The Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, Massachusetts is full of year-round delights, but especially magical around the holidays. The flagship location of this classic New England company is within a two-hour drive from Boston. Make a day trip out of it – it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and get a head start on holiday shopping. Wander through the festive Bavarian Village, learn how candles were made throughout history, and make your own custom scent. There’s plenty of fun for the whole family at this popular destination aptly named the “Scenter of the Universe.”
History of the Yankee Candle
The Yankee Candle tradition got its start back in 1969. Unable to afford a Christmas present for his mother, 16-year-old Mike Kittredge from South Hadley, Massachusetts decided to make her a candle. His ingenuity led to him running a business out of his garage, which later grew to the successful franchise we know and love today.
Visiting the Yankee Candle Village
Immediately upon entering the store, you will receive a map. You’re going to need it as you make your way through the maze of delights. Between the Candle Emporium, General Store, Gift Boutique, Kitchen/Garden Shop, Bavarian Village, and Toy Shop, there’s plenty to see. So much so, that we even lost my mother for quite some time!
We headed first to the Candle Emporium, stopping to marvel at the Wax Works, where you can design and dip your own custom candle.
We then wandered into the Candle Making Museum, where a chandler, or candlemaker, told the story of how the craft has evolved over the years and demonstrated traditional candle making techniques out of beeswax.
My favorite area was the Bavarian Village, a year-round celebration of Christmas that transports you to 14th century Germany. Here you can visit Father Christmas in his workshop, be royally entertained in the Nutcracker castle, and marvel at magical snowfall in the Black Forest. Don’t miss the village within a village: a miniature Christmas village!
After all of this, you will have worked up an appetite. Make your way to the marketplace, where delicious smells of buttery popcorn and sweet confections will greet you.
Of course you can’t leave without bringing home your new favorite scent. Whether you choose to make your own custom one or find an old favorite, you’re sure to have fun sampling.
Yankee Candle Village is the perfect New England destination for holiday shopping and fun! Ready for a visit? Check out store hours and more information here.
Things to Do Near the Yankee Candle Village
Want to get more out of your visit? Discover how I combine it with two other, nearby destinations to make it a Perfect Massachusetts Day Trip.
