With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s no better way to prepare for Thanksgiving than by filling your home with scents that capture the essence of warmth, comfort, and joy. From the inviting aroma of freshly baked pies to the earthy richness of fall spices, the right fragrances can instantly transform your space into a festive sanctuary.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering in your Allentown, PA apartment or enjoying a quiet meal in your Lakewood, NJ home, these 20 Thanksgiving scents will infuse your surroundings with cozy, inviting aromas that create the perfect atmosphere for celebrating gratitude, tradition, and togetherness.
1. Cedarwood, sandalwood, cinnamon, nutmeg, and amber-woody
Cedarwood and sandalwood offer earthy, grounding wood notes with warm, rich, slightly sweet aromas. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring spicy, aromatic tones for a cozy, festive touch, while amber-woody adds a deep, resinous sweetness to the blend.
Siren Boutique describes the rich blend of cedarwood, sandalwood, cinnamon, nutmeg, and amber-woody as reminiscent of cozy gatherings, crackling fires, and the comforting scents of the season. It’s like a nostalgic piece that fills the room with holiday warmth and heart.
2. Wine, bergamot, and oud
Wine, bergamot, and oud create a sophisticated fragrance combination. Wine offers a rich, fruity depth with dark berry or plum undertones. Bergamot adds a citrusy, floral sharpness, while oud brings a deep, smoky wood scent for a balanced, mysterious blend.
According to Spaciously, the scents of wine, bergamot, and oud evoke memories of Thanksgiving gatherings, sipping wine or tea, lighting candles, and enjoying relaxed conversations with loved ones.
3. Red apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg
The combination of red apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, inviting scent reminiscent of freshly baked pies and seasonal treats. The sweet crispness of red apple pairs perfectly with the cozy, festive aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Kara Scott Candle Co. appreciates the rich, crisp aroma of red apple simmering with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spice that brings back memories of biting into a fresh apple on a chilly autumn day.
4. Cranberry, clove, and pecan pie
The tartness of cranberry, the spiciness of clove, and the sweetness of pecan pie blend together to evoke the comforting, nostalgic feeling of a Thanksgiving table filled with seasonal flavors and family traditions.
Penn & Beech Candle Co. loves the custom blend of tart cranberry, spicy clove, and sweet pecan pie in a unique candle that encompasses the favorite scents of the Thanksgiving table.
5. Clove and ginger
Clove’s warm, aromatic spice pairs with ginger’s zesty, peppery kick to create a comforting and invigorating scent perfect for Thanksgiving.
Pretty Honest Candles appreciates the unique combination of clove and ginger for elevating the warm and cozy atmosphere to a new level during the Thanksgiving season.
6. Coffee and sandalwood
The rich, grounding scent of coffee blends with the warm, spicy notes of sandalwood for a unique aroma that’s both energizing and soothing.
Lola James Harper highlights the special blend of coffee and sandalwood, reminiscent of cozy gatherings and bold scents that fill the air during Thanksgiving, offering comfort and a touch of the unexpected for the holiday season.
7. Cranberry woods
Cranberry’s tart, fruity fragrance with a fresh, green touch creates a refreshing, bright aroma perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Heart Leaf Candle Co. enjoys the balance of fruity and tart notes in Cranberry Woods, reminiscent of classic cranberry sauce that adds a final touch to a day of celebration and family.
8. Zesty orange
Zesty orange’s vibrant, tangy fragrance brings a burst of brightness and freshness to the air, symbolizing the joy and energy of family gatherings during Thanksgiving.
Colugo Candles appreciates the surprising but perfect fit of zesty orange for the season, offering a fresh twist to traditional warmth and enhancing the togetherness of the holiday.
9. Pumpkin
Pumpkin’s warm, earthy scent with sweet and spicy undertones makes it a quintessential fragrance for fall and Thanksgiving.
Tales By The Candle appreciates the pumpkin scent for its reminder of chilly nights and the colorful fall leaves, capturing the essence of the season.
Pumpkin pie
LaundryWell Team finds comfort in the scent of pumpkin pie after long, rewarding days, signaling a moment to unwind, reconnect, and savor the simple joys of the season.
Edgewater Candles loves the warmth of pumpkin pie for its cozy, post-dinner vibes that wrap around like a comfy blanket.
Pumpkin spice
Lumiescents appreciates the warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in pumpkin spice, evoking memories of Thanksgiving gatherings and fresh pumpkin pies baking.
Enerlight Candle Co. finds the scent of pumpkin spice to be the epitome of Thanksgiving, with its cozy embrace and nostalgic appeal that fills the home with love and warmth.
10. Pomander and palo santo
Pomander’s sweet, citrusy scent blends beautifully with the woodsy, smoky aroma of palo santo for a unique, uplifting, and grounding fragrance.
Milwaukee Candle Co. enjoys the warmth of pomander and palo santo during the Thanksgiving season, reminiscent of holiday potpourri simmering on a wood stove.
11. Nutmeg
Nutmeg’s warm, spicy aroma with sweet undertones is a comforting scent associated with holiday baking.
Our Oily House cherishes nutmeg for its warm, spicy aroma that brings a smile and fills the heart with gratitude, especially when paired with freshly baked apple pie.
12. Vanilla almond
Vanilla almond’s sweet, nutty scent combines creamy vanilla with rich almond for a comforting aroma that evokes memories of holiday treats.
N Style Atlanta loves the warm, sweet combination of vanilla and almond for its resemblance to a cherished holiday vanilla pound cake.
13. Amber
Amber’s warm, resinous fragrance with earthy, musky undertones creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for Thanksgiving.
Stephan Matthews appreciates the aroma of amber perfumes and candles for its spiciness and golden resins that complement the Thanksgiving holiday and the changing colors of autumn.
14. Crème brûlée
Crème brûlée’s indulgent blend of vanilla custard and caramelized sugar creates a sweet, decadent fragrance perfect for holiday gatherings.
Modern Zen Candle Company enjoys the essence of crème brûlée for its sweet, nutty aroma reminiscent of freshly baked desserts and memorable family moments during Thanksgiving.
15. Sage
Sage’s fresh, earthy scent with herbal notes creates a cleansing atmosphere perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Nomad Wax appreciates sage for its connection to childhood memories of cornbread stuffing and fresh herb usage in Thanksgiving turkey preparation.
16. Sweet amber and vanilla
Sweet amber and vanilla blend rich, resinous sweetness with creamy smoothness for a warm, soothing fragrance perfect for Thanksgiving.
Le Gaol finds comfort in the warmth of sweet amber and vanilla during Thanksgiving, creating a space filled with woody cashmere, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness for a cozy ambiance.
17. Teakwood
Teakwood’s rich, earthy scent with deep, woody notes offers sophistication and comfort, ideal for Thanksgiving.
Wooly Wax reminisces on the Burmese teakwood scent that brings back childhood memories and quality time with loved ones during family Thanksgiving gatherings.
18. Cardamom and smoked incense
Cardamom’s spicy notes blend with smoked incense for an aromatic, captivating scent that’s both spicy and earthy.
Harlem Candle Company highlights the warmth and richness of cardamom and smoked incense for Thanksgiving, evoking flavors of pimento berry, plum blossom, and dark chocolate enjoyed during the holiday season.
19. Apple and cinnamon
Apple and cinnamon’s sweet, spicy fragrance offers comfort and nostalgia, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Rare Device enjoys the combination of apple and cinnamon for its reminder of the season, offering a cozy and welcoming ambiance during the holiday.
20. Apple cider donut
Apple cider donut’s warm, spiced fragrance with fruity apple and cinnamon notes, complemented by doughy donut scents, creates a cozy, comforting aroma perfect for Thanksgiving.
Linden Candle Company cherishes the scent of apple cider donut for its cozy, autumnal hug that brings memories of fall days, golden leaves, and sweet indulgences during the holiday season.