What was recalled
If you recently purchased holiday decor from Kohl’s, specifically festive candle holders designed for tea lights, it is important to pause and verify whether your item is part of a safety recall. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that Kohl’s is voluntarily recalling a specific line of Christmas-themed tea light candle holders due to a significant fire hazard. This recall, effective as of May 1, 2025, targets products sold under the brand name St. Nicholas Square. These are not generic items; they are distinctively styled decorative pieces intended to bring seasonal cheer to homes during the winter holidays.
The specific product at the center of this recall is the St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tea Light Candle Holder. Visually, these holders are designed to resemble a Christmas tree constructed from plastic horseshoes. The structure is engineered to hold six tea light candles simultaneously, creating a layered, illuminated effect when lit. At the very top of each holder sits a gold star, serving as the traditional tree topper. At the base, the design incorporates green plastic garland adorned with small, plastic red berries, adding a touch of classic holiday color and texture. While the aesthetic is charming and festive, the construction materials and design have been identified by the manufacturer as posing a risk when used with open flames.
These recalled candle holders were sold at Kohl’s retail locations across the United States, as well as through their online store. Consumers may have purchased them in-store or ordered them for home delivery prior to the recall announcement date of May 1, 2025. Because these items are seasonal decor, they are likely stored away in closets or attics, tucked away until the holiday season arrives. If you bought this specific St. Nicholas Square tea light holder—whether as a gift or for your own home—it is crucial to locate it now and check its packaging or the item itself for recall information. The recall applies to all units of this specific design that were sold through Kohl’s channels, regardless of when exactly in the past they were purchased, as long as they are part of the affected batch. Do not assume that because the item looks intact or was bought months ago that it is safe to use; the hazard remains inherent to the product's design.
- Brand: Kohl’s / St. Nicholas Square
- Product: Christmas Tea Light Candle Holder
- Key Features: Plastic horseshoe tree shape, holds six tea lights, gold star topper, green garland with red berries at base
- Retailer: Kohl’s (in-store and online)
- Recall Date: May 1, 2025
The hazard, explained
At its core, this recall addresses a failure in heat management. The St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tea Light Candle Holders are designed to hold six individual tea light candles simultaneously. While these holders are made of plastic and shaped like a festive tree using horseshoe forms, they lack the necessary thermal resistance to safely contain the cumulative heat generated by multiple open flames. When you place lit tea lights inside, the plastic does not merely warm up; it begins to soften and eventually ignite. This is not a slow, gradual process but a rapid escalation where the structural integrity of the holder collapses under thermal stress.
The specific mechanism of harm here is twofold: fire and burns. Because the candle holders are constructed from plastic, they act as fuel once the ignition point is reached. The design creates a micro-environment where heat builds up quickly between the flames and the surrounding plastic walls. Once the material catches fire, it does not stop at the container. The flames can spread to nearby surfaces—such as tables, mantels, or decorative items—and create a significant house fire risk. This is particularly dangerous during holiday seasons when homes are already cluttered with flammable decorations like wreaths, garlands, and wrapping paper.
In addition to the risk of a larger fire, there is an immediate burn hazard. The CPSC has documented two incidents where these holders caught fire. While no injuries have been reported in this specific batch so far, the potential for severe personal harm is high. If the plastic melts or burns through the base, hot wax and flame can spill out onto whatever surface the item is resting on. This can cause secondary fires if the surface is flammable, but it also poses a direct threat to anyone nearby who might try to move the item or react quickly to put out the small initial flame.
It is important to understand that this hazard is not limited to the candle holder itself. The green plastic garland and red berries at the base add additional fuel load to the scene. If the main structure ignites, these decorative elements can catch fire rapidly, accelerating the spread of flames beyond the immediate vicinity of the candles. This transforms a simple decorative item into a fast-moving fire source that can overwhelm small spaces before a homeowner realizes the severity of the situation.
General safety education about tea light candles emphasizes that they produce more heat than many people realize. They are designed for specific, often metal or glass, holders that can dissipate or withstand that heat. Using them in plastic holders, especially those designed to hold multiple lights at once, violates this basic principle of fire safety. The combination of a fuel source (the plastic), an ignition source (the candles), and confined space creates the perfect conditions for a dangerous incident. This is why stopping use immediately is not just a recommendation, but a critical safety step.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk in this recall consists of anyone who has purchased or currently owns the St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tea Light Candle Holders. Because these items are decorative pieces designed to hold open flames, the hazard is not limited to a specific demographic but rather applies to any household where the item is used as intended. However, certain individuals face heightened vulnerability due to the nature of the fire and burn risks involved. Families with young children are particularly at risk because small children are naturally curious and may be drawn to the warm glow or colorful design of the plastic Christmas tree holder. If a child knocks over the candle holder or touches the burning tea light, they can suffer serious burns. Their skin is thinner than adults’, meaning burns can occur more quickly and severely from the same amount of heat exposure.
Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility also face increased danger. If the plastic horseshoe structure catches fire, it may spread rapidly due to its material composition. Older adults may have slower reaction times or reduced physical strength, making it harder to quickly extinguish a small flame or move away from the hazard. Additionally, if the candle holder is placed on a lower table or shelf where it is easily accessible, the risk of accidental contact increases significantly for those who rely on canes, walkers, or other assistive devices that might inadvertently brush against the item.
Households with pets are another group to consider. Cats and dogs may be attracted to the warmth or movement of candle flames. A pet knocking over a lit tea light can ignite not only the plastic holder but also nearby curtains, rugs, or furniture, leading to a larger fire emergency. Since the recalled product is made of plastic, it can melt and drip burning material, creating additional burn hazards for both humans and animals.
While no injuries have been reported as of the recall date, the potential for harm is real. The fact that two incidents of the candle holders catching fire have already been documented underscores that this is not a theoretical risk but an active one. Anyone who has placed these candle holders in high-traffic areas, near flammable decorations like garlands or tinsel, or in rooms where people sleep should take immediate action. The combination of open flame, combustible plastic, and proximity to other holiday decor creates a perfect storm for fire incidents. Therefore, the most at-risk individuals are those who have not yet stopped using the product, especially in environments where quick evacuation or response might be difficult.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, you need to confirm whether your specific candle holder is part of this recall. It can be easy to overlook a product in a holiday display or a closet full of decorations, so we are going to walk through exactly what to look for. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified the affected items as St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tea Light Candle Holders. This is the primary brand and product line you need to search for in your home.
If you remember buying these during the holiday season, the visual description will likely help you identify them quickly. These candle holders are designed to look like a festive Christmas tree. However, they are constructed from plastic horseshoes, which gives them a unique, segmented texture rather than a smooth surface. The structure is intended to hold six tea light candles in total. At the very top of the "tree," you should see a gold star. At the base, look for green plastic garland adorned with plastic red berries. If your item matches this specific combination of shape, material, and decorative elements, it is likely one of the recalled units.
Since these were sold at Kohl's, you should check your receipts or order confirmation emails. The recall applies to items purchased directly from Kohl's stores or through their online platform. If you bought them in-store, look for the St. Nicholas Square branding on the packaging. If you ordered them online, search your email history for "St. Nicholas Square" or "Tea Light Candle Holder" around the time of your last Christmas shopping spree. The recall does not specify a single model number in the provided facts, so relying on the brand name and the physical description is your best bet.
If you found the item but are unsure about its authenticity or if it matches the recalled batch, do not hesitate to verify. You can contact Kohl's directly at 855-564-5705 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Saturday. They have been contacting known purchasers directly, but if you cannot find your receipt or are still uncertain, calling them or visiting www.kohls.com/faq/article/1013 will provide definitive confirmation. It is always better to double-check than to risk using a potentially hazardous item.
What to do — step by step
If you have any of the recalled St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tea Light Candle Holders in your home, the most important thing you can do right now is stop using them immediately. This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a necessary safety precaution. The product has been identified as a fire hazard because the plastic construction can catch fire, which poses both a burn risk to you and a potential property damage risk to your home. Do not light a candle inside these holders, even if they look intact or seem stable. Treat every single unit as unsafe until it is removed from your premises.
Once you have safely extinguished any active candles (if applicable) and ensured the area around the holder is clear, your next step is to initiate a return. The remedy for this recall is straightforward: Kohl’s is offering a full refund for these items. You have two primary ways to handle this, depending on how you originally purchased the product.
If you bought the candle holders in a physical Kohl’s store, simply take them back to any Kohl’s location. Bring the item with you; while proof of purchase is helpful, the recall process is designed to be consumer-friendly. At the register, inform the associate that you are returning an item under the fire hazard recall. You will receive your money back in one of two forms: either as a Kohl’s gift card or in the original form of payment (such as your credit or debit card). Many people find the gift card option convenient if they shop at Kohl’s regularly, but the choice is entirely yours.
If you purchased the tea light holders online, the process is just as simple but involves a bit more logistics. Kohl’s has stated that they will provide a pre-paid shipping label for consumers who bought these items through their website or other digital channels. This means you do not have to pay out of pocket to send the product back. Visit the recall information page at www.kohls.com/faq/article/1013?icid=ft-customer-recalls or navigate to the "Recalls" section at the bottom of www.kohls.com to access your specific return instructions and download the label. Print it out, package the candle holder securely (you can use the original box if you still have it), and drop it off at the designated carrier location.
While you are arranging the return, keep in mind that Kohl’s is also contacting all known purchasers directly. If you provided your email or phone number during checkout, you may hear from them soon with additional details or confirmation of your refund status. However, do not wait for their contact to act. If you haven’t heard from them, take the proactive steps above. For further questions or if you need assistance navigating the return process, you can call Kohl’s toll-free at 855-564-5705. Their customer service team is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Saturday. They are there to help you resolve this safely and efficiently.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have been affected by this recall, the good news is that Kohl's has established a straightforward and consumer-friendly remedy to make things right. Because the recalled St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tea Light Candle Holders pose a genuine fire hazard that cannot be fixed through simple repair, the company is not offering repairs or replacements with safe versions of the product. Instead, the official remedy is a full refund for every affected item. This approach ensures that you are not left holding a dangerous product while waiting for a replacement, and it places the financial burden of the safety failure back on the manufacturer and retailer rather than on you.
The process for obtaining your refund depends largely on how you originally purchased the candle holders. If you bought the item in a physical Kohl's store, the path is simple: take the recalled tea light candle holder to any Kohl's location nationwide. You do not need to go back to the specific store where you made the purchase; any branch will accept the return. When you arrive, simply present the item to a customer service representative. They will process your refund immediately. You have the flexibility to choose how you receive this money back. Kohl's will issue the refund either as a Kohl's gift card or in the exact original form of payment you used at checkout. If you paid with a credit card, for example, the refund will likely be credited back to that same card. If you prefer store credit, the gift card option is available and can be used for future purchases.
For those who purchased the candle holders online, Kohl's has also made the process as convenient as possible. You are not required to drive to a store if you do not wish to do so. Kohl's will provide you with a prepaid shipping label, which means you do not have to pay for the return postage yourself. This label allows you to send the item back at no cost to you. Once the company receives the returned item, they will process your full refund. It is important to note that you do not need to take any initiative to request this label or initiate the refund on your own if you prefer. Kohl's stated that they are actively contacting all known purchasers directly to inform them of the recall and to set up the return process. This proactive outreach is designed to reduce the burden on consumers who may have forgotten the purchase or lost their receipt.
If you do not receive a direct contact from Kohl's, or if you have questions about your specific situation, you can take matters into your own hands by reaching out through their dedicated consumer channels. You can call the toll-free number at 855-564-5705. This line is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Saturday, which provides ample opportunity to speak with a representative during most weekends and weekdays. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.kohls.com/faq/article/1013?icid=ft-customer-recalls or navigate to the "Recalls" section located at the bottom of the Kohl's homepage. These online resources contain the specific details you need to verify your eligibility and complete the return process smoothly. Remember, the goal here is to remove the hazard from your home quickly and without financial loss, so do not hesitate to use these resources until your refund is confirmed.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to part with a decorative item that looks so festive. The St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tea Light Candle Holders are charming, featuring a whimsical tree design crafted from plastic horseshoes and adorned with green garland and red berries. When the holiday season is short and busy, the thought of hunting down a receipt, driving to a store, or printing a shipping label can feel like an unnecessary burden. However, ignoring this recall is not merely a matter of inconvenience; it is an active decision to leave a fire hazard in your home. The core issue is not the beauty of the decoration, but the fundamental instability of its design when exposed to open flame.
The recalled candle holders are made of plastic, a material that softens and eventually ignites when subjected to prolonged heat. While tea light candles produce a relatively small flame, they burn for several hours at a time in a confined space. The hazard arises because the plastic structure is not designed to withstand this level of thermal stress. If you continue to use these holders, the plastic can warp, melt, or catch fire directly. This is not a theoretical risk; the manufacturer has already received two confirmed reports of these specific tea light candle holders catching fire. While no injuries have been reported in these instances, the potential for escalation is significant.
The consequences of ignoring this warning extend far beyond the loss of a few dollars’ worth of candles. A plastic candle holder that catches fire can rapidly transfer flames to nearby flammable materials. If placed on a wooden table, a fabric runner, or near holiday decorations like tinsel or paper garlands, a small flame can quickly become a room-wide blaze. The primary danger is not just the initial spark, but the smoke and heat generated as the plastic burns, which can compromise visibility and breathing in an emergency. Furthermore, if the holder melts while lit, hot liquid wax and molten plastic can spill onto surfaces or floors, creating slip hazards and additional fire risks.
There is also the risk of secondary injury. If the plastic deforms under heat, the candle may tip over, spreading burning wax to curtains, upholstery, or carpeting. In a worst-case scenario, this could lead to serious burns for you or your family members, particularly children or pets who might be nearby. The CPSC recall is issued because the risk of fire is inherent to the product’s construction, not due to a manufacturing defect that can be fixed. Continuing to use these items means accepting that unpredictable failure as part of your holiday decor. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is safe from preventable fires is worth more than the minor hassle of returning the item.
Ultimately, the decision to ignore this recall trades a small amount of convenience for a potentially large amount of risk. The manufacturer has acknowledged the danger and provided a straightforward remedy: a full refund. By leaving these candle holders in use, you are gambling with your property and personal safety against a known hazard. It is far safer to accept the refund and replace the item with a non-combustible alternative than to wait for a fire that could have been entirely avoided.