Devin Jacobs
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for candle lovers, and no, we’re not talking about Christmas. Bath & Body Works Candle Day has arrived, and if you know, you know. This is the one shopping event that turns mild-mannered suburbanites into strategic warriors, armed with shopping lists, backup plans, and possibly a camping chair.
The annual tradition has become something of a cultural phenomenon, where the normally $29.95 three-wick candles drop to an almost unbelievable $9.95. That’s a 67% discount on candles that have achieved cult status for their scent throw, burn time, and ability to make your home smell like a vanilla sugar cookie factory or a mahogany teakwood forest.
The 14th annual event kicked off online Thursday at 10 p.m. ET and continues in stores from December 5–7, bringing with it over 180 scent options, exclusive releases, and the kind of shopping frenzy that rivals Black Friday.
The Candle Day Phenomenon
Since its 2013 inception, the event has evolved from a simple sale into a full-blown shopping spectacle that draws millions of consumers both online and in-store. What makes this sale particularly special is the exclusivity and scarcity. Bath & Body Works releases limited-edition scents specifically for Candle Day, alongside bringing back retired favorites that fans have been begging for all year.
This year’s lineup includes quirky newcomers like Holiday Dill-ight, a pickle-scented candle inspired by the holiday tradition of hiding ornaments, and classics like Fresh Balsam and Winter Candy Apple. The three-wick candles, which are the stars of the show, offer 25 to 45 hours of burn time and are crafted by world-renowned perfumers who also work with luxury brands.
The math alone makes Candle Day irresistible. At $9.95 per candle, shoppers can grab three candles for roughly the cost of one at the regular price. This kind of discount transforms casual candle burners into bulk buyers, with many people purchasing the maximum allowed 24 candles in a single trip.
How To Win At Candle Day 2025
If you’re diving into Candle Day for the first time, know this: preparation is everything. Veterans of the event treat it like a military operation, complete with early morning store arrivals and detailed wish lists organized by priority. Some stores opened as early as 6 a.m. on Friday, with lines forming hours before. Online shoppers who jumped in Thursday night had first pick of inventory, though website crashes and glitches have historically been part of the experience when millions try to check out simultaneously.
The purchase limit of 24 candles per person exists for good reason—it prevents one person from clearing out entire scent collections and gives everyone a fair shot at their favorites. For those looking to maximize savings, joining the Bath & Body Works Rewards program unlocks additional perks. New members receive a $10 off $30 coupon, though it can’t be stacked with the Candle Day pricing online.
The real advantage comes from shopping in-store, where you can physically smell each candle before committing and avoid shipping costs or minimum purchase requirements. With over 180 scents available this year, including new releases like Butterscotch Swirl and Rum Rum Reindeer, plus a limited-edition Keepsake candle with exclusive packaging, there’s genuinely something for everyone.