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National Candy Cane Day

Get ready to indulge in the sweetest holiday treat - it's National Candy Cane Day! Enjoy festive flavors and fun activities all day long.

Saturday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDecember 26

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYCandy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to get your sweet tooth on this December 26th with National Candy Cane Day! This day has been around since the early 1900s, when it was first created as a way to celebrate one of America's most beloved holiday treats. Not only are candy canes delicious and fun to eat, but they also have an interesting history - legend has it that they were originally created in 1670 by a German choirmaster who wanted something special for his singers during Christmas performances. So join in the festivities and enjoy some candy canes!

TIMELINE

National Candy Cane Day Timeline

Candy Cane Creation

A German choirmaster reportedly invented the candy cane to keep children quiet during church services.

First Decorative Use

A German-Swedish immigrant in Ohio is noted to have used candy canes to decorate a Christmas tree.

Invention of Candy Cane Machine

Candy manufacturer Bob McCormack begins making candy canes as Christmas treats, leading to his brother-in-law Gregory Harding Keller inventing a machine to automate the process in the mid-1950s.

Candy Cane Becomes Iconic Christmas Candy

The candy cane becomes synonymous with Christmas celebrations throughout the United States.

Establishment of National Candy Cane Day

National Candy Cane Day is established, celebrated annually on December 26th, to honor this delicious holiday treat.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Candy Cane Day

Bake candy cane cookies

Candy cane cookies are a festive treat that's perfect for National Candy Cane Day. Start with your favorite sugar cookie recipe and add crushed candy canes for a sweet peppermint flavor.

DECORATE

Decorate with candy canes

Bring the spirit of the season into your home by decorating it with candy canes. Hang them from the tree or make a colorful garland out of them to hang along your mantle.

MAKE

Make candy cane hot chocolate

A cup of hot cocoa is always comforting, but you can make it extra special for National Candy Cane Day by adding crushed candy canes to your mug. It's sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

CRAFT

Craft a candy cane wreath

Create a festive wreath out of candy canes and evergreen sprigs to adorn your front door, or any area of your home! All you need is some glue and wire to assemble this fun decoration.

PLAY

Play games with candy canes

Have a little fun with your friends and family in honor of National Candy Cane Day. You can play 'Pin the Tail on the Candy Cane' or create an obstacle course using candy canes as markers.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Candy Cane Day

Candy canes are delicious

It's hard to deny the deliciousness of candy canes. Whether it's classic peppermint flavor or something more creative like pumpkin spice or root beer float, every variety is sure to tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more!

Candy canes are festive

Candy canes are full of holiday cheer and help create a festive atmosphere during the winter holidays. They come in bright colors and sweet flavors, making them perfect for decorating Christmas trees or as a stocking stuffer.

Candy canes have long been a part of holiday traditions

Candy canes have been a beloved part of holiday traditions for generations. Whether it's hanging them on the tree or using them to decorate cookies and cakes, candy canes add a touch of sweetness to any occasion!