Jingle Smells

As soon as November hits, I’m ready for holiday cookies and gift shopping. While it may be a little too early to put up a tree (no judgment if you do!), scented candles are the perfect way to create a festive ambiance in your home. They’re so universally loved and make great go-to gifts when you don’t know what to get someone.

With so many new scents this holiday season, I’ve compiled a list of the absolute best limited-edition debuts and customer favorites that are worth shopping now. Whether you prefer the smell of homey baked goods or are more into elevated fragrances, there’s something for everyone. It’s time to pack away those pumpkin candles and light something new! Even better — some are currently on sale at Nordstrom and Amazon, so you’ll want to add them to your cart ASAP.

12 Best Scented Candles for the Holidays 2024

1. Fireside Vibes: Get the warm, cozy feeling of sitting fireside (without the soot) with Replica’s By the Fireplace scented candle. Notes of vanilla, balsam, clove and more are packed into this pick for peak holiday comfort. — $60 (regularly $70) at Nordstrom
2. The Rich Mom Pick: My fellow vanilla lovers will appreciate the mix of oud and santal in Voluspa’s heavenly Santal Vanille scent. One shopper says, “The scent is luxurious and fills the entire room with a warm, soothing aroma that feels both calming and sophisticated.” — $34 at Amazon
3. Elevated and Inspirational: In the 10 years since Harlem Candle Company was founded, it’s grown a cult following from celebs and candle lovers alike. Try Love, a scent of rose, sandalwood, apple and clove that comes in a gorgeous glass holder with a James Baldwin quote. — $65 at Amazon
4. Happy Memories: Fill your home with the aroma of a crackling winter bonfire with Apotheke’s Firewood scented candle. This lovely option gives off a calming, familiar fragrance and burns evenly. — $46 at Amazon
5. Trendy and Seasonal: Chai tea with cardamom, jasmine petals and vanilla are the key notes in fan-favorite Boy Smells’ Holiday Smells, a limited-edition release. If chai is not your taste, don’t miss the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding collab! — $48 at Nordstrom
6. The Perfect Present: Jo Malone London perfume lovers can immerse themselves in a Roasted Chestnut fragrance with notes of caramel and clove. It comes ready-to-gift! — $70 (regularly $82) at Nordstrom
7. Retro: If you are among the many fans of the viral sunscreen brand Vacation (which also makes perfumes!), try its winter wonderland Royal Pine Deluxe candle. Let it whisk you away with notes of spruce, pine, cedar, tonka beans and more. — $36 at Amazon
8. Lookin’ Good: This gift-worthy Étoile (Star) Diptyque candle has elegant packaging and a floral sandalwood scent to match: “Diptyque’s Etoile Scented Candle is a true embodiment of elegance and warmth. Designed with a shimmering constellation motif, it not only serves as a captivating decor piece but also fills the room with a luxury fragrance that enchants the senses,” one happy shopper raved. —$50 and up at Nordstrom
9. Christmas in a Candle: Pomegranate, citrus, pine, spices and vanilla create a warming limited-edition holiday scent from the beloved home fragrance (and perfume) brand Nest. — $43 and up (regularly $50) at Nordstrom
10. NYC-Approved: An incredible gift for any New Yorker missing home, Bond No.9 fragrances are each named after a city neighborhood. Greenwich Village has delectable notes of coffee, caramel, patchouli and more to immerse yourself in. — $125 at Bloomingdales
11. A Sweet Set: Try the three scents yourself or delight a giftee with this Lafco trio of Absinthe Plum (notes of black plum, mandarin zest and mulled blackberry with sandalwood), Woodland Spruce and White Maple Bourbon. — $52 at Amazon
12. Good Enough to Eat: Peppermint, sugar cookie and vanilla bean combine for a Voluspa festive scent that might make you crave a sweet candy cane snack. — $30 at Nordstrom