Fun Candy Cane Christmas Crafts & Decorations Ideas
As the holiday season approaches, the timeless charm of candy canes is ever-present. From their iconic red and white stripes to their sweet, peppermint flavor, candy canes are more than just a treat—they’re a symbol of Christmas cheer. In this post, we’ll explore fun and festive ways to incorporate candy canes into your holiday decor and craft projects. Whether you’re crafting with the whole family or looking for a unique addition to your Christmas decorations, we’ve got you covered with plenty of candy cane-themed ideas.

Why Candy Canes?
Candy canes are not just a sweet treat; their iconic shape and colors make them perfect for festive decorations. With their timeless charm, they can add a playful touch to any living space, transforming it into a winter wonderland. Plus, they’re easily available and affordable, making them ideal for holiday crafts.
The Origin of Candy Canes
The origins of the candy cane date back to over 350 years ago. The earliest versions were straight, white sugar sticks and they were not yet associated with Christmas or any other specific holiday.
The Hooked Shape
One popular story, dating back to 1670, claims that the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany bent the sugar sticks into a shepherd’s crook shape to represent the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus. This also served a practical purpose: to keep children quiet during the long Christmas nativity service.
Evolution in Appearance and Flavor
Adding Stripes and Flavor
The iconic red stripes and peppermint flavor of candy canes did not appear until the early 20th century. The red stripes were added around the early 1900s, but the exact origin of this addition is unclear. Some theories suggest that the red stripes symbolize the blood of Christ, while the white represents purity.
Peppermint Flavor
The choice of peppermint as a flavor is also shrouded in mystery. It’s possible that it was chosen simply because it was a popular flavor at the time, or it may have been selected for its symbolic connotations—peppermint is often associated with purification and healing.
Becoming a Christmas Tradition
Over time, various Christian folklore and symbolism have been attached to the candy cane. For example, some say the shape represents a “J” for Jesus, or the hardness of the candy symbolizes the solid rock, which is the foundation of the church. The three small stripes are said to represent the Holy Trinity, and the larger stripe, the blood of Christ.
The widespread popularity of candy canes as a Christmas tradition can be partly attributed to their commercialization. In the mid-20th century, the introduction of automated candy cane production made it easier to produce large quantities of candy canes, thereby making them more widely available and affordable.
Today, candy canes are ubiquitous during the Christmas season. They are used as decorations, given as gifts, and enjoyed as treats. Their peppermint flavor is now synonymous with holiday cheer, and their bright red and white stripes can be seen adorning Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday-themed confections.
The journey of the candy cane from a simple sugar stick to a symbol of Christmas cheer is a testament to the power of tradition, storytelling, and perhaps a bit of marketing savvy. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat or used as a festive decoration, candy canes continue to be a beloved part of Christmas celebrations around the world.

Craft Supplies to Have on Hand
Before diving into our candy cane crafts, ensure you have these essential craft supplies:
- Real candy canes
- Plastic candy canes
- Mini candy canes
- White and red pipe cleaners
- Floral wire
- Red ribbon and festive ribbon
- Hot glue gun
- Pinwheel candy ornaments
- Mini trees
Candy Cane Puns
Add a fun twist to your crafts with some candy cane puns! “We’re ‘mint’ to be merry!” or “Cane you feel the Christmas cheer?” are great to include on place cards or decorations.
- “Cane you believe it’s Christmas already?”
- “Yule be sorry if you miss this candy cane fun!”
- It’s ‘mint’ to be a merry Christmas!”
- “Stick with me for a sweet holiday.”
- “Twirling into the holiday spirit!”
- “Hanging around for some candy cane magic.”
- “Let’s ‘twist’ the night away with candy canes!”
- “Stripes and delights on these winter nights.”
- “Cane we get a little more merry?”
- “Cane you spot the holiday spirit?”
These puns can be used in various creative ways, such as in greeting cards, as part of your craft instructions, or even as captions for social media posts showcasing your candy cane crafts and decorations. Enjoy spreading holiday cheer with these sweet puns!
Common Christmas Crafts You Can Add Candy Canes To
- Candy Cane Ornaments: Create handmade Christmas ornaments with candy canes. Add googly eyes and a red bow to make a candy cane reindeer, or twist them into hearts for a sweet touch.
- Themed Trees: Incorporate candy canes into your Christmas tree for a candy cane theme. Hang candy cane ornaments, use them as a tree topper, or create a candy cane tree skirt.
- Candy Cane Wreath: Welcome guests at your front door with a candy cane wreath, a festive way to add holiday cheer.
- Table Decorations: For your holiday table, make a candy cane centerpiece or use candy canes as holders for place cards.
- Other Decorations: Use candy canes to create a festive garland, decorate mini trees, or add them to your holiday lights for an extra festive touch.
Candy Cane Christmas Crafts and Decorations
Discover creative candy cane crafts and decorations to brighten your holiday season. Dive into festive DIY ideas and inspirations for a merry and sweet Christmas!
This is one of the simplest Christmas crafts around. Paint up your old mason jar and fill it with colored straws for a great decoration on your Christmas table.
Make these easy pipe cleaner candy canes with pipe cleaners and pony beads! It’s also a fun fine motor activity.
These jars are adorable and so simple to create.
A perfect craft for a chiuld in your life, these are a fun decoration for your tree or wall.
Attach this candy cane poem to your favorite candy cane for a fun and inexpensive gift topper! Burlap+blue shares two easy and free printables for you!
This candy cane wreath can be easily made with dollar store supplies. Here is how to make it!
Using pipe cleaners and colored beads, you can create a beautiful tree decoration.
Use bottle tops/lids to make a cute candy cane! This also teaches young kids patterning while practicing those fine motor skills.
Candy cane crafts are an easy and fun way to add a festive touch to your holiday decor. From the dining table to the Christmas tree, these sweet treats can be transformed into beautiful and playful decorations. So, gather your craft supplies, some candy canes, and let your creativity run wild! Embrace the festive spirit and enjoy crafting these sweet, holiday-themed projects with your family.

Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.