This German Holiday Trend Is Making My Vintage-Loving Heart Sing

I’m not here to judge you on your holiday decorating habits. But even if it seems way too early to decorate for the season, it’s definitely not too soon to start ordering whatever new pieces you’re eying for winter. Certain items have already sold out, and if I had to hedge my bets on decor I could see going viral in the way of Michaels’ viral bow garland, I’d suggest the magical spinning candle carousels that multiple companies are showing in their holiday collections.

Popularized in the Erzgebirge region of Germany and traditionally crafted from wood, these decorative tabletop pieces called “Weihnachtspyramide,” or Christmas pyramid, typically have figurines that twirl on a central platform, thanks to a small, windmill-like propeller that extends above them. The propellers are powered by the rising heat from lit tea lights, votives, or tapers incorporated in each piece.

Some of the latest designs have simplified this spinning mechanism even further. Now, you can find metal candle toppers and candleholders with similar propellers suspended over the open flame of jarred vessels or votives. From these propellers, festive shapes dangle and dance using the candle’s heat.

Whether you go with a simple metal model or an elaborate wood design (authentic from the Erzgebirge region or otherwise), you can find all kinds of holiday motifs and icons available. From evergreen trees and snowflakes to nativity scenes and smiling Santas, there’s likely something that’ll speak to you.

One quick word of caution: These pieces might not be the best idea if you have small kids or pets and are worried about the potential fire hazards they can pose with their open flames. If you want to try one out, keep it out of reach of little hands (and paws) and never leave one unattended when lit.

Now, onto the shoppable picks for making your kitchen counters, dining tables, and other tabletop surfaces just a little bit more fun and festive this holiday season.

German Christmas Candles

1. Rotary Candle

   Terrain

   $22

   This gold-finished iron design features a carousel of rotating doves. It’d be the perfect festive touch on a kitchen countertop or sideboard.

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2. Glasshouse Kyoto in Bloom Candle Gift Set

   Anthropologie

   $80

   For a one-and-done candle carousel, try Glasshouse Fragrances’ gift set. It pairs the brand’s best-selling Kyoto in Bloom candle with a twirling topper that features gold ornaments.

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3. Made In Germany Handcrafted Pyramid Nativity

   Marshalls

   $49.99

   Made in Germany, this sweet pyramid features a classic nativity scene and a shot of festive green from its central mini green tree. At just $50, it’s a bargain for a carved wood design.

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4. Rotating Snowstar Candle Holder

   MoMA Design Store

   $32

   This snowflake style could be left out all winter long. All you’d have to do is replace the candles as they burn out.

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5. Holiday Carousel Baies (Berries) classic candle set

   Diptyque

   $160

   Looking to splurge? Diptyque has teamed up its iconic Baies (Berries) scent with a star-studded carousel topper. The set comes in festive packaging — just add a bow for a picture-perfect present.

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6. Kurt Adler 12" Wood Alpine House Carousel with Candles

   Target

   $65

   With its tiny figurines and festive color scheme, this Christmas pyramid by Kurt S. Alder hits two big holiday trends, après-ski core and the unexpected red theory. It even comes with red tapers to save you the step of having to buy candles.

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7. Musical Snowman Handmade German Tealight Candle Holder

   Crate & Barrel

   $149

   A true modern heirloom, this Christmas pyramid was handmade in Germany by skilled craftspeople. It centers on a scene of snowmen playing musical instruments and would make a supercute anchor piece for a holiday tablescape.

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8. Gift Carousel Candle Tea Light Holder

   Amazon

   $15.80 (was $17.89)

   This budget buy from Amazon boasts a cute star motif above and an illuminated village design below, but it also comes in a variety of different motifs, from birds to butterflies. Pair it with any candle you have that can fit into the holder.

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9. Gold Metal Santa Chime Set

   World Market

   $19.99

   World Market offers a Scandinavian take on the trend with this metal chime set. Light the tapers to watch Santa and his reindeer spin, and listen to the design’s bells, which actually ring.

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10. Christmas Candle Carousel

    KiwiCo

    $34.95

    Have a little at home or on your holiday list? Kiwi & Co. sells a DIY candle carousel kit for the kid crafters in your life. Just be sure to supervise!

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Further Reading

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Living Room Seating at Burrow to Determine the Best for Every Space and Need

I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It’s a Game-Changer!)

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need