‘Tis the season! It’s that time of year again when we dive into the holiday spirit—decorating our homes, enjoying meals with loved ones, and getting ready to welcome friends and family. One of the best ways to really bring the holiday spirit to life is with scents that fill your home with warmth and joy, along with some helpful tips to keep it smelling fresh all season long. Whether it’s the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg or the fresh, woodsy smell of pine and balsam, these festive scents and tips will fill your home with cheer and make it feel extra festive.
So whether you’re preparing for a holiday dinner from your home in Boston, MA, cozying up by the fire in your Boise, Idaho apartment, or simply decorating your rental house in Dallas, TX, these top festive scents and tips will help you set the mood for a memorable and merry season. Keep reading to check out our top recommendations—some might just surprise you!
1. Get rid of those unwanted pet odors
First things first—although we love our pets, we may sometimes develop a bit of “nose blindness” to their smells. Julia Smith from Specialty Pet Products, experts in pet odor elimination, suggests using proven odor-neutralizing candles to keep your home fresh and welcoming this holiday season. Packed with pet-safe, odor-fighting enzymes, these candles don’t just mask smells—they eliminate them. Imagine cozying up with Gingerbread House, the rich warmth of Vanilla Glitz, or the crisp aroma of Evergreen and Berries all winter long.
Kellie Branca from CB Pet Market in Washington, NJ agrees, noting that while we love our furry friends we don’t always love the messes they make. To keep your place smelling nice with pets, regular cleaning is key. “Using an all-natural, enzymatic stain and odor remover immediately on accidents, such as Skout’s Honor, will keep odors at bay and prevent staining” shares Branca. “Frequent vacuuming to remove pet dander and hair, along with washing your pet’s bedding and toys regularly, also helps. And, of course, regular grooming will go a long way in reducing odors.”
For those lucky enough to share their home with a feline friend, Branca emphasizes the importance of daily litter box cleaning. “There are so many great odor-control litter options out there, so it’s worth trying a few to see what works best for you and your cats. And remember, you should have at least one litter box per cat. Also, don’t forget there are candles and room sprays that are specifically made to help tackle pet odors.”
2. Improve and refresh your home’s air quality
Lisa from Vacuum Wars recommends the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier. “This is a long-standing top mid-range choice that can help reduce indoor pollutants and maintain a fresher atmosphere in homes that have been sealed to stay warm and cozy in the winter months. Equipped with a true HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, it captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants and neutralizes lingering odors from cooking, pets, and smoke. Its built-in Smart Sensors continuously monitor air quality and automatically adjust the fan speed to ensure optimal filtration, keeping your home’s atmosphere clean and inviting.”
3. Use a few drops of essential oils
“The holiday season can often be a source of stress for many individuals,” says Rochelle Dailey from Linwood Court Candles. “One great way to reduce that stress and anxiety is by using essential and natural fragrance oils to enhance your mood while keeping your home smelling delightful. Using water-based diffusers in your living space provides a fragrant mist without the concerns of an open flame. By adding a few drops of oils, like Eucalyptus and Spearmint, The Hampton Diffuser Oil, or a refreshing winter Sparkling Evergreen, you can create a beautifully scented home atmosphere that also uplifts your spirits.
Mark Kohoot from Ascents suggests using a fresh pine aroma. “By adding a few drops of pine and cedarwood essential oils to cotton balls and placing them in key spots around your home gives the space a woodsy, holiday feel with or without a real tree. Refresh every other day to maintain the intensity of the aroma.”
4. Elevate the space with incense
During the holiday season, incense brings a cozy, festive touch to any space. Scents like cinnamon, pine, and clove fill the air, adding to the mix of festive scents that instantly make everything feel warmer and more inviting. Whether it’s the calming smell of frankincense or the sweet spice of mulled wine, incense creates a special atmosphere that enhances the magic of the season.
Opt for smokeless incense with Bodha
“The holidays are the perfect time to scent your home with grounding and calming scents that add extra comfort during busy times,” says Emily L’Ami from Bodha, an award-winning therapeutic perfumer. “Look for woody and herbal notes like cedar, hinoki, and sage. Incense is a great option because you can light a stick before people arrive, creating a beautiful, subtle atmosphere.”
Create a cozy winter wonderland with Wild Berry Incense
Kim Windland from Wild Berry Incense suggests turning your home into a winter wonderland with captivating scents, such as Bayberry and Gingerbread, to create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for holiday gatherings and quiet moments.
Relax and celebrate with Gonesh® Winter scents
To experience the perfect blend of relaxation and celebration Cecilia Trujillo from Gonesh® recommends using festive scents like Vanilla Sugar Cookie Incense and Warm Cinnamon Cider Incense. These aromas create a warm, inviting atmosphere that will turn your home into a sanctuary filled with rich, comforting fragrances that bring both joy and tranquility.
5. Get creative with a simmer pot
Simmer pots are a simple and natural way to fill your home with festive festive scents. As the mixture heats up, it releases a fragrant steam that fills your space with a warm, inviting aroma. Simmer pots are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere during the colder months, and they can be customized to suit your mood or the season. We listed a couple of easy-to-make blends you can try at home this holiday season.
Combine cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and pine sprigs
“For a cozy, festive vibe during the holidays, try filling your home with seasonal scents like cinnamon, cloves, and evergreen,” shares Sariane Leigh from Anacostia Yogi in Washington, DC. “One of the easiest ways to do this is by simmering a pot of water on the stove with a few cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and some fresh pine sprigs. Not only will your home smell amazing, but it also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for holiday gatherings.”
Combine lemons, rosemary sprigs, and vanilla extract
“Transform your space into a serene escape by simmering sliced lemons, fragrant rosemary sprigs, and a splash of vanilla extract on the stove,” says Ingrid del Pilar, tech consultant, brand/web designer, and content creator at Hello Co Creator. “The zesty citrus mingling with earthy herbal notes and a hint of sweetness creates a unique, inviting scent that feels like sunshine and tranquility bottled up for your home.”
6. Lean into festive scents with candles
Candles are key to creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. Their soft, flickering light brings warmth and coziness to any room, making your home feel extra inviting and festive. Plus, candles help promote relaxation and mindfulness, offering a peaceful break from the holiday hustle. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, festive candles can transform your space into a cozy sanctuary of holiday cheer. We reached out to a few candle companies to get their top recommendations for the best festive scents to try this season.
Set the mood
Anna Lee from Amass Store explains how you can create a scent story that flows through each room of your home, or changes with the time of day. “A bright lavender like Mateo Candle wakes up a space in the morning, while the calming palo santo and rose in Art of Staying In winds down the night. The warm clove and cinnamon of Four Thieves mingles with holiday cooking like a simmer pot without tying up burner space, while Forest Bath is a botanical take on a classic pine.
Choose seasonal scents
Chloe Mervine from Big Ass Luxuries suggests trying Woodland Balsam or Sugared Fig for a cozy, holiday-inspired vibe. “Both scents capture the essence of the season, with Woodland Balsam bringing in the fresh, crisp notes of evergreen trees, and Sugared Fig offering a warm, sweet fragrance that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.”
Embrace nostalgia and festive coziness
Beth Briney from St. Louis Candle Company highlights, ”Candles with hints of pine, cinnamon, and clove add a touch of warmth and nostalgia during the holiday season. Scents of vanilla, peppermint, and gingerbread also create a sense of festive coziness within your space.”
Opt for soy candles
Dana Haynes from Dandles Candles believes that cozy holiday homes begin with the perfect seasonal scent. A waft of pine, spice or citrus always welcomes guests and family during this festive season. Soy wax candles are the best choice for your home. Not only are they a cleaner burn than paraffin wax, but they often come in holiday containers that create a beautiful centerpiece. Dana’s top pick? The White Pine scent, a refreshing blend of pine, vanilla, and citrus, which is their most popular fragrance during the holidays.
Choose warm notes
Lorena Cicciari from Fiamma Candles recommends choosing warm, comforting notes like vanilla, amber, or cinnamon for a festive vibe during the holidays. Fiamma’s Frasier Fir fragrance is the perfect choice to fill your home with the cozy, welcoming aromas of the season. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your space or create a seasonal ambiance.
Fill your home with a touch of magic
Pao Martin from Pumarosa Candles says their holiday scents are crafted to evoke warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of magic that activates positive memories. Imagine the welcoming aromas of a Santa’s workshop, the subtle sweetness of sugar cookies and gingerbread, balanced by refreshing notes of peppermint and creamy vanilla, all alongside the fresh, crisp scent of pine trees. Each candle brings the spirit of holiday gatherings into any space, offering a comforting, familiar embrace. After all, memories shape who we are today; let’s make them worth cherishing.
Bring the season to life with classic scents
“For the holidays, classic fragrances like pine, cedar, and other outdoor scents instantly come to mind, along with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel,” shares Michael Childers from Madeline Island Candles in La Pointe, WI. “A great choice is Nordic Night— an outdoor, wintery scent, with top notes of eucalyptus and lavender and a woody base of rosemary, cedar and oakmoss. A glass container evokes the imagery of snow covered pine trees and walks in a quiet forested winter wonderland. A perfect way to stimulate fragrance memory and create an inviting atmosphere anywhere in the home.”
Infuse your home with beeswax candles
”For a naturally inviting atmosphere, try lighting candles handcrafted with 100% beeswax and infused with pure essential oils,” says Alaska from Sunbeam Candles “Our Cinnamon & Clove candles offer a warm, spicy scent ideal for cozy holiday evenings, while the Blessing pillar blend adds a fresh, grounding aroma that fills your home with calm energy. For a relaxing ambiance, try our Peace pillar blend with Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, and Cedarwood, or the Healing pillar blend with refreshing Lime, Grapefruit, and Rosemary, perfect for a bright, uplifting scent that keeps your space feeling revitalized. These aromatic blends, paired with the warm glow of beeswax candles, create a festive, inviting home atmosphere for family gatherings and lasting holiday memories.
Fill your home with holiday cheer
”Candles are a simple way to make your home smell like the holidays because they effortlessly fill your space with warm, inviting aromas that instantly create a cozy and festive atmosphere,” shares Erin from Wild Roots Cafe in Romney, WV. “With just the strike of a match, you can evoke the essence of the holiday season—think notes of cinnamon, pine, or vanilla—without the need for sprays or diffusers. With clean-burning options, you can enhance the winter decor of your home and the holiday mood with scents such as Winter Berry, a harmonious blend of sweet berries, crisp pine, and gentle pear notes, evoking the essence of a snowy orchard, or a cozy mix of cinnamon, fir, and ginger, all reminiscent of traditional holiday gatherings. The Mistletoe candle brings the invigorating scent of winter woods indoors with refreshing combination of cedar, eucalyptus, and fir and Cranberry Woods rounds out the holiday bundle with a festive aroma featuring tart cranberries, warm cinnamon, and creamy vanilla, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Festive scents to create an unforgettable season
As you prepare for a festive and joyful season, the right festive scents and candles can truly elevate your holiday experience, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. Whether you’re tackling pet odors, improving air quality, or simply filling your space with the comforting aromas of cinnamon, pine, and vanilla, there are plenty of ways to make your home smell amazing. From diffusers and simmer pots to candles and incense, these tips and recommendations will help you set the perfect mood for your holiday gatherings and create a space where you and your loved ones can relax and enjoy the season to the fullest. Here’s to a fragrant and festive holiday season.
