Welcome to Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, Massachusetts!
Photo Credit: Katherine Keenan
If you’re looking for a great place to celebrate the fall season (and gear up for the holidays, too), it’s hard to beat the famed Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. From wandering through the festive Bavarian Village to learning how candles were made throughout history — and even trying your hand at making one of your own — an aromatic world of fun awaits at this family-friendly destination, aptly nicknamed the “Scenter of the Universe.”
The Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, is home to the flagship store of a classic New England company. Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
The Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, Massachusetts
Do you know the history of Yankee Candle? It all started back in 1969, when 16-year-old Mike Kittredge in South Hadley, Massachusetts, realized he didn’t have the money to buy his mother a Christmas present. In an impressive display of Yankee ingenuity, he melted common household wax and a red crayon into an empty milk carton before adding some string for a wick.
The Yankee Candle Village is stocked with 200,000 candles in more than 200 fragrances. Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
A neighbor saw Mike’s project before he could give it to his mother, and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Mike sold the candle and used the profits to buy supplies to make two more (one for his mother and an extra to sell). After what was probably a lovely holiday, Kittredge opened up a shop out of his father’s garage. His products gained local popularity and his company blossomed.
In 1983 the company moved its headquarters to South Deerfield and opened what would become the Yankee Candle Village. Today, it’s exactly what its name suggests: a village. Between the Candle Emporium, General Store, Gift Boutique, Kitchen/Garden Shop, Bavarian Village, and Toy Shop, there’s plenty of browsing to be done here.
This colorful cow and enormous pumpkin were only the beginning of the excitement on a recent fall visit to the Yankee Candle Village. Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanAvailable at the entrance, a map of the Yankee Candle Village campus shows what’s in store. It can be a lot to take in at once! Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
The New England Market offers confections for all kinds of cravings. Guests can browse the work of local artisans or relax by indoor fountains while enjoying performances by the animatronic Candle Mountain Boys. In the sprawling candle room lies Wax Works, where visitors can design and dip their own unique candles; the Candle Making Museum, meanwhile, tells how this craft evolved over the years.
A chandler, or candle maker, demonstrates how to dip the wicks into wax. Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanBeeswax candles and ornaments for sale in the Candle Making Museum. Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
Farther inside this sprawling complex lies the Bavarian Village, a year-round celebration of Christmas with the flavor of 14th-century Germany. The charming buildings and twinkling lights are enough to put anyone in the spirit, no matter the season. There’s an expansive collection of ornaments, as well as just about any other Christmas gift or decoration a shopper could want. Don’t miss the chance to step into a fairy tale at the Nutcracker Castle, where thrones await would-be royals (or tourists with cameras), and be sure to visit Father Christmas himself at Santa’s Workshop. When it’s time to meander away from the village, double-check that you brought your sweater — the Black Forest has a forecast of snow every four minutes!
In the Bavarian Village, holiday magic meets old-style European charm. “Christmas Year ’Round,” as advertised. Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanAll around the Bavarian Village are trees loaded with ornaments — and it’s clearly OK to pluck your favorites off for purchase. Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanNear Santa’s Workshop hangs a countdown clock, and you can guess what day it’s counting toward… Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanKids can post notes to Santa on the wall near the workshop. Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
No New England destination attraction would be complete without good grub. In the marketplace, for instance, you can load up on fresh gourmet popcorn at Popcornopolis, ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s, or pizza, wraps, salads, and soups at Hillside Pizza Café.
Popcornopolis is just one of many snack options at Yankee Candle Village. Others include a fudge counter, Hillside Pizza Café, and Ben & Jerry’s. Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanThere are so many rooms at the Yankee Candle Village, you can spend hours and not see everything! Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
Still not convinced you should check out the Yankee Candle Village? We’re betting the dizzying selection of housewares, baking supplies, jewelry, and gifts will be the deciding factor.
A sampling of home goods available at the Mercantile at the Yankee Candle Village. Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanOn the hunt for stocking stuffers? Look no farther than the Yankee Candle Village. Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
The headline offering is, of course, the thousands of candles in all shapes and sizes, available in 200-plus aromas crafted by “scent engineers.”
A handy user’s guide greets visitors to one of the (many) candle displays. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultA rainbow of candles for sale in the Candle Making Museum. Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanVotive candles: perfect for indecisive shoppers. Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
All in all, the Yankee Candle Village is a perfect place to celebrate New England, get a head start on holiday shopping, and even do some shopping for yourself.
Fall is in the air in Massachusetts! Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
Have you ever visited the Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, Massachusetts?
This post was first published in 2015 with text and photos by Bethany Bourgault. It was updated in 2019 by Katherine Keenan.
I have been using Yankee Candles for many-many years-No other candles can compare to Yankee -my favorite is “Balsam&Cedar” I use the sprays-candles and in my car-but I also have other aromas -They make wonderful Christmas Gifts or Birthdays-I would love to visit the store but am not able to -I love your catalog-thanks for keeping me on your list- <3
We just went to Yankee Candle on our recent tour through New England! It wasn’t on our itinerary because we didn’t realize it was there! But when we came through town we decided to stop in and thought maybe we’d spend a half hour and buy a couple of candles….wrong!! We spent four HOURS hanging out here and ended up buying enough Yankee Candles to last us for years because we couldn’t decide which scents to keep! We just kept them all and had them shipped home! The two boxes arrived home before we did and everything was packed expertly and was a delight to unwrap and relive our good time at Yankee Candle! Thank you for this fun adventure! Our only regret is that we bought popcorn and accidentally left it on the chair when we had lunch. Later in the day when we were looking for something to munch while we drove, we realized we didn’t have it with us! Sad!!
Love Yankee Candles but don’t like at all, the black soot they produce all over the house. Yes I trim the wicks. They weren’t this bad when the original owner ran the place.
When we were first married, we leaved in the center of South Deerfield. At that time, Yankee Candle was in the center of town. Also, there was a pickle factory. The combined scent of strawberry and pickle was unusual to say the least, and noticed by all who lived nearby or passed through town!!
I like so much Yankee Candle for many years, I went 5 years ago in the shop, it’s so wonderful, I buy a lot and I come back to my house in Switzerland with the perfume of my New England trip ! I hope to return in the fall.What a wonderful place, thank you.
Unfortunately, I heard that Chandlers is closed. The article I read, if correct, stated that Au Bon Pain was taking over. It is like a deli/café. I have seen them mostly in hospitals where I live. It is pretty decent but it is no Chandler’s, that is for sure. I do not know how or if they changed the décor inside the restaurant.
Looking for an old scent you had in the late 90’s early 2000 – Saratoga – was a pine, dark green candle, and the best pine scent EVER – any chance of making it again?
You had a scent in the mid 90’s it only came in taper but it was called something like Autum walk,smelled like dried leaves in a forrest,absolutely wonderful,no floral notes,are there any like that now?
Yes, there are a few new ones: Autum Leaves, Autum Wreath, Autum Glow, and Crisp Morning Air. There are probably more. Don’t you live close to a Yankee Candle satelight shop? They are in most states. You can also go to their website for more names with descriptions. Hope this helps.
A friend and I travel to Yankee Candle in South Deerfield every October. We love the whole experience as well as the friendly and helpful staff. Santa is very “real” there, too! When we visit, we always drive through Old Deerfield to absorb the historic atmosphere there, and then head up to Clarkdale Fruit Farm where the best apples and cider can be found.
Love Yankee Candle and every time I go home (Massachusetts) I always go there. Of course, I can get the candles in California but there is nothing like going to the South Deerfield location.
Yankee is nice, but for a friendlier and less chaotic experience, try Kringle Candle in Bernardston MA, about 20 min. north of Yankee. Lots of candles, some other nick-knacks, Gourmet Tea and stuff like that. Think the Yankee Factory experience but 1/10th the size and zero crowds. REAL nice people working there too.
Kringle Candle was started by the son of the man who started Yankee! It’s actually an interesting (Yankee worthy???) story. Sorry Yankee but it’s been Kringle for us for the last 4-5 years and don’t miss the hassles.
Such a fun place to go. Do you have the wagon full of pumpkins this year? Took a picture of each of my grandchildren near that wagon.
Your evergreen scents are unbeatable. Carol
Unfortunately Mike Kitteridge (founder), past away. He started this beautiful village which is a wonderland for both children and adults alike! If you can make a trip to Yankee Candle Village, you’ll be so amazed, and glad you got to see it!
We live in Brixham, South Devon, England. My name is Josephine Paddon. We visited New England in 2006 for our Ruby Wedding Anniversary to see the colours of the fall but we were a week or two early but we made up for it when we went to the fantastic Yankee Candle Village. We have never seen anything like it before or since. It was fantastic. Still have all the ornaments on display even though it’s not Christmas. Hope every one will stay safe at these very difficult times and we hope to be able to have a return visit sometime. Best wishes from glorious, sunny Brixham, Josephine and Martyn Paddon.
I love going to this shop. When I lived in CT I went every fall, spent the day and stocked up on candles, gifts and other treasures … it was a tradition. Now I live in SC so I don’t get there much but everyone I visit family up North, they know we’ll be visiting South Deerfield for a day!
Love New England in the fall!!! The Yankee candle apple festival candle is so hard to come by. Definitely a collectors item
I have been using Yankee Candles for many-many years-No other candles can compare to Yankee -my favorite is “Balsam&Cedar” I use the sprays-candles and in my car-but I also have other aromas -They make wonderful Christmas Gifts or Birthdays-I would love to visit the store but am not able to -I love your catalog-thanks for keeping me on your list- <3
We just went to Yankee Candle on our recent tour through New England! It wasn’t on our itinerary because we didn’t realize it was there! But when we came through town we decided to stop in and thought maybe we’d spend a half hour and buy a couple of candles….wrong!! We spent four HOURS hanging out here and ended up buying enough Yankee Candles to last us for years because we couldn’t decide which scents to keep! We just kept them all and had them shipped home! The two boxes arrived home before we did and everything was packed expertly and was a delight to unwrap and relive our good time at Yankee Candle! Thank you for this fun adventure! Our only regret is that we bought popcorn and accidentally left it on the chair when we had lunch. Later in the day when we were looking for something to munch while we drove, we realized we didn’t have it with us! Sad!!
Love Yankee Candles but don’t like at all, the black soot they produce all over the house. Yes I trim the wicks. They weren’t this bad when the original owner ran the place.
When we were first married, we leaved in the center of South Deerfield. At that time, Yankee Candle was in the center of town. Also, there was a pickle factory. The combined scent of strawberry and pickle was unusual to say the least, and noticed by all who lived nearby or passed through town!!
I like so much Yankee Candle for many years, I went 5 years ago in the shop, it’s so wonderful, I buy a lot and I come back to my house in Switzerland with the perfume of my New England trip ! I hope to return in the fall.What a wonderful place, thank you.
What happened to Chandler’s Restaurant? I am hearing it is now closed??
Unfortunately, I heard that Chandlers is closed. The article I read, if correct, stated that Au Bon Pain was taking over. It is like a deli/café. I have seen them mostly in hospitals where I live. It is pretty decent but it is no Chandler’s, that is for sure. I do not know how or if they changed the décor inside the restaurant.
Chandlers has been closed. Au Bon Pain has been closed. It is now Hilltop Pizza, a locally owned restaurant.
Looking for an old scent you had in the late 90’s early 2000 – Saratoga – was a pine, dark green candle, and the best pine scent EVER – any chance of making it again?
You had a scent in the mid 90’s it only came in taper but it was called something like Autum walk,smelled like dried leaves in a forrest,absolutely wonderful,no floral notes,are there any like that now?
Yes, there are a few new ones: Autum Leaves, Autum Wreath, Autum Glow, and Crisp Morning Air. There are probably more. Don’t you live close to a Yankee Candle satelight shop? They are in most states. You can also go to their website for more names with descriptions. Hope this helps.
A friend and I travel to Yankee Candle in South Deerfield every October. We love the whole experience as well as the friendly and helpful staff. Santa is very “real” there, too! When we visit, we always drive through Old Deerfield to absorb the historic atmosphere there, and then head up to Clarkdale Fruit Farm where the best apples and cider can be found.
Love Yankee Candle and every time I go home (Massachusetts) I always go there. Of course, I can get the candles in California but there is nothing like going to the South Deerfield location.
I have a 3 pound puppy that I carry. Is that allowed?
Yankee is nice, but for a friendlier and less chaotic experience, try Kringle Candle in Bernardston MA, about 20 min. north of Yankee. Lots of candles, some other nick-knacks, Gourmet Tea and stuff like that. Think the Yankee Factory experience but 1/10th the size and zero crowds. REAL nice people working there too.
Kringle Candle was started by the son of the man who started Yankee! It’s actually an interesting (Yankee worthy???) story. Sorry Yankee but it’s been Kringle for us for the last 4-5 years and don’t miss the hassles.
Such a fun place to go. Do you have the wagon full of pumpkins this year? Took a picture of each of my grandchildren near that wagon.
Your evergreen scents are unbeatable. Carol
Unfortunately Mike Kitteridge (founder), past away. He started this beautiful village which is a wonderland for both children and adults alike! If you can make a trip to Yankee Candle Village, you’ll be so amazed, and glad you got to see it!
We live in Brixham, South Devon, England. My name is Josephine Paddon. We visited New England in 2006 for our Ruby Wedding Anniversary to see the colours of the fall but we were a week or two early but we made up for it when we went to the fantastic Yankee Candle Village. We have never seen anything like it before or since. It was fantastic. Still have all the ornaments on display even though it’s not Christmas. Hope every one will stay safe at these very difficult times and we hope to be able to have a return visit sometime. Best wishes from glorious, sunny Brixham, Josephine and Martyn Paddon.
I love going to this shop. When I lived in CT I went every fall, spent the day and stocked up on candles, gifts and other treasures … it was a tradition. Now I live in SC so I don’t get there much but everyone I visit family up North, they know we’ll be visiting South Deerfield for a day!