We Sniffed and Scored Bath & Body Works' Holiday Candles to Find the Best

Rating: 4.1/10

Tester notes:

• Unexpected coconut scent for holiday, but I do pick up coconut flake desserts
• Doesn't smell like coconut initially — the scent was confusing. There's definitely a musky energy in this
• A bit too musky for me

Rating: 4.5/10

Tester notes:

• It's nostalgic like a strawberry shortcake
• Smells like a strawberry flavored candy like Hi-Chew — super fruity and sweet
  
• Too sweet for me

Rating: 4.9/10

Tester notes:

• If you like peppermint patties, you'll like this... It smells exactly like one
• Smells just like the description: "Melted candy canes blended with chocolate"
• I found the chocolate notes in this cloying

Rating: 5.2/10

Tester notes:

• I like the combination of spicy and sweet
• I like the sugary top notes but it has a burnt undertone that I can't put my finger on
• Should be spicier

Rating: 5.7/10

Tester notes:

• I'm normally impartial to gourmand fragrances, but this one surprised me. It's cozy and delightfully warm
• This is for someone who loves sweet, butterscotch scents
• Actually smells like eggnog

Rating: 6.3/10

Tester notes:

• Very pungent and sweet with the combo of vanilla, cake and marshmallow
• Smells like sugary vanilla frosting versus traditional vanilla
• Smells like Christmas

Rating: 6.5/10

Tester notes:

• Love the combination of cinnamon and clove, feels tingly and spicy on my nose
• Definitely for people who like spicier scents. This is an embodiment of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg
• Very warm

Rating: 6.7/10

Tester notes:

• Smells like Sweet Pea perfume
• This reminds me of my high school days. The sweet and perfume-y scent has a special place in my heart
• The packaging perfectly embodies the scent, reminiscent of walking into a Victoria's Secret. Super sweet and somewhat floral
• Not Christmas-y

Rating: 6.9/10

Tester notes:

• It smells like a literal candy cane, for people who like that
• Not too much like peppermint, I like that there is vanilla to balance it out
• A nostalgic favorite, best of the peppermint options

Rating: 7.4/10

Tester notes:

• The pear notes are super bright — this feels like a Christmas morning candle to me versus Christmas Eve
• Smells like a glass of champagne
• I don’t think it‘s super holiday-forward, but I like it

Rating: 7.4/10

Tester notes:

• It seems like a good one for the fall-winter transition, great for Thanksgiving
• The vanilla/sugar scent is very festive and would smell great in the kitchen, but I wish there was a little more spice
• A classic, cookie-like scent that smells really yummy

Rating: 7.6/10

Tester notes:

• Smells like laundry detergent in a good way — very fresh and clean
  
• Good for those who don't like spicy holiday scents
• If there's a eucalyptus note, I'm probably gonna love it, and that's true of this one. This is great for the whole winter season, not just Christmas

Rating: 7.7/10

Tester notes:

• Smells super fresh. Lightly seasonal, especially with the apple notes. I could definitely see myself burning this one on Christmas morning
• Rather sweet and fruity but it's pleasant
• Worth buying for the cute packaging alone

Rating: 7.7/10

Tester notes:

• I like clove and this is an unapologetically clove, spiced scent. I feel like it'll really fill a room
• Accurate to its name, this candle evokes the smell of a cozy cabin with a roaring fire. Cloves come through
• Smells super clean and reminds me of pine cones

Rating: 7.7/10

Tester notes:

• I love the apple and cinnamon notes. It's a little spicy, a little sweet and not overpowering at all
• Would bridge the gap well in the fall to winter transition
• Smells like apple cider

Rating: 8/10

Tester notes:

• Really nostalgic for me — my mom always pokes cloves in oranges and it feels so homey to me, would 100% burn
• I like the citrus note in this one (clementine), great for burning all winter long, not just at Christmas
• Perfect scent to burn during a holiday party
• Very traditional

Rating: 8.2/10

Tester notes:

• A nice and unexpected scent, has depth
• Really like the frankincense and amber
• Doesn't smell too much like incense — a good one to burn when entertaining

Rating: 8.2/10

Tester notes:

• A classic, evergreen scent
• I like the combination of peppermint with the pine. It feels like a natural combo that oomphs up the pine scent
• Great blend of forest and mint — icy, winter vibes

Rating: 8.3/10

Tester notes:

• Smells rich, musky and very cozy, like a soft worn-in flannel
• Smells like Abercrombie
• A masculine crowd-pleaser

Rating: 8.3/10

Tester notes:

• I'm not a big marshmallow girl but I love this one... the sugary notes pair nicely with the cinnamon and pine
• This smells so nostalgic — think Christmas in the 90s. It has a little bit of everything you could want in a Christmas candle, like pine trees and cinnamon
• I like the sweetness of the marshmallow with the spicy notes