Candles and Christmas Trees: A Holiday Candle Safety Guide

Candles and Christmas trees both say “holiday” like nothing else, and it is tempting to put them side by side. The glow of a flame next to fresh greenery looks beautiful, but a tree is one of the easiest things in a home to ignite. Here is how to get the cozy look and scent you want without putting your tree, or your home, at risk.

Where the candle-lit tree came from

Long before electric lights, families in Germany and other parts of Europe clipped small wax candles to the branches of their trees, and the custom traveled with them. It was always risky: candles were lit for short periods, under close watch, often with a bucket of water nearby.

Electric tree lights arrived in the late 1800s and gradually replaced real flames. A few families in parts of Europe still keep the old candle custom for a few minutes on Christmas Eve, but for most homes today the safe answer is simple: no open flames on the tree.

The golden rules for candles near a tree

Keep a real gap

Fire-safety groups recommend keeping candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. With a tree, give it more room than that. Branches stick out further than you think, and ornaments, tinsel, tree skirts and wrapped gifts underneath all add fuel.

Never put a lit candle on or under the tree

That includes the floor beneath the branches, the tree stand and any shelf the branches overhang.

Water a real tree every day

A fresh tree that is kept watered is much harder to ignite than a dry one. Check the stand daily, and if needles are falling in handfuls, it is time to take the tree down.

Watch the traffic

Place candles where people won’t brush past them while carrying presents, and out of reach of pets and small children. A wagging tail or a curious toddler can knock a candle into the branches in a second.

Blow out before you leave the room

Every candle, every time. Make it part of your bedtime routine to check that every flame in the house is out.

Flameless ways to get the candle-lit tree look

If you love the vintage look of candles on the branches, LED clip-on candles give the same silhouette with no flame at all. Many have warm, flickering bulbs and remote controls or timers. Look for:

• A warm white or amber light rather than a cool blue-white.
• Sturdy clips that hold the candle upright.
• A timer, so the lights switch off on their own.
• Batteries that are easy to change without unclipping every candle.

Battery tealights tucked into glass ornaments or lanterns on nearby tables add the same glow at a safe distance from the branches.

Tree-shaped candles and candle “trees”

Some people searching for a “candle Christmas tree” want a candle shaped like a tree, not candles on a tree. These are lovely on a mantel or side table:

• Tree-shaped pillar candles: sold in green, white or gold, or rolled at home from beeswax sheets cut into a tapered shape.
• Tiered candelabras: metal or wooden stands that hold candles in a cone shape, like a small tree.
• Tabletop “forests”: a cluster of tree-shaped candles in different heights on a tray.

Treat these like any other candle: set them on a heat-safe tray, trim the wick, and keep them away from garlands and greenery. Tree-shaped candles often drip because the shape narrows near the top, so a tray with a rim is a good idea. Our candle Christmas centerpiece guide has more ideas for styling candles safely with greenery.

Getting the tree scent without the risk

Part of the appeal of a real tree is the smell. If you have an artificial tree, or your real tree doesn’t scent the room much, a jar candle with evergreen notes placed on a table across the room can fill the gap.

The Stanley Hotel candle blends evergreen, spearmint and cocoa, and comes with a QR code to learn about the hotel’s haunted history, which makes it a fun gift for anyone who loves a good ghost story at Christmas. For a smaller candle that suits short evening burns, the Stargaze travel tin has bergamot, sandalwood and grapefruit notes.

For more seasonal scent ideas, see our guide to fall and winter seasonal candles.

A quick holiday candle safety checklist

• Candles sit on a stable, heat-safe surface, at least a foot from the tree, curtains, garlands and gifts.
• Wicks are trimmed to about a quarter inch before lighting. Our candle care tools guide explains how.
• Matches and lighters are stored out of children’s reach.
• Smoke alarms have been tested before the holidays.
• Someone is always in the room while a candle is lit.
• Every candle is out before bed or before leaving the house.

FAQ

Is it ever safe to put real candles on a Christmas tree?

It is not recommended. Even with close supervision, a single branch catching fire can spread quickly. LED clip-on candles give the same look safely.

How far should a candle be from a Christmas tree?

At least a foot, and more is better. Remember that branches, ornaments and gifts extend the “tree zone” well beyond the trunk.

Are artificial trees safe around candles?

Many artificial trees are labeled flame-resistant, but that does not mean they can’t burn. Keep the same distance you would with a real tree.

What’s the safest way to get a candle-lit look indoors?

Use flameless LED candles on and near the tree, and keep real candles on tables or mantels well away from greenery.

We run the NicheStuff store; some links in this post go to products we sell.