I receive a lot of candles through my job, and most of the time, I end up giving them away as gifts. It takes a lot to truly wow me, so I only keep the ones that feel unique. This year, there was one particular candle I was really looking forward to getting, and that was Glasshouse Fragrances’ Night Before Christmas candle. I first tried some of the brand’s limited-edition holiday products last year, and although I used the reed diffuser version of the scent in my home, I ended up giving the candle to a family friend for Christmas. Ultimately, I regretted not keeping it, even though my friend loved it, but by the time I realized it, the candle was no longer available.

This holiday season, my favorite scent is back and available in new, one-off packaging that’s more giftable than ever. I happily received the candle again this year, and I didn’t dare give it away this time. If you’re after a luxurious present that’ll impress anyone on your list, the Night Before Christmas candle is the item to get them (and yourself!).

Glasshouse Fragrances 13.4-Ounce Night Before Christmas Candle

Part of Glasshouse Fragrances’ Holiday Express collection, the Night Before Christmas candle is formulated to smell like “dancing sugar plums” with notes of black currant, red currant, rose and musk. The scent is sweet and fresh, though it can be overpowering to people who are sensitive to fragrance. It comes in a lidded red container with a clocktower-themed illustration that instantly dresses up an entryway console or side table.

$60 $45 at Bloomingdale's

$60 at Amazon

$60 at Glasshouse Fragrances

What I liked about it

It’s a holiday scent I actually like

When it comes to holiday scents, I’m kind of fussy. I can’t stand a heavy autumn pumpkin scent, and many Christmas fir scents lean too herbal and cloying. People in my life get so excited to stock up on these festive fragrances every year, and although I wanted to get in on the fun, I knew I’d ultimately hate them if I burned them in my home. It wasn’t until I tried the Night Before Christmas scent that I knew I’d found my holiday home fragrance. If you are a fan of traditional holiday scents, Glasshouse has more options that closely fit those profiles in equally gorgeous packaging, but they’re selling out fast. Winter Wonderland is inspired by the smell of a fresh spruce tree, for example, while Gingerbread House smells like caramel-topped gingerbread dough, as its name implies.

Because the scent inspiration for this candle is dancing sugar plums, it makes sense that the top note is black currant. This gives the candle its initial sweet berry smell before it flows into a cold, rosy note finished by musk. Indeed, it’s not a particularly warm scent, and as someone who usually can’t stand heavy home fragrances, I think this is why I like it. Because I had the Night Before Christmas diffuser out in my home all winter last year, when I lit the candle this year, it felt so nostalgic.

The packaging is so detailed and unlike any other

Nikol Slatinska/CNN Underscored

The very first thing that made an impression on me about Glasshouse Fragrances’ holiday products was the packaging, especially when I tested its Advent calendar last year. The brand switches up the designs every year for its limited-edition collection, and they never disappoint. This year, Glasshouse partnered with digital NFT artist Aeoniumsky to create otherworldly illustrations that fit the theme of Holiday Express.

Not only is the box for this candle totally display-worthy, but its container is largely what makes it so special and perfect for gifting. It has an intricate clock tower illustration with little characters, including a timekeeper headmaster, milling about. When you light the candle, you see that the windows in the clock tower are actually real, so the burning wicks illuminate the vessel from the inside out, creating a cozy and beautiful display.

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What I didn’t like about it

The scent is overpowering

Although I enjoy the scent of this candle, it fills up a room fast. If you look on the product page, you’ll see that it’s described as having a very intense fragrance, so note that it’s only suitable for large spaces. I burn it in my living room, but if I were to burn it in my bedroom, it would be way too strong.

The candle does burn slowly, which is both a pro and a con. On one hand, it lasts a long time, so you get your money’s worth. On the other hand, you have to burn it for roughly two hours to avoid tunneling, and the scent can become overwhelming. (Alternatively, you could try a candle warmer lamp, as long as the candle fits.) Basically, if you’re looking for a gift for someone who lives in a small space, this might not be the best option. Instead, I would recommend the reed diffuser, which I used to own. It’s also kind of strong but not as intense as the candle.

Bottom line

Ultimately, Glasshouse Fragrances’ holiday collection has some of the most high-quality and visually appealing giftable home fragrances I’ve seen. The Night Before Christmas candle I own has a one-of-a-kind container, and I’m certain that the person you’re shopping for doesn’t own anything like it. Its scent is relatively unique too, as far as holiday fragrances go, and although it can be intense, the standard size is good for large rooms. (It comes in a larger 26.8-ounce size as well.) When I think about all the unremarkable candles I’ve used that cost $70 and up, I’m reminded that this is a terrific value for its size and longevity of its scent.

You don’t have much longer to shop Glasshouse Fragrances’ limited-edition holiday products, though, so stock up while you can. Whether you’re in a pinch or you’re after the perfect gift for the person who loves nice things, this is a foolproof option.

Why trust CNN Underscored

CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and we ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain our product testing is accurate, and that we’re recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each one. For this article, associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska tested a limited-edition Glasshouse Fragrance holiday candle after discovering and falling in love with the scent a year ago.