For many consumers, Bath & Body Works’ fragrances like Fresh Balsam, Winter Candy Apple and Vanilla Bean Noel signal the start of the season.
Consumers share nostalgic stories and memories tied to these scents, making them more than just products—they are a part of holiday rituals.
According to trend forecasting company WGSN, 2025’s top fragrance notes—pine, vanilla and candy—align perfectly with these beloved classics, keeping them top-of-mind year after year.
December 23rd, 2025
The Iconic Scents at the Heart of Holiday Traditions
What You Should Know
Year after year, iconic and beloved scents like Fresh Balsam, Winter Candy Apple and Vanilla Bean Noel top wish lists and spark seasonal nostalgia.
Fresh Balsam features notes of woodland balsam, crisp eucalyptus and cedarwood. This fragrance makes it feel as though one is walking through the woods.
Winter Candy Apple is bright and full of joy, with notes of red apples, winter rose pearls and candied oranges.
Vanilla Bean Noel smells like baking favorite holiday cookies, with notes of fresh vanilla bean, warm caramel, sugar cookies, whipped cream and snow-kissed musk.
These fragrances aren’t just scents—they’re traditions. An editor from The Every Girl says the following about the Fresh Balsam 3-Wick Candle: “Home is where the Bath & Body Works Fresh Balsam Candle is, and I am reminded of this every single year that I return to my parents’ home in Michigan. One whiff of this candle and I’m transported back to elementary school, fighting with my siblings over a polar bear hot chocolate mug and shooting hoops with crumpled-up wrapping paper after opening presents on Christmas morning. Now that I’m an adult and have my own place, this affordable candle is an easy way to cozy up my space and lean into holiday nostalgia.”
First launched in 2008, Fresh Balsam quickly became a fan-favorite and remains one of the brand’s top-selling holiday fragrances. The iconic scent was developed by Master Perfumer Octavia Jordan at the fragrance house MANE, who also created Twisted Peppermint, Smoked Vanilla, White Gardenia and other classics. From the beginning, Jordan was focused on developing a scent that smelled true to life, but with more depth and complexity.
“Fresh Balsam is a classic holiday fragrance, but it’s more than just pine,” Jordan said. “It’s a beautifully balanced scent that brings together crisp eucalyptus, cedarwood, a touch of musk for creaminess and, of course, a fragrant woodland balsam. When I burn this candle, it evokes the freshness of snow-covered pine trees with a rich and comforting warmth.”
Another holiday favorite is Winter Candy Apple, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary. The fragrance blends red apples, winter rose petals and candied oranges together for a fruity sweetness that’s perfect for the season.
At Bath & Body Works, holiday magic starts with scent!