I burn candles year-round, but there is something extra special about lighting one at that time of year when the first sign of a crisp fall day arrives. I head straight to my couch, snuggle up in a blanket to watch When Harry Met Sally or read a good book, and enjoy the scents of the fall season from my favorite cozy candles.
Fall-scented candles are an easy way to instantly immerse yourself into that cozy feeling of autumn, right from the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s the aroma of a pumpkin patch latte, woodsy notes of cinnamon bark and clove, or the classic fall scent of an apple orchard, these earthy and warm blends have the power to transform your living space into a true haven of autumnal bliss.
Today I’m sharing the best fall candles with a list of my favorites, plus a handful of reader recommended picks. These candles will light up your senses and your home, making it feel like the ultimate fall retreat.
Sweater weather is among us, and it’s about to smell amazing!
The 16 Best Fall Candles
1. Nest New York Pumpkin Chai Classic Candle
Nest’s Pumpkin Chai candle isn’t just one of my favorite fall candles, it’s also the top recommended fall candle by CBC followers. No matter how big my fall candle collection may grow, this is always the first candle I light every September. I’m a big fan of Nest in general. They’re a luxury candle brand but they make some of the best candles, especially seasonal scents. Think of this candle as a twist on a pumpkin spice latte. You have your traditional fall scents like pumpkin and cinnamon, with an added smooth yet spicy component to this thanks to masala chai, cardamom, and ginger. It’s one of my favorite pumpkin candles ever, and may also just be the perfect fall candle in general.
PRO TIP: Forget the ugly old school lighters with lighter fluid! A USB lighter will never run out, and just needs a quick charge every so often.
Burn time: 50-60 hours | Size: 8.1 oz. | Other sizes available
2. Nest New York Autumn Plum Classic Candle
If you’re someone who wants the cozy aroma of fall but you’re not a fan of pumpkin, this is my top pick. It’s the perfect blend between fruity, earthy, spicy, with notes of plum, cinnamon, and patchouli. Despite its name, this Autumn Plum candle is one of those fragrances that you can burn well into the holidays and use as a winter candle, too.
Burn time: 50-60 hours | Size: 8.1 oz. | Other sizes available
3. Homesick Vermont Candle
A few years ago I went on a trip to Vermont and got this candle. This soy wax candle smells exactly how you’d think Vermont smells in the fall. This Vermont candle is full of sweetness from maple syrup, fruitiness from crisp apples, and just a touch of clove and vanilla that’s reminiscent of those famous apple cider donuts.
Burn time: 60-80 hours | Size: 13.75 oz.
4. Bath & Body Works Leaves Candle
For a quintessential cozy fall scent, I love Bath & Body Works Leaves candle. Cozy notes of golden nectar, clove spice, and red apple provide the perfect blend of autumnal fragrance.
Burn time: 25-45 hours | Size: 14.5 oz.
5. Bath & Body Works Sweater Weather Candle
I don’t know how to explain this Sweater Weather candle, but this smells like a cool, crisp morning. Sage, juniper, and eucalyptus are the main scents here, and this is the perfect candle for those who don’t like sweet scents but want a seasonal candle. (The eucalyptus in here makes it a great bathroom candle or for an autumn season spa day at home.)
6. Bath & Body Works Pumpkin Bonfire Candle
Pumpkin Bonfire is an unexpected fall candle favorite. At first sniff, this is your classic pumpkin candle. However, there’s a delightful, subtle smokiness to it that makes this soy/paraffin wax candle a little more unique than most other pumpkin candles you’ve probably smelled. It’s almost like if a pumpkin pie and a wood-burning fire had a baby!
Burn time: 25-45 hours | Size: 14.5 oz.
7. Boy Smells Hinoki Fantome Candle
Technically, Boy Smells Hinoki Fantome candle isn’t technically a seasonal fall candle since it’s sold year-round. However, it’s perfectly smoky and woody, making it a great option for cooler months. There are a ton of notes in this complex candle, including cedar, jasmine, and fir, but it’s not overly “green” smelling thanks to the timber sent from the hinoki tree.
Burn time: 50 hours | Size: 8.5 oz. | Other sizes available
8. Illume Noble Holiday Woodfire Candle
Illume is a newer to me brand, and as a candle lover, I was happy to stumble upon their fall collection. Woodfire is another great fall scent if you’re overloaded on pumpkin spice everything. The combo of smoky cedar and earthy amber is a winning combination, and great for a chilly night in, especially if you long for a real wood burning fire of your own. (They also have great holiday candles, too!)
Burn time: 45 hours | Size: 9 oz. | Other sizes available
9. Yankee Candle Apple Pumpkin Candle
I feel like you can’t really talk about fall candles, or any candles really, without mentioning Yankee Candle. And if you can’t decide between apple or pumpkin for your fall candle, why not have both with this Apple Pumpkin fragrance? Fresh apple and a hint of orange meet pumpkin and nutmeg, with a touch of sweetness thanks to base notes of vanilla and caramelized sugar.
Yankee Candle will always be nostalgic for me; growing up we always had a Yankee Candle burning during fall and winter in our house. To this day, my mom still lights one of the Christmas candles every season.
Burn time: 110-150 hours | Size: 22 oz. | Other sizes available
10. Literie Apple Picking in Hudson Valley Candle
If you’ve ever been apple picking in New York state, then this Apple Picking in Hudson Valley candle is a must. Reminisce about your long weekend out of the city filled with this candle that smells like warm apple cider donuts. Who wouldn’t want their whole room to smell like apple-y, cinnamon sugary goodness? Yum!
Burn time: Up to 50 hours | Size: 9 oz.
11. Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Candle
When it comes a traditional pumpkin candle and popular fall scents, you can’t really go wrong with Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove. It’s one of Anthropologie’s best sellers, with notes of creamy pumpkin, orange zest, and a hint of vanilla and warm cinnamon.
Burn time: 85 hours | Size: 19 oz. | Other sizes available
12. Capri Blue Spiced Cider Candle
This Spiced Cider candle is a lovely transitional option to burn from fall into the holidays. It offers that crisp caramel apple scent but with a twist thanks to berries, grapes, and a hint of fir. Made exclusively for Anthropologie.
Burn time: 85 hours | Size: 19 oz. | Other sizes available
13. Skylar Fall Cashmere Candle
Cinnamon bark and spiced ginger provide that classic fall candle scent, while notes of roasted almonds and a unique warmth for a cozy feel. Several reviews on the site claim that Fall Cashmere feels like warm hugs. Skylar candles are sustainably made with coconut wax, and if you want even more of this scent, you can also purchase it in perfume form.
Burn time: 45 hours | Size: 8 oz.
14. Brooklyn Candle Studio Apple Cider Candle
My friend, Jessica Camerata of An Indigo Day loves Brooklyn Candle Studio. This Apple Cider candle screams fall. With notes of apple, clove, orange, and nutmeg, it smells just like the warm drink it’s named after. I love this brand’s clean, simple packaging that fits with anyone’s fall decor.
Burn time: Up to 50 hours | Size: 7 oz.
15. Hotel Lobby Candle New York Candle
Designed to bring the luxury hotel experience to your home, Hotel Lobby Candle has so many incredible scents but the New York candle is perfect for fall. It’s a rich, mysterious scent with woody notes and a velvety base. This candle will make you want to cozy up on the couch with a glass of red wine.
Burn time: 65 hours | Size: 9.75 oz.
16. Snif Way With Woods Candle
In the fall, I love candles with woodsy, earthy scents like this one from Snif. It’s warm and cozy and perfect for those crisp fall days. This candle has notes of white tea, mandarin, sandalwood, amber woods, vetiver, and musk, making it the perfect candle to light as we transition from summer to fall.
Burn time: 50+ hours | Size: 8.5 oz.
17. Illume Boulangerie Pumpkin Soufflé Candle
If you love all things pumpkin, this pumpkin soufflé candle from Illume is the ultimate cozy pumpkin candle. This doesn’t have that spicy pumpkin scent but instead has notes of vanilla and smells like you just pulled a pumpkin treat out of the oven. Perfect for lighting in your kitchen!
Burn time: 40 hours | Size: 6 oz.
18. Maison Margiela Jazz Club Candle
Ease into the fall season with Maison Margiela’s Jazz Club candle. I love that it has a warm, spicy scent without tickling your nose thanks to the combination of tobacco and vanilla scents. This is the ideal candle to burn over cocktails with friends.
Burn time: 40 hours | Size: 5.8oz.
4 Responses
which candles have the most strongest smell
Hi Darlene, Nest, Bath & Body Works, and Illume all have great strong scents even when lit. Hope that helps!
Your list of the best fall candles is spot on! ️ Creating a cozy atmosphere is so important during the autumn season, and your recommendations will definitely help achieve that. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I tried to include a variety of scents so it wasn’t just pumpkin!