Scents of the season: The candles and incense perfect for right now

Aroma is the perfect way to conjure up memories or instantly set a mood, and what better way to usher in the holidays than with a woodsy, spicy or Christmassy scent. We sifted through the deluge of wintery fragrances out there in all forms – candles, reed diffusers, incense, room sprays – to carefully curate a list of the scents we think are worth welcoming into your home right now. From winter-fresh to sweetly scented, these run the gamut of warm and cozy. And they're not just for "the holidays", these fragrances have some serious staying power throughout the cold months. Here are the scents we've got our noses on this season.

Sweet treats

Cranberry Rosé by Paddywax

This sweet scent smells like our new favourite holiday beverage, mulled rosé! Add a pretty cranberry coloured vessel and a copper lid, and we're sold. Perfect for an indulgent bathtime or setting the scene for your next holiday party.

$30 at Paddywax.com

Spiced Cider by Capri Bleu

This company is a go-to for a summery scent, but their winter collection has got our attention. Notes of fresh apple and juicy orange keep this fragrance light and fun, while a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a Christmassy flare – it's a great way to get your whole home smelling like your favourite seasonal sipper.

$30 at Anthropologie

Vanilla Cashmere by Capri Bleu

We may have fallen for one of the cutest candles we've seen this season, but the scent is also swoon-worthy. Described as a seasonal blend of tangerine, pomegranate, lemon, sandalwood, patchouli, it's got all the seasonal faves, and the hints of cashmere and mahogany make it a true standout and the perfect gift.  

$28 at Anthropologie

Visions of Sugar Plum by Voluspa

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Just like its namesake, this beauty will certainly leave visions of sugar plums dancing in your head. Notes of powdered sugar, toasted hazelnut and tart white plum, it's pretty much the fragrant answer to that sweet tooth.

$35 at Voluspa.com

Meditation Incense by Tattva

One of the purest and oldest ways to introduce a scent to your home is through incense, so we're starting with a classic with a sweeter woodsy scent, and slightly musky too. Handmade in India, this product is all-natural and would be beautiful to burn any day, not just at this time of year.

$8.95 at meditationbench.com

Orange Cinnamon by Lampe Berger

Lampe berger is an air purifier and a diffuser. It uses an alcohol-based solution and a catalytic process to purify the air and it actually destroys odours. Sceptical? We were too. But, it actually removes pesky odours like fish, bacon, wet dog, leaving a beautiful scent in its place. Lampe Berger has been around since the late 1800s and was invented to be used during an epidemic in Parisian hospitals. You only need to light it for two minutes, then blow out the flame and let it diffuse into the air. With all of the scents available, it was hard to pick just one, but we think this orange cinnamon is particularly reminiscent of the holidays.

$23.95 at Linen Chest, diffuser sold separately

Christmas trees and evergreen forests

Balsam and Cedar Luxe Boxed Candle by Illume

A good tree-scented candle is hard to come by, but Illume has nailed it. Light this gorgeous mercury glass candle and you'll be transported to a forest full of evergreens – or a Christmas tree lot. It's destined to become one of your fave holiday classics.  

$59.50 at Indigo.ca

Winter White Incense and Holder by Illume

Evergreen meets cardamom meets citrus – this scent is basically the epitome of the Christmas season. Meant to evoke "the peace and tranquility of a fresh winter snowfall" this is a standout of Illume's seasonal collection and the quickest way to make your home smell like the holidays.

Illume Winter White incense, $16 at Indigo.ca

Cedarwood Scented Candle by H&M Home

We love this candle from H&M Home. You can keep it on the counter all winter long because it doesn't scream holidays. Its minimalist design with matte black finish is super chic, the fragrance is one of the best woodsy scents out there, plus it's a very reasonable price point. It's also an ideal gift for the guy in your life who appreciates a little aromatic indulgence.  

$29.99 at H&M

Black Spruce + Fir Balsam Essential Oil Incense by Province Apothecary

This incense is from a Toronto-based holistic skincare brand that is known for crafting stunning, natural fragrances. This is by no means a winter-only scent, but it's certainly a wonderful way to make your home smell like a virtual forest. They use only pure therapeutic essential oils, so you know you're getting some quality aromatherapy.

$16 at Province Apothecary​

Fabled Juniper Berries & Lapp Pine Home and Festive Pomander Set by Molton Brown

This luxurious brand of British home fragrances and toiletries has a stunning holiday collection. This fragrance of juniper berries and pine will make any room ready for the holidays. With this room and linen spray, even your sheets can smell like Christmas. This company has also been granted a royal warrant by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and if it's good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for us.

$110 USD at Molton Brown

Firewood and spice

Limited Holiday Edition Pepperberry by Linnea's Lights

These handmade candles smell as pretty as they look. With its gorgeous fragrance and its minimalist design, it's the perfect candle to gift this season. Notes of bayberry, cinnamon and pepper make it a spicy combo without smelling like a 90's Christmas craft fair.

$49.50 at Home Smith​

Lumière by Cire Trudon

This candle is a definite splurge but trust us it's worth it. Cire Trudon has been around since 1643 and was the official candle supplier of Louis XV. Their Christmas collection is as regal as the brand itself. Lumière is a truly enchanting scent with notes of Japanese amber and "it is enhanced with a leathery note that enchants the heart." Sold.

$100 USD at Net-a-Porter

Incense Tears Limited Edition by Dyptique Paris

Known for its high-end candles, Dyptique's Christmas collection does not disappoint. With names like Incense Tears, Fiery Orange and Frosted Forest, and stunning packaging, it's easy to see why their holiday collection always sells out fast. With notes of cinnamon, leaves laurels and Myrrh, "beautifully compared to the tears of poets", this scent is as dramatic as the description, but were totally into it.

$47.23 at Nordstrom

Snowy fresh

Recharge Rosemary and Mint by Woodlot

Hand-poured in Vancouver, this Canadian-made candle company uses only the best to create beautiful fragrances for the home. Essential oils provide a soothing scent of peppermint and uplifting rosemary that's sure to come in handy during this stressful season – you may just want to keep it lit all year round.  

$39 at Woodlot

Mistletoe + Mint by Paddywax

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As pretty as a Christmas tree ornament, this candle would make the perfect stocking stuffer. With notes of mistletoe and mint, this fragrance immediately connotes Christmastime. Fresh and minty, it's a timeless scent that you'll keep reaching for each holiday season.  

$18 at Paddywax.com

Peppermint Twist Reed Diffuser by Saje

This reed diffuser is from the company known for its peppermint halo therapeutic roller – Saje is famous for its essential oils and it does peppermint very well. And now, you can have your whole home smell like a candy cane while notes of sweet benzoin and orange make it extra festive.

$29.95 at Saje