Britain’s favourite festive smells revealed from mince pies to pigs in blankets – where does yours rank on the list?

BRITS' favourite festive smells have been revealed – with roast turkey, cinnamon, and pine trees coming out on top.

A poll of 2,000 adults found two-thirds get a buzz of excitement from these familiar scents, which bring back memories of Christmases gone by.

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For many, festive aromas like spiced apples and roasted chestnuts are enough to make it truly feel like the holidays.

Other festive favourites making the list include the sweet waft of mince pies, mulled wine, and chocolate, while gingerbread and piping-hot pigs in blankets also rank highly.

While some get nostalgic over warm treats and scented candles, a brave 3% even admit the smell of Brussels sprouts puts them in a festive mood.

The study found Christmas scents spark childhood memories for 64% of people, with 74% saying they make them feel happy.

For nearly half, these aromas remind them of loved ones, making them an essential part of the season.

More than half of Brits make an effort to bring these smells into their homes, with scented candles the most popular choice, followed by baking festive goodies and cooking traditional dishes.

The research, commissioned by Yankee Candle, found 46% of people believe smells like cinnamon, pine, and gingerbread are what make Christmas feel magical.

Other traditions like decorating the tree and hearing carols also help set the mood.

Fragrance expert Taylor Perlis, who works for the scented candle company, said: “Smell can transport us in an instant, evoking nostalgic memories that are tied to special moments in our lives, whilst also creating new moments that turn into memories.

“The fragrances of the season, from warm cinnamon to freshly baked cookies, can create a powerful connection to the joy and togetherness of the holidays.

“This research highlights how important these fragrances can be in enhancing our festive spirit, bringing people together with loved ones as they reminisce and enjoy seasonal traditions.”

This year, it seems festive fragrances are lighting up the season as much as the twinkling Christmas lights.

The study also found 64 per cent of those admitted festive scents tend to transport them back to the good old days of being a child – and for 74 per cent, it evokes happy memories.

In addition to reminiscing about the past, the smells of Christmas can also make people feel happy (31 per cent), and for 45 per cent they remind them of specific people.

More than half (51 per cent) said they deliberately try to introduce festive fragrances into their homes.

As such, 65 per cent put scented candles around the home, while 43 per cent would bake or cook certain foods to create a festive smell and 30 per cent would do so through reed diffusers. 

It was also found a large per cent of people enjoy spicy or warm scents compared to a few who prefer nature inspired scents and some who prefer food related scents.

The spokesperson for Yankee Candle added: “There are just certain things which, if you close your eyes and pause for a minute, can transport you to a festive memory from past or present – as if by magic.

“Whether that’s the smell of something delicious cooking in the oven, or the smell of a freshly cut pine tree in the living room.

“This Christmas is a time to enjoy those favourite smells, sights and sounds with loved ones, by lighting a candle, playing some Christmas carols and simply having everyone together.”