$3.14B
Estimated annual U.S. retail sales of candle products
This estimate comes from Mintel research cited by the National Candle Association.
National Candle Association, citing Mintel, 2013Industry reference
U.S. candle statistics: buying and use.
Key figures on the candle category and how people enjoy candles at home. Every number links to its original source.
Last updated: September 9, 2026
At a glance
A useful snapshot of the candle category.
From gift giving and fragrance choices to the rooms people use most, these figures bring together the most useful published statistics available for a clear picture of candle use in the United States.
35%
Estimated share of candle sales during the Christmas and holiday season
The remaining estimated 65% of sales happen outside the holiday season.
National Candle Association, Source page accessed September 9, 2026; underlying date not stated1B+ lb
Wax used to produce candles sold in the U.S. each year
The figure gives a sense of the category's production scale.
National Candle Association, Source page accessed September 9, 2026; underlying date not stated10,000+
Candle scents estimated to be available to U.S. consumers
Fragrance variety remains one of the category's defining choices.
National Candle Association, Source page accessed September 9, 2026; underlying date not stated75%
Candle buyers who call fragrance extremely or very important when choosing a candle
Among the factors cited by buyers, fragrance is the strongest purchase influence reported by the association.
National Candle Association, Source page accessed September 9, 2026; underlying date not stated9 in 10
Candle users who say candles make a room feel comfortable or cozy
The category's appeal reaches beyond fragrance into the atmosphere a candle creates at home.
National Candle Association, Source page accessed September 9, 2026; underlying date not stated75%
Candle users who typically burn candles for four hours or less at a time
This reported behavior aligns with the shorter, intentional candle-use occasion.
National Candle Association, Source page accessed September 9, 2026; underlying date not stated42%
Candle users who most often burn candles in the living room
The kitchen follows at 18%, then the bedroom at 13%.
National Candle Association, Source page accessed September 9, 2026; underlying date not stated76%
Candle purchasers who view candles as an appropriate holiday gift
The same source reports 74% for housewarming gifts and 66% for hostess or dinner-party gifts.
National Candle Association, Source page accessed September 9, 2026; underlying date not statedA note on safe use
Enjoy the glow, use care.
Keep candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from drafts and anything flammable. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Read more in Southern Twist's candle care guide.
Methodology and sources
How to use these figures.
This page uses published figures from the National Candle Association. Each statistic is linked to the source that reports it. Some consumer figures do not include a survey field date on the source page, so that is stated directly rather than guessed.
- National Candle Association, Facts & Figures, accessed September 9, 2026.
Cite this page
Southern Twist Candle & Apparel. “U.S. Candle Statistics: Buying and Use.” Updated September 9, 2026. https://southerntwistcandleandapparel.com/candle-statistics