The Search for Vanilla Bean Noel: Has This Classic Holiday Scent Been Discontinued?

The holidays just don’t feel complete without a spritz of Bath & Body Works’ signature Vanilla Bean Noel fragrance. This sweet, nostalgic scent has achieved cult-favorite status for many holiday lovers. But sadly, some shoppers have reported trouble locating the fragrance in recent years. Has Vanilla Bean Noel been tragically discontinued?

As devoted Bath & Body Works fans know, it’s not unusual for even beloved fragrances to get cycled out over time. However, the brand has remained mum about whether Vanilla Bean Noel got the axe Before we declare this icon gone for good, let’s look at the history of this holiday staple and the clues we have about its current status.

Vanilla Bean Noel Through the Years

Vanilla Bean Noel first launched back in 2000 and was an immediate standout. The fragrance notes combine creamy vanilla, sugar cookies, and fresh winter air to evoke all the warm, nostalgic feelings of the Christmas season.

Over the years, Bath & Body Works has released countless renditions of Vanilla Bean Noel across their body care and home fragrance lines Fans eagerly anticipate new packaging and products in the scent each holiday season

In recent years, the company introduced additional noel-themed fragrances as well, like Merry Cookie Noel and ‘Tis the Season. But to many loyalists, the OG Vanilla Bean Noel remains the definitive fragrance of Christmas.

Signs of Vanishing Vanilla in 2021

The first hints of trouble came during 2021’s holiday shopping season. Shoppers across the internet began reporting difficulty finding any Vanilla Bean Noel products in stores or online.

The products had been a staple of holiday offerings in previous years. Their sudden absence left fans understandably concerned about the fragrance’s discontinuation.

Bath & Body Works remained characteristically quiet about whether Vanilla Bean Noel had been intentionally phased out. With the company’s tendency to frequently cycle fragrances, it seemed the writing was on the wall for this holiday heavy-hitter.

Devoted shoppers continued checking back, holding out hope for its return. But 2021 came and went with no restock of the signature scent.

Is Vanilla Bean Noel Gone for Good?

In August 2022, Bath & Body Works at last broke its silence. The company announced Vanilla Bean Noel would be back “in a big way” for the 2022 holiday season. They indicated the shortage was due to pandemic-related supply chain issues.

This news came as a relief to fans who worried the fragrance had vanished. While not officially confirmed, it seems Vanilla Bean Noel was simply on an unexpected hiatus these past two years, not discontinued.

The 2022 holiday launch will determine if this holiday staple is back to stay. But for now, devotees can breathe easy knowing this scent will deck the halls again this Christmas.

Tips for Finding Vanilla Bean Noel in 2022

Now that Vanilla Bean Noel is confirmed for a comeback, how can you get your hands on it this holiday season? Here are some tips:

• Check the website frequently as holiday products launch in late October. Sign up for email alerts about scent restocks.

• Follow Bath & Body Works social media for launch announcements and availability updates.

• Ask sales associates at your local store for details about holiday inventory shipments.

• Shop early, as seasonal fragrances sell out quickly.

• Don’t wait for sales, as popular scents often disappear from shelves before discounts hit.

• Buy backups of your favorites when you spot them, as supplies are limited.

• Check resale sites like Mercari if you miss a launch. Resellers often list hard-to-find fragrances.

With some savvy shopping skills, you should be able to reunite with your beloved Vanilla Bean Noel this year.

Alternative Vanilla Holiday Scents

If you simply can’t wait for a Vanilla Bean Noel restock, Bath & Body Works offers plenty of other vanilla-forward fragrances to fill the void:

• Vanilla Snowflake
• Vanilla Bean
• ‘Tis the Season
• Winter Candy Apple
• Twisted Peppermint
• Sugared Snickerdoodle
• Merry Cookie

While not exact matches, these creamy, nostalgic scents evoke a similar cozy, comforting vibe. Layering a few together can help capture that signature Vanilla Bean Noel magic.

Will Vanilla Bean Noel Be Back for Good?

For now, fans can find comfort that this beloved fragrance will return for the 2022 holiday season after years of uncertainty. But what does the future hold for Vanilla Bean Noel long-term?

There is always a chance this scent will once again disappear from shelves down the road. Bath & Body Works frequently retires even popular fragrances to make way for new launches.

Still, the devotion and nostalgia Vanilla Bean Noel inspires gives it a good chance of sticking around. Its story seems far from over. But stocking up during the holidays is still smart to be safe!

Celebrate the Return of This Favorite

Few scents spark joy and nostalgia during the holidays quite like Bath & Body Works’ Vanilla Bean Noel. After fears of its discontinuation, fans can now breathe in its sweet, familiar aroma once more.

As you shop for gifts this season, be sure to treat yourself to Vanilla Bean Noel classics. With caution and savvy shopping, you can score this coveted fragrance. Then you can layer yourself in memories of holidays past while making new traditions.

So let Vanilla Bean Noel transport you back to childhood holidays this season. And fight the urge to drink in that signature scent directly from the bottle before gifting it!