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As the colder months approach, we all start to crave the cozy smells of winter. Whether it’s the freshly-snowy outdoors or warm and spicy scents from indoors, there’s nothing quite like the way certain aromas can make you feel during the holidays. Keep your home smelling like a winter wonderland all season long with these 18 popular candle scents.
How We Choose
When it comes to candles, there are seemingly endless scent options to choose from. So how do we decide which scents are our favorites? And more importantly, how do we choose the best candle scent for any given occasion? Here are a few tips to help you make your decisions.
Keep an Open Mind!
You may think you know what you like, but it’s important to keep an open mind when trying new candles. You may be surprised by which scents you end up loving.
Sample, Sample, Sample!
The best way to find a candle that you love is to sample as many as possible. Many stores will have candles available for you to sniff, so take advantage of that and try out as many as you can. If you’re shopping online, most sites will have sample packs available. Or, if you have friends with good taste (like me), see if they’ll let you borrow a candle or two to try out.
Consider the Season!
Different Candle scents are more popular at different times of the year. For example, pumpkin spice candles are all the rage in the fall, while citrusy scents are more refreshing in the springtime. Choose a scent that fits the season and you’re sure to love it.
Go for Quality Over Quantity!
It’s better to have one high-quality Candle that you love than a bunch of cheap ones that just end up gathering dust on your shelf. When it comes to candles, you get what you pay for—so don’t be afraid to splurge a little bit. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Scented candles are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just as an encouraging gift for a friend!
I hope you enjoy our top picks. Happy reading!
White Christmas Candle Scent
Why We Love It
Yankee Candle White Christmas Scented is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. This candle has a warm, woodsy sophisticated scent that is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the comfort of your home. It also has a hint of citrus, which makes it perfect for any room in the house.
What You Should Know
There's a quiet holiday beauty in this blend of woodsy evergreens and cool, freshly fallen snow. Paraffin-grade wax delivers a clear, consistent burn of the wax that will fill your home with the perfect amount of holiday cheer. Whether you're enjoying a cozy night by the fire or entertaining guests, this candle is sure to please.
Peppermint Mocha Candle Scent
Why We Love It
Forget about traditional pumpkin spice candles—this rich and chocolatey scent will have you feeling all the holiday cheer. This candle has a delightful blend of coconut, milk, peppermint, chocolate, and vanilla scents that will fill your home with the warmth and comfort of the holidays.
What You Should Know
This candle is perfect for those who appreciate the details. The clear mason jar and black lid make it a simple, but chic addition to any room. The best part? It's handmade in the USA with love and has an amazing burn time of up to 80 hours so you can enjoy its pleasant fragrance for many holidays to come! Whether you're looking for a romantic addition to your bedroom or a relaxing scent for your bathtub, this candle is sure to please.
Eggnog Candle Scent
Why We Love It
Eggnog is one of the most beloved holiday flavors, and this candle captures that essence perfectly. Made with pure soy wax and lead-free cotton wicks, it burns cleanly and evenly, filling your home with the warm, inviting scent of eggnog spice. This candle will make your home smell like the holidays! The Eggnog fragrance is strong and relaxing, perfect for when you want to cozy up by the fire. Enjoy hours of aromatic bliss with this eco-friendly, biodegradable candle.
What You Should Know
This candle is made with a high concentration of essential oils and fine fragrances, so you can be sure that they'll last longer and smell great. The orange color wax creates a subtle, shiny brown lid that helps contain the single cotton wick. Candles will burn for 60-80 hours, making them last longer than most candles on the market today.
Sugar & Spice Candle Scent
Why We Love It
This handcrafted candle is perfect for filling any room with the warm, cozy scents of fall. The artisanal blend of soy wax and essential oils gives the candle a long burn time of 56 hours, so you can enjoy its scent all season long. The heavy glass container and gold lid make it a stylish addition to any home décor.
What You Should Know
A scrumptious blend of cinnamon, buttery vanilla, clove and nutmeg makes this candle ideal for making any room feel warm and inviting. Perfect for when family comes to visit during the holidays!
Candy Cane Candle Scent
Why We Love It
Looking for a way to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long? Look no further than this festive classic Candy Cane candle! Scented with the sweet aromas of peppermint candy, this soy wax candle will fill your home with the festive fragrance of the holidays. With a long-lasting clean burn, this hand-poured candle is the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season all year round.
What You Should Know
Candles are often associated with providing a relaxing ambiance, and this peppermint candle is no exception. The refreshing scent of peppermint will help you to unwind after a long day, and the soy wax ensures a clean burn. Handcrafted with care, this candle is also designed to fit any home décor.
Gingerbread House Candle Scent
Why We Love It
Just like your favorite holiday treat, this candle smells like fresh gingerbread straight out of the oven. Place it in your kitchen to make cookie baking even more enjoyable!
This candle comes in a gift-ready glass jar with a silicone seal and delicate gold decal that looks elegant as part of any home décor. Plus, the jar is recyclable and reusable, so you can feel good about giving a gift that won't end up in the landfill.
What You Should Know
With an approximate burn time of up to 100 hours, this candle is sure to fill any space with pleasant-smelling fragrance. This candle make the perfect gift for anyone on your list, whether they're into the pleasant smell of Orange, Almond and Caramel, or they're more into the intense and long-lasting fragrance that will transform any space.
Snowberry Candle Scent
Why We Love It
This holiday season, enjoy the fresh, uplifting scent of Snowberry Candle scent. This 4-wick candle features a blend of berries, pine, citrus and peppermint that will fill your home with the spirit of Christmas. The long-lasting fragrance is perfect for filling large rooms and the beautiful glass jar makes a great gift for someone special.
What You Should Know
This clean, crisp fragrance is perfect for when you want to enjoy the smell of a winter wonderland without any of the mess. This candle is made with high quality, clean burning wax, you can enjoy its delightful scent without any worries. Each candle has a long-lasting burn time, making it the perfect way to enjoy the holidays all season long!
Christmas Tree Candle Scent
Why We Love It
Bring the outdoors in with this traditional evergreen scent—it’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit in no time. This Christmas Tree scented soy candle is the perfect way to enjoy the holidays! This eco-friendly candle is made from blended soy wax and has a bold fragrance that smells great. It also has a long burn time of 40 hours, making it perfect for any holiday gathering.
What You Should Know
This candle is the perfect way to enjoy the scent of a real Christmas tree without all the hassle. The cotton and paper fiber wick is designed to be self-trimming and smoke free, making it a safer and more convenient option than a traditional candles. Plus, each of these homemade candles is hand poured in small batches in North Carolina, ensuring that you're getting a quality product.
Frosted Cranberry Candle Scent
Why We Love It
Tart cranberries and sweet sugar come together perfectly in this unique candle scent. It’s sure to make your home smell lovely—and festive! This Frosted Cranberry Candle has a unique double-wick design for a fast melt, and a wider diameter for a bigger wax pool. The bright white wax and easy-peel label make it perfect for any home décor. Plus, it's clean burning with lead-free cotton wicks, and reusable & recyclable. Enjoy up to 100 hours of beautiful, long-lasting fragrance.
What You Should Know
If you love the smell of cranberries, you'll want to try a frosted cranberry candle. When you light one of these candles, your whole house will be filled with the aroma of fresh cranberries. The fragrance is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit or for adding a festive touch to any room.
Sleigh Ride Candle Scent
Why We Love It
This holiday season, enjoy the festive scent of a Sleigh Ride Candle, packed in an 8 Oz retro mason jar with antiqued pewter lid and kraft label. The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, this candle will fill your home with the scents of fresh pine and orange. With a burn time of approximately 65 hours, you'll be able to enjoy this holiday fragrance all season long. Order yours today and get ready to enjoy the holidays!
What You Should Know
This candle is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite fragrances without any of the harsh chemicals. Made with 100% soy, this candle is hand-poured in Appleton, WI and uses only phthalate-free fragrance and essential oil. Enjoy a clean, long-lasting burn that will fill your home with the perfect scent.
Winter Clementine Candle Scent
Why We Love It
This yummy blend of citrus and fresh-cut balsam is sure to please people of all ages—even Santa! The pure white wax and simple design make it a versatile addition to any home décor. The food-grade paraffin wax is safe to use around pets and children, and the long-lasting fragrance oils will keep your home smelling amazing for hours.
What You Should Know
Made in America, these candles are made with high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship. The cotton wicks are hand-trimmed, ensuring a consistently great burn. You'll love the inviting citrus smell of these candles, and they make a great gift for anyone on your list! Each large burn provides up to 170 hours of enjoyment, so you can keep your home smelling amazing all season long.
Cookies & Cream Milkshake Candle Scent
Why We Love It
This delicious combination will make your mouth water and have your guests asking for seconds (or thirds!). The best part is that there’s no baking required! It's perfect for filling your home with the mouth-watering scent of fresh baked cookies, and it makes a great gift for any dessert lover in your life.
What You Should Know
Cookies & Cream Milkshake candle is the perfect way to enjoy the creamy, delicious scent of a milkshake without all the calories! Made with soy wax for a long-lasting 4-hour burn time, this candle is sure to fill your home with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked cookies and rich, creamy milk.
Hot Cocoa & Marshmallows Candle Scent
Why We Love It
This creamy, rich hot cocoa candle is the perfect way to enjoy a cup of cocoa by the fire. The realistic marshmallow top adds a touch of whimsy, and the American-grown soy wax ensures a clean, even burn. The 10 oz mug has a burn time of up to 45 hours, making it the perfect size for cozying up by the fire with a good book.
What You Should Know
Whether you’re cozying up with a good book or enjoying a peaceful moment outdoors, this Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows Soy Candle in an Enamel Camping Mug is the perfect way to indulge your senses. The soy wax candle has a warm, rich scent of chocolate and marshmallows that will fill any space, and the enamel mug can be reused for your favorite hot beverage. Enjoy the comfort of this delicious candle all winter long!
Milk & Honey Candle Scent
Why We Love It
A warm and inviting blend that’s perfect for any winter day (or night!). This Candle is made with 100% beeswax, which is eco-friendly and provides a beautiful, golden color to the flame.
This Milk and Honey scented candle is perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. The rich, sweet scent of honeycomb and milk will fill the air, while the flickering flame will add a touch of ambiance to any room.
What You Should Know
This candle is made in small batches in the USA to ensure perfection. Each candle is hand-poured with non-toxic natural 100% soy wax and infused with premium fragrance oils. There are no harmful chemicals or additives in these candles, making them a safe and healthy choice for your home.
Cinnamon Apple Pie Candle Scent
Why We Love It
This longtime fall favorite makes a great addition to any winter scent lineup—it’s spicy, sweet, and totally delicious! This special candle is made of a blend of FDA food grade and soy waxes, making it a safe choice for your home. Plus, it's not tested on animals, so you can be sure that no harm was done in the making of this product.
What You Should Know
This Apple Cinnamon Candle is perfect for anyone who loves the smell of fresh apples and cinnamon. With a proprietary odor eliminator and up to 80hr burn time, this candle will keep your home smelling fresh and festive all season long. Plus, the high fragrance load ensures that your home will be filled with the warm, welcoming scent of cinnamon and apples.
Pumpkins & Spice Candle Scent
Why We Love It
A must-have for any fall or winter fan, this fragrance combines all our favorite seasonal spices into one amazing candle scent. This Pumpkin Spice Candle is the perfect way to enjoy the autumn season. The scent of pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla will fill your home with the warm, cozy feeling of fall. And because it's paraffin and chemical free, you can enjoy it without worry about black smoke.
What You Should Know
This Pumpkin Spice Candle is perfect for filling your home with the warm, inviting scent of fall. It's hand poured with care in the USA from 100% soy wax, meaning it's eco-friendly and long-lasting. Plus, it makes a great gift for anyone who loves the cozy feels of autumn.
Vanilla Bean Noel Candle Scent
Why We Love It
Warm, sweet, and rich. This luxurious 3 wick candle fills your home with the scent of the holidays. It is made with all natural premium soy wax and double the amount of vanilla bean for a true vanilla lovers dream. It's finished off with a hint of marshmallow for extra sweetness and coziness. Perfect for filling any room in your home with the warm, inviting scent of the holidays.
What You Should Know
Looking for a way to fill your home with the scents of the season? The sweet vanilla beans aromas in this delightful candle fragrance will have you feeling merry and bright all season long! The clean, even burn of this candle will give you hours of enjoyment, and the glass jar and metal lid make it a beautiful addition to your holiday decor. Plus, it comes in a glass jar with a signature metal lid - perfect for gifting!
Cinnamon Rolls Candle Scent
Why We Love It
The moment you light this candle, the rich smell of cinnamon rolls will fill the room. You'll be transported to a warm bakery, where the ovens are always churning out fresh cinnamon rolls. This candle has a 40 hour burn time, so you can enjoy that freshly-baked smell for days. The warm amber candle jar and black lid give it a classic look that will fit in with any decor.
What You Should Know
This candle is made with 100 US-grown soy wax and a blend of spices. The soy wax is eco-friendly and the candle burns cleanly. The spices give the candle a warm, inviting scent that will fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. It's perfect for bringing a touch of coziness to any space, and makes an excellent holiday gift!
The Best Candle Scents FAQ
What are the best candle scents for fall?
There are a few different types of candle scents that work well for fall. One option is to choose a scent that evokes the smell of autumn leaves, such as pumpkin spice or cinnamon. Another option is to choose a scent that reminds you of cozy fireside evenings, such as vanilla or amber. Whatever type of scent you choose, make sure it is one that you enjoy so that you can fully enjoy your fall candles!
What are the best candle scents for winter?
When it comes to choosing the best candle scents for winter, you have a few different options. One option is to choose a scent that reminds you of the holidays, such as peppermint or gingerbread. Another option is to choose a scent that makes you think of cozy nights by the fire, such as vanilla or cinnamon. Whatever type of scent you choose, make sure it is one that you enjoy so that you can fully enjoy your winter candles!
What are the best candle scents for spring?
There are a few different types of candle scents that work well for spring. One option is to choose a floral scent, such as lavender or jasmine. Another option is to choose a citrusy scent, such as lemon or grapefruit. Whatever type of scent you choose, make sure it is one that you enjoy so that you can fully enjoy your spring candles!
What are the best candle scents for summer?
There are a few different types of candle scents that work well for summer. One option is to choose a fruity scent, such as strawberry or mango. Another option is to choose a floral earthy notes scent, such as lavender, jasmine or breezy air. Whatever type of scent you choose, make sure it is one that you enjoy so that you can fully enjoy your summer candles!
What are some general tips for choosing the best candle scents?
Some general tips for choosing the best candle scents include considering the season and choosing scents that match your mood. For example, if you want to create a cozy atmosphere, consider choosing a warm and spicy scent like cinnamon or clove. If you want to boost your energy levels, consider choosing a citrusy or floral scent like lemon or lavender. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a scent that you personally enjoy so that you can fully enjoy your candles!
The Best Scented Candle For You
Of all the candles on our list, the best one is the Yankee Candle's and Village Candle. While all of the candles on our list performed admirably, these two brands easily rose to the top. Their scents were potent and true-to-life, and their burn times were impressive. No matter what type of candle fragrances you like, there’s sure to be a candle on this list that will fill your home with holiday cheer! So grab your favorite(s), light them up, sit back, and enjoy the wonderful smells of the season—your nose (and everyone else in your household) will thank you!
