcrafted piece of holiday décor. 

This festive season, we’re shining a light on candle holders—the unsung heroes of our Christmas decorations. They do so much more than hold candles; they frame their glow, complement their scent and help set the scene in your home, market or shopfront’s Winter Wonderland. 

While we’re usually encouraging you to get creative with wax, today we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite Christmas candle holder ideas to inspire you. Whether you're crafting for your home, making gifts for friends, or upgrading your product line, these projects are a fun and simple way to make your Christmas a little brighter and a lot more personal.

10 DIY Christmas Candle Holders

Snow Frosted Glass Jars

Transform ordinary glass jars transformed into cosy winter lanterns. With a frosted look reminiscent of a light snowfall, these jars create a snug and inviting glow in any room. If you’re making your candles from scratch, consider using a refreshing and uplifting scent to create the full ‘fresh snow’ experience.

You will need:

• Clean glass jars (any size)
• White or silver acrylic paint
• Mod Podge or any crafting glue
• Epsom salt or white glitter
• Paintbrush
• Ribbon or twine (optional)
• Tea light or small pillar candles

How to make it: 

1. Start by ensuring your glass jars are clean and dry.
2. Mix a small amount of the acrylic paint with Mod Podge to create a thin, paint-like consistency.
3. Using the paintbrush, apply this mixture to the outside of the jars. You don’t need a thick coat; just enough to give a frosted effect.
4. While the mixture is still wet, roll the jar in Epsom salt or sprinkle it over the jar to simulate snow. This will give a beautiful, textured frost appearance.
5. Allow the jars to dry completely.
6. If desired, add a decorative touch by tying a ribbon or twine around the neck of the jar.
7. Once everything is set and dry, place tea lights or small pillar candles inside the jars.

Winter Scene Candle Holder

Picture a silhouette of illuminated houses or a serene nativity scene. Light your candle and watch as the cut-out design comes to life, casting beautiful shadows and creating a warm, storybook-like atmosphere. Pair it with a Christmas candle infused with a warm and aromatic fragrance for the full effect.

You will need:

• A clear glass vase or large candle jar
• Black or dark blue cardstock
• A craft knife or scissors
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Pencil or marker
• Template of houses or nativity scene (optional)
• Tea light or small pillar candle 

How to make it: 

1. Start with a clean and dry glass vase or jar.
2. If using a template, trace the houses or nativity scene onto your cardstock. Otherwise, freehand draw your design.
3. Carefully cut out the design with a craft knife or scissors, making sure to leave some parts connected to wrap around the vase.
4. Test fit the cut-out around your vase, trimming as necessary for a snug fit.
5. Secure the cardstock to the vase using glue or double-sided tape, ensuring it wraps evenly around.
6. Once your winter scene is securely in place, drop a tea light or small pillar candle into the vase (the key here is to make sure you use a small candle that doesn’t throw out a lot of heat and sits well below the rim of the glass to avoid any potential fire risks with the cardstock).

Rustic Pine Cone Tealight Holder

This design calls for a crisp winter walk somewhere you can collect pinecones. A simple way to bring a woodland touch to your Christmas décor, these tealight holders create a fresh yet snug atmosphere. When matched with refreshing, pine-scented candles, expect an enchanting forest ambiance in your home.

You will need:

• Pinecones (preferably flat-bottomed for stability)
• Small tea light candles
• A small knife or saw (for trimming, if necessary)
• Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing the base)

How to make it:

1. Start by selecting pinecones that naturally sit flat or trim the base carefully to stabilise them.
2. If the base is uneven, gently sand it down for a better balance.
3. Ensure the pinecones are clean and free of any debris.
4. Find the right spot on each pinecone to snugly fit a tea light, removing a few scales if needed.
5. Place a tea light in each pinecone making sure it sits snuggly and won’t fall out during use.

Snowflake Etched Candle Holders

Place tea lights or votive candles inside and watch as the etched snowflakes come to life, creating a magical, wintry glow. Don’t forget to pick the perfect Christmas candle scent to add to the experience.

You will need:

• Plain glass candle holders or jars
• Etching cream
• Small paint brush or sponge
• Adhesive stencils of snowflakes (or you can make your own)
• Gloves and safety glasses (for protection)
• Tea light or votive candles

How to make it:

1. Clean the glass holders or jars to ensure the surface is free of fingerprints and smudges.
2. Carefully apply the snowflake stencils onto the glass, pressing firmly to avoid any gaps.
3. Wearing gloves and safety glasses, apply a thick layer of etching cream over the stencil with a brush or sponge.
4. Leave the etching cream on for the time specified by the product instructions (usually around 5-10 minutes).
5. Rinse off the etching cream under running water, then remove the stencils.
6. Dry the glass holders and admire the etched snowflake designs. 

Cranberry Cedar Candle Holders

 These Christmas candle holders merge the rich reds of cranberries with the rustic charm of cedar. They're a celebration of winter's natural palette, ideal for adding a vibrant yet earthy touch to your festive décor. Pair it with a festive berry-scented candle to enhance the aromatic holiday experience. 

You will need:

• Small glass jars or votive holders
• Fresh cranberries
• Cedar sprigs or any evergreen foliage
• Water
• Floating candles
• Ribbon or twine for decoration (optional)

How to make it:

1. Fill each glass jar about three-quarters full with water.
2. Add a handful of fresh cranberries to each jar. They'll float to the top, adding a pop of colour.
3. Tuck in a sprig of cedar or your chosen evergreen foliage into the jar, letting it partially submerge and partially stick out for a natural look.
4. Carefully place a floating candle on the water's surface in each jar.
5. If desired, tie a ribbon or twine around the neck of the jar for an extra festive touch, being careful to ensure the ends stay well away from your candle flame.

Magical Christmas Lanterns

These enchanting lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow, creating a cosy, whimsical atmosphere. They're perfect for lining a walkway, adorning a fireplace or simply adding a touch of magic to a quiet corner. With twinkling lights and festive decorations, these lanterns are like little gateways to a Christmas wonderland.

You will need:

• Metal or wooden lanterns
• Battery-operated fairy lights or small LED candles
• Christmas-themed decorations (like holly, pinecones, ribbons)
• Snow spray or artificial snow (optional)
• Small Christmas ornaments (optional)

How to make it:

1. Start with a clean lantern, opening its door or panel.
2. If you like, give the lantern a light spray with snow spray or sprinkle some artificial snow inside for a wintry effect.
3. Arrange the fairy lights or LED candles inside the lantern. Ensure they are placed safely and won't overheat.
4. Add small Christmas ornaments, pinecones, or sprigs of holly inside or around the lantern for a festive touch.
5. If using ribbon, tie it around the top or handle of the lantern for a decorative finish.
6. Turn on the lights and place the lanterns in your chosen spot.

Christmas Wreath Candle Centrepiece

Christmas wreaths don’t just belong on doors. A combination of lush greenery and berries with the gentle glow of candles creates a stunning focal point for your dining table. Make sure to incorporate small glass candle holders into the wreath to prevent any foliage making contact with the flames.

You will need:

• A small artificial or fresh Christmas wreath
• A variety of candles (pillar, tea lights, or a combination)
• Candle holders or small dishes to protect the wreath
• Decorative elements like pinecones, berries, ribbon, or small baubles
• Floral wire or hot glue gun (for securing decorations)

How to make it:

1. Begin with a Christmas wreath of your choice, laying it flat on your table.
2. Arrange your candles in the centre or throughout the wreath, using holders or dishes to prevent any damage to the wreath.
3. Securely attach your decorative elements to the wreath using floral wire or a hot glue gun. You can add pinecones, berries, ribbon or any other festive decorations.
4. If using a fresh wreath, ensure that the candles are well away from any flammable parts of the wreath.

Red Berry Christmas Candle Ring

Consider this one as a miniature wreath for your Christmas candle. It's a straightforward yet visually striking piece, effortlessly infusing a pop of red and traditional festive charm into your decor.

You will need:

• A foam or straw wreath ring
• Artificial red berries (or fresh if available)
• Floral wire or hot glue gun
• Ribbon or festive embellishments (optional)
• Pillar candle and candle holder

How to make it:

1. Use the wreath ring as your base.
2. Attach the red berries to the ring using floral wire or a hot glue gun, ensuring full coverage for a rich, abundant look.
3. Optionally, add ribbon or other festive decorations for added visual interest.
4. Place a candle holder in the centre of the ring and insert the pillar candle.

Nordic Forest Christmas Tree Candle Holder

This Christmas candle holder is designed to resemble a miniature Christmas tree, bringing a touch of Scandinavian simplicity and elegance to your home. It is made up of a DIY stand and glass tealight holder. Candles with a forest fragrance will add an on-theme, olfactory element to your candle display.

You will need:

• A piece of MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) for the tree silhouette
• A small glass tea light holder
• A jigsaw or fine-toothed saw (for cutting the MDF)
• Sandpaper (for smoothing edges)
• Green paint (optional)
• Glitter or snow-effect paint (optional)
• Paintbrush or sponge for painting
• Wood glue
• A tea light candle

How to make it:

1. Begin by sketching a Christmas tree silhouette on the MDF. You can make it as simple or intricate as you like.
2. Carefully cut out the tree shape using a jigsaw or fine-toothed saw.
3. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges on your MDF tree.
4. If you choose to paint, apply a coat of green paint or your chosen colour to the tree. Allow it to dry completely.
5. For a festive look, you can add touches of glitter or snow-effect paint once the base coat is dry.
6. Place the glass tea light holder at the base of the MDF tree, using a dab of wood glue to secure it if necessary.
7. Insert a tea light candle into the holder.

Ribbon-Wrapped Candle Holder

Wrapped snugly in festive ribbons, each jar resembles a miniature gift, complete with the allure and anticipation that comes with holiday gifting. They're a playful and imaginative way to light up your space, turning each candle into a little surprise that radiates warmth and joy.

You will need:

• Clean glass jars (any size)
• A selection of festive ribbons in various colours and widths
• Double-sided tape or hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Tea light candles
• Optional embellishments: small bells, charms, or beads

How to make it:

1. Ensure your glass jars are clean and dry.
2. Choose ribbons that complement your holiday décor. You can mix and match colours and patterns for a fun look.
3. Apply double-sided tape or use a hot glue gun to attach the end of a ribbon to the jar.
4. Wrap the ribbon around the jar, creating layers or patterns as you like. Secure the ribbon’s end with more tape or glue.
5. If desired, add extra embellishments like small bells, charms, or beads to the ribbon for a more festive look.
6. Place a tea light candle inside each jar (always stick to tea light candles for this style of jar, their low heat output is perfect for avoiding any potential fire risks with the decorations on your jars).

Safety first

As you get stuck into creating these stunning DIY Christmas candle holders, we want to remind you of the importance of candle safety. It's crucial to never leave your beautifully crafted candles burning unattended. Also, be sure to place them on heat-resistant surfaces and away from anything flammable.

For more detailed safety tips, don't forget to check out our comprehensive guide on candle safety. It’s packed with essential information to ensure you enjoy your candle holders safely and responsibly.

Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in ensuring a safe and joyful holiday season with your gorgeous, homemade candle holders. 

A final touch of festive warmth

It’s clear that the warmth of the festive season can be magnified by the simplest of touches. Whether you're crafting for your own space or preparing add-ons for your product line, these candle holders represent a celebration of the joy and creativity that defines this time of year. So light a candle in your new creation, sit back and let the gentle glow fill your home or shop with the magic of Christmas.