When it comes to decorating for Christmas, it doesn't feel like I've really "finished" the task until there are candles in each window. The glow at night is just the most classic, nostalgic holiday feeling. But now there are so many kinds of window candles to choose from—and some are better for certain situations than others!
Battery Operated Window Candle
We got plug-in candles, because it seemed like our house had to be designed for that—under every window there's an outlet. Including the window that’s two stories up with nothing under it!! I wanted something warm- toned, like a 2700 lumen. It was easier to control that with a plug-in option as opposed to solar or many others. The downside is that they are pretty lightweight, so we ended up having to get a suction cup holder for the candles. They look like they're sitting on a windowsill but they're floating slightly above and it’s stuck to the window and we can decide where we want it to be—in the middle or below the wreath. We also got smart plugs for all of them, so they can turn on all at the same time. That's been a great hack!
How to Choose a Window Candle
If you're in the market for some window candles, it can be tricky to decide. Do you go with the traditional plug-in? What about solar candles? Does battery-operated make sense for your space? It's all kind of overwhelming. We decided to test out some beautiful, practical, and affordable window candle options so you can decide which works best for you and your home this holiday season. Take a look at our pros and cons list so you can check these off the list quicker than old St. Nick!
Plug-In Window Candles with Automatic Timer ($33.99/set of 4)
What we like: These are really nice with a great 9" height and heavier base. They are pretty bright with a nice warm glow. We love that they're on automatically for 8 hours and then off for 16 hours each day.
What we don't like: The timer is set when the candle is plugged in—which means you have to plug them in at the same time to get them synched up (a bit of a race). The clear bulb shows the filament showing through—some may like this look!
Best for: Those wanting a traditional look that's "set it and forget it."
Plug-In Window Candles with Individual Switch ($24.29/set of 4)
What we like: These candles are really bright with a nice warm glow. There's a switch on each one so you can toggle specific candles on and off as you like. They're also a great height (9").
What we don't like: You have to turn each one on/off every day unless you plug each into a smart plug and connect to a smart device (big price increase)! They're also pretty lightweight and could easily tip over if the cord gets caught. The candle doesn't look all that realistic.
Best for: Those looking for something inexpensive with a cozy glow.
Plug-In Window Candles with Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor ($59.99/set of 4)
What we like: The flame is a little more realistic-shaped in a fogged plastic flame top. This is also the brightest one of all of them! They have a cute base that can stand pretty easily on their own. The sensor detects darkness and turns lights on automatically (so easy!)
What we don't like: The light is more of a cool light that doesn't feel quite as cozy. There's a little more effort upfront—you have to toggle each candle on individually. And there's no flickering candle option, in case you prefer that.
Best for: Those who like a cooler, silvery aesthetic and bright light output.
Battery-Operated Window Candles with Remote ($69.98/set of 4)
What we like: This is quite tall! It's probably one of the prettiest ones we looked at. Has some faux wax drippings down the side that look a little more realistic, and the base on this one is so heavy and pretty—and there's an insert you can remove to adjust the height slightly. The remote allows you to choose between a timer for 6, 8 and 12 hours. You can choose between a "twinkle" (really pretty!) and continuous setting!
What we don't like: These window candles use 4 AA batteries—each!! That adds up quick. Also, it doesn't have a frosted top in case that's what you're looking for.
Best for: Those who like a traditional aesthetic and more light control.
Battery-Operated Window Candles with Automatic Timer ($41.98/set of 4)
What we like: These window candles feel substantial and have felt on the bottom so they don't slide around as much. The faux wax drippings give a realistic effect, and each only takes 2 AA batteries. No cords or remotes to worry about, either!
What we don't like: While the candle has a nice frosted tip, the glow is very yellow. Once the candle is turned on (aka once the batteries are in), the candle is on for 8 hours and off for 16. That means you have to rush to insert batteries or they won't be synched up. To turn it on/off, you have to screw or unscrew the candle on tightly—and it doesn't quite sit flush (only noticeable up close).
Best for: Those who like vintage-looking window candles and no remote.
Battery-Operated Window Candle with No Timer ($1.46 per candle)
What we like: The price is unbeatable! These are great for an apartment or a smaller house where you don't need as many since you can buy them individually. They only need 2 AA batteries each.
What we don't like: There's nothing automatic about these: you have to screw the top on tightly to turn on, and to turn off you unscrew it. It feels clunky and doesn't sit flush. They're shorter, they don't "feel" high quality and they aren't very bright.
Best for: Those who want a budget buy that you can leave on indefinitely.
Solar-Powered Window Candle with Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor ($20.99/set of 2)
What we like: After you attach them to the window, there's no other work needed! The sensor detects darkness and turns lights on automatically. No need to worry about outlets or batteries. The suction holds it to the window tightly—no tip-over risk. There are two settings: flicker (pretty subtle) or constant flame.
What we don't like: It's more expensive. And it's very clunky looking from the inside as you see the solar technology. This candle didn't have the most realistic-looking flame tip, and the light was more cool than warm.
Best for: Those who want something that stays put and is super easy to set up.
Overall Impressions
Plug-In Window Candles: The plug-in candles were all brighter than the other options, but you need to have an outlet next to each window to make this work. Smart plugs will make these easier to use if there is no automatic timer, but that does increase the price significantly.
Battery-Powered Window Candles: These have a great aesthetic since there are no pesky cords to deal with. The cost of batteries does increase the price, and sometimes they're fiddly to get the candle to sit flush in the candlestick.
Solar-Powered Window Candles: I was excited to try these out, and there are some cool features with this one. After you attach to the window, there's pretty much no other work needed! The cost per use will definitely go down over time as you skip batteries or the electric bill. You do lose a lot of the interior aesthetic value, however, and they aren't designed to look as realistic yet.
Clear vs. Frosted Flame: I actually grew up with opaque top candles with a red tip on them. They were colored to look like fire! That was so cool. It's probably just tradition that makes me prefer the frosted flame. I don’t want to see a filament. But then again, from outside the home, it doesn’t make a huge difference.
Suction vs. No Suction: Keep in mind that unless you have a suction cup attachment, all of them are prone to tip with any amount of movement, so consider getting some glue dots to help keep them in place.
I hope this helps you create that nostalgic movie magic feeling for your home this holiday season. There's nothing like coming home to the glow after an evening winter stroll!!
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This was so helpful! Thx! I have plug ins already but the smart plug will make them so much more convenient to turn on and off.
Thank you!
Mary Liz
I knew of a family that built their house with a plug just under every window sill that was was (somehow!) wired to ONE switch ...just for Christmas candles! At the flip of the switch, every candle came to light, even the attic windows! (Of course, this was LONG before apps and remotes.) We all thought it was brilliant!
Oh my goodness, that's next level! Love that idea.
Thank you for reviewing these products! I’ve had candles-in-the-window on my wish list for a while. I did see a great idea for syncing plug-in lights last year. The home owners plugged everything in, then turned off power to the whole house from the electric box (then back on again). It synced all the plug in, timer lights!
We have the battery operated candles that you showed and they are the best! Yes, there’s 4 batteries but they last about 3 months! Also no cords makes them look so much cleaner and more sophisticated. Height adjustable too!
I bought dusk to dawn battery operated candles with suction cup holders because I also have automatic shades. I buy Amazon basic batteries every year for this purpose. They flicker, work great, and look great outside. Best investment ever!
The dusk-to-dawn candles are so handy. I love the flicker for ambiance!