Holiday candle scents bring about the magic and warmth of the season, filling spaces with aromas that set the perfect festive mood. From the cozy sweetness of toasted marshmallows to the crisp, evergreen freshness of balsam fir, these fragrances transport us to snow-covered forests, crackling firesides, and bustling kitchens full of holiday treats.
Whether you’re drawn to lighting a spiced apple cider candle in your apartment in Denver, CO, or sparking a mix of pine and mint in your brownstone in New York, NY, be sure to check out these holiday candle scents which are sure to bring joy during this season.
1. Toasted marshmallow
Toasted marshmallow is a warm and slightly smoky aroma reminiscent of marshmallows roasted over a campfire. It blends sugary vanilla notes with a hint of caramelized sugar and a touch of woodsy char.
“Toasted marshmallow is my favorite holiday scent because it brings back all the good vibes of family time during the holidays,” shares Candle Mayhem. “Plus, it reminds me of those times I spent making centerpieces with my aunts, with the yummy scent hanging in the air and making everything feel so warm and just right.”
2. Balsam fir
Balsam fir has a fresh, crisp, and evergreen scent reminiscent of a forest in winter. It combines the clean, resinous aroma of pine with subtle sweet, and woodsy undertones.
“My favorite winter holiday candle scent is balsam fir,” remarks Candle Crowd. “It has a fresh, woodsy aroma that reminds me of decorating the Christmas tree.”
3. Frankincense and myrrh
Frankincense and myrrh have a rich scent with warm, earthy, and spicy undertones. Frankincense adds a balsamic sweetness, while myrrh is deeper, with smoky and woody notes.
Jo Macfarlane says, “Frankincense and myrrh is my favorite because it captures the sacred essence of Christmas with its rich, spicy, and woody accord. The blend of frankincense, myrrh, along with cedarwood, patchouli, amber, and vanilla creates a warm, comforting, and serene aroma. Revered for centuries, frankincense and myrrh hold deep historical and spiritual significance, symbolizing purification, healing, and luxury.”
“Our favorite holiday candle scent is a blend of frankincense and myrrh. It reminds us of the gifts of the magi. It immediately puts us in the spirit to celebrate the reason for the season,” adds Natures Light Candles.
4. Pine and mint
The combination of pine and mint creates a refreshing, invigorating scent that balances crisp, woodsy evergreen notes with cool, sharp, and slightly sweet minty tones.
Michelle Schreiber of Abboo Candle Co. states, “The combination of pine and mint scents is my favorite winter holiday aroma. It perfectly captures the essence of the season, reminding me of fresh pine trees and cool winter air. This invigorating fragrance instantly lifts my spirits and creates a festive atmosphere in my home.”
5. Frasier fir and thyme
Frasier fir and thyme combine to create a unique scent that is fresh, green, and slightly herbal. The Frasier fir brings a crisp, resinous evergreen aroma, while thyme adds a warm, earthy, and subtly spicy herbal note.
“Nothing says cozy holiday vibes like the warm, woodsy scent of Frasier fir and thyme,” shares Seventh Avenue Apothecary. “It perfectly captures the essence of winter—crisp evergreen trees and earthy thyme mingling together to create a festive, comforting atmosphere. Every time we light this candle, it feels like a peaceful walk through a snowy forest, and it instantly puts us in the holiday spirit.”
6. Anise and black vanilla
Anise and black vanilla create a rich, intriguing scent with sweet and spicy contrasts. The licorice-like, warm spiciness of anise blends with the deep, creamy, and slightly smoky sweetness of black vanilla for a bold and exotic fragrance.
“This beautifully soft ‘noir’ fragrance opens with top notes of anise and licorice to add mystery to a heart built around the vanilla and almond, with nuances of heliotrope and powdery violet. The magic of this note comes from using ingredients we all enjoy during winter,” states Pairfum London.
7. Warm hearth
A warm hearth evokes the comforting scent of a crackling fireplace, blending smoky wood notes with hints of amber and soft spices.
“With notes of orange, fir tree, and pine, it’s like taking a deep breath of fresh winter air. This scent also has earthy, smoky undertones that will have you feeling like you’re snuggled up next to a roaring fireplace. It’s the perfect scent for those chilly winter nights when all you want is warmth, comfort, and a little holiday magic,” raves Latisha Warren of Christian Ray Candle Co.
8. Gingerbread
Gingerbread captures the warm, spiced aroma of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, blended with the sweet notes of molasses and sugar.
“Living in the suburbs of Stockholm, near Anna’s Pepparkakor (the iconic Swedish gingerbread bakery), I’m surrounded by the cozy aroma of gingerbread and chimney smoke drifting through the winter air,” shares Eva Eckerblad, co-founder of Siblings. “The scent evokes all the Christmas traditions, bringing the warmth and festive spirit of the season into my home, and hopefully yours too.”
9. Apple cinnamon
Apple cinnamon combines the crisp, fruity aroma of fresh apples with the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon, creating a quintessential fall-to-winter fragrance.
Lifestyle blogger Kerstin Huang states, “One of my favorite scents for the holidays is apple cinnamon. It makes the home feel cozy, and instantly brings me back to memories of drinking hot cider by the fire.”
10. Cinnamon and clove
Cinnamon and clove blend harmoniously to create a warm, spicy aroma that embodies the essence of autumn and winter festivities.
“A warm cinnamon and clove candle is the ultimate winter holiday scent, evoking memories of cozy evenings by the fire, where the air is filled with the spice of holiday baking. It’s a scent that wraps you in a comforting embrace, reminiscent of family gatherings and the anticipation of festive meals. With every flicker of the flame, it brings the spirit of the season right into your home,” remarks Jessica Reisner, Co-Founder of Seventh Avenue Apothecary based in Tampa, FL.
11. Savory eggnog
Savory eggnog captures the creamy, spiced essence of the holiday classic with a subtle savory twist, balancing richness with a hint of nutmeg and clove.
“Savory eggnog captures the essence of holiday indulgence with its rich blend of creamy vanilla, warm spices, a hint of nutmeg, and a dollop of whipped cream. This nostalgic scent evokes memories of festive gatherings, cozy evenings, and sipping on a classic holiday treat. It’s a perfect way to infuse your space with the comforting warmth of the season,” says Cecile Gilliam of Infused Soy Candle.
12. Cardamom and amber
Cardamom and amber blend the warm, spicy essence of cardamom with the rich, resinous depth of amber, creating a luxurious and cozy fragrance.
The National Candle Association (NCA) shares that cardamom and amber remind them of the holiday season. “Cardamom’s spicy warmth combined with ambers smooth notes is reminiscent of spiced holiday desserts and drinks. Bringing the cozy comfort of the season alive.”
13. Peppermint and cranberries
Peppermint and cranberries combine the invigorating coolness of mint with the tart sweetness of cranberries, creating a festive and refreshing holiday aroma.
“I love the invigorating scent of peppermint and cranberries during the holiday season,” notes Jamea of Happy Scent Co. “The cool yet comforting aroma of peppermint and cranberry evoke memories of decorating the Christmas tree with candy canes with my family, and festive holiday parties that followed always had peppermint and cranberry flavored treats.”
14. Frosted pines
The fragrance of frosted pines evokes the crisp and refreshing scent of snow-covered evergreen trees, blending cool, woodsy aromas with a hint of frost.
“Whether you love the smell of walking through a Christmas tree farm or love sitting by a fireplace enjoying the aroma of a freshly cut Christmas tree in your living room, scents like frosted pine is the only way to capture the magic of your favorite Frasier fir. Sweet and piney, it is one of our favorites during the holiday season,” remarks Golden Paws Candle Company.
15. Vanilla
Vanilla is a classic flavor derived from the pods of vanilla orchids, prized for its warm, sweet, and comforting aroma.
Blair Clark, director of marketing at Lone Star Candle Supply shares, “Vanilla reminds me of walking up the giant steps into Grandma’s house and being immediately grabbed up in the biggest bear hug. Her clothes, hair, and the whole house would have hints of vanilla from her baking our favorite holiday treats. I love burning vanilla-scented candles for a little aromatic deja vu; I’m instantly transported back to her house and being 5 years old again.”
16. Sweet cream
Sweet cream is a rich, velvety flavor profile often associated with creamy desserts like custards or whipped creams. In the fragrance community, these sweet, milky scents are often referred to as “lactonic,” and they’re evocative of the treats we enjoy this time of year.
“My favorite basic winter scent hands down is sweet cream,” shares Sonya Dixon of Dixon Candle and Bath LLC based in Scranton, PA. “It is one of those scents that can fill a room with a creamy, cozy, but warm winter vibe. This candle scent can be burned simultaneously along with other scents such as vanilla to make your own personal fragrance combination.”
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