Candles

01-26-2026

Smells of Winter: The Scents We Associate With It and Why

This guide will cover the most iconic winter scents, why we associate them with this time of year, and some wintery candles from Snif. 

Key takeaways:

  • Winter scents tend to feel warmer and heavier, built around notes like vanilla, amber, woods, spice, smoke, and resin that read cozy in cold weather.
  • Fresh-cut trees and baked goods are two popular winter smells. 
  • Lost Claus, Merry Mint Mocha, and Mornings at Levain are a few wintery scented candles from Snif. 

Every season is associated with different smells. A burst of lemon usually reminds people of the hottest summer days, and the smell of pumpkin pie might bring up mental images of fall leaves and your coziest scarf. 

This guide will take a look at some of the most popular scents associated with winter as well as some of our favorite wintery Snif candles.

What Scents Are Associated With Winter?

These scents are making our list as some of the most classic winter smells, from chilly days to holiday baking. 

Fresh-Cut Trees

For many people, winter is synonymous with Christmastime, and what’s Christmas without a Christmas tree? That’s why the smell of a fresh-cut tree is one of the most iconic winter fragrances. 

Baked Goods

The holiday season is a time of culinary indulgence. Anyone with a sweet tooth knows that with winter comes some of the most delicious baked goods (think gingerbread men, bread pudding, and chocolate peppermint cookies). 

Spices

Some classic winter spices include ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. You’ll find these in everything from mulled cider to seasonal desserts. 

Peppermint

Thanks to the candy cane, peppermint is now an official smell of winter (and a fan-favorite hot chocolate topping). 

What Are Some Winter Scents To Try?

With all of this in mind, we have you covered with scented candles incorporating all of the best smells of the season. 

Lost Claus

Our Lost Claus candle features cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked marshmallow, peppered gingerbread, vetiver, caramelized patchouli, and milky musks and is a sweet, spicy way to bring a little bit of holiday magic home. 

Old Saint Wick

For a fresh cut scent, try the Old Saint Wick candle, which offers a blend of Siberian pine, apple blossom, rosemary, jasmine, fir balsam, sandalwood, and cedarwood. 

Half Baked Gingerbread Smash

Half Baked Gingerbread Smash brings together baked gingerbread, chai, cinnamon swirl, nutmeg, spiked eggnog, frothy vanilla, and sugared leather. It’s a gourmand, holiday-inspired scent that will make your home smell delicious no matter how skilled you are in the kitchen. 

Merry Mint Mocha

Lovers of peppermint should try the Merry Mint Mocha candle. Along with crushed peppermint, this candle features white chocolate, caramel swirl, sea salt, chocolate shavings, and marshmallow. 

Mornings at Levain

Mornings at Levain is the cookie-inspired scent that can satisfy your sweet tooth with just one whiff. With Levain cookie accord, sea salt, cocoa resinoid, chopped walnuts, creamy orcanox, and fluffy musk, it’s that first-batch feeling wrapped up in a beautiful candle. 

Merry and Bright

When you’re looking to bring some of the winter spirit home, try lighting one of these wintery candles. They’ll keep your home smelling cozy and sweet through the holidays and beyond. 

FAQS

What are some winter scents?

Winter scents tend to be either rich and cosy, like the smell of baked goods and spices, or energizing, like the smell of peppermint or fresh-cut trees. 

What are the most Christmassy smells?

The most Christmassy smells are the ones that are associated with some of the season’s most iconic traditions, such as pine, cedarwood, gingerbread, peppermint, and hot chocolate. 




Sources:

WSU researchers explore the scents that drive Christmas tree appeal | WSU

Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance | NIH 



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