By December 15th, your house probably looks like Santa’s workshop threw up on it. Lights everywhere, tinsel in places you didn’t know existed, and enough pine scent to induce a headache. But something’s missing. You need that pop of red and white. You need the stripes.
Candy canes are basically the unofficial mascot of Christmas, right? They’re everywhere. But instead of just hanging them on the tree like a basic elf, why not turn them into actual decorations? I’m talking wreaths, centerpieces, and ornaments that actually look like you tried.
I may or may not have gone overboard one year and bought 200 candy canes at the after-Christmas sale. My kitchen looked like a peppermint factory exploded. But you know what? I made some seriously cool stuff, and my holiday guests couldn’t stop asking where I bought everything. The look on their faces when I said “I made it from candy” was priceless.
So grab a box (or ten) of candy canes, clear off your kitchen table, and let’s get crafting. These 13 festive DIY candy cane decorations will transform your space without destroying your wallet.
Why Candy Canes Are the Ultimate Craft Supply
Ever noticed how candy canes are basically pre-shaped crafting material? They already have the hook. They already have the stripes. You’re basically halfway there before you even start.
Plus, they smell amazing. Nothing says Christmas like the scent of peppermint wafting through your living room. It’s like a candle, but edible. Well, kinda edible. Fair warning: some of these projects use glue, so maybe don’t eat those ones. :/
The Great Candy Cane Debate
Do you use the name brand or the generic ones? I’ve tested both. The generic ones are cheaper, but they’re often more brittle and break when you look at them wrong. Name brand candy canes (like Bob’s or Spangler) hold up better to drilling and gluing. FYI, if you’re doing any project that requires bending or shaping, you need the good stuff.
1. Candy Cane Wreath Extravaganza
This is the classic for a reason. It’s the first thing people see when they walk into your house, so make it count.
You’ll need a foam wreath form (12 inches works great), a hot glue gun, and about 30-40 candy canes. Glue the candy canes around the form, alternating directions so the hooks point outward in a pattern. Fill in any gaps with smaller candies or fake greenery.
My mistake: I once used low-temp glue, and the candy canes started sliding off halfway through hanging it. Use high-temp glue and hold each cane in place for a solid 10 seconds. Your patience will pay off.
Pro tip: Tie a big red bow at the bottom or top. It hides the glue and looks super festive.
2. Candy Cane Luminary Candle Holders
This one creates such a cozy vibe. Grab some glass hurricane candle holders (dollar stores have these for cheap). Arrange candy canes vertically around the outside, using a hot glue gun to attach them to the glass.
Once the glue dries, tie a ribbon or piece of twine around the middle to secure them and add decoration. Pop an LED tea light inside (real candles might melt the candy—ask me how I know), and you’ve got a glowing peppermint wonderland.
Warning: Do not use real flames. Melted candy is sticky and sad.
3. Peppermint Frame Photo Display
Find a plain wooden picture frame at a thrift store. Paint it white or red if you want. Then, glue mini candy canes all around the edges, creating a border.
Clip a favorite Christmas photo (or a photo of you two from last year’s ugly sweater party) in the center. Hang it on the wall or give it as a gift. It’s personal, festive, and smells like the holidays.
IMO, this makes a great gift for grandparents. They love photos, and they love candy. Win-win.
4. Candy Cane Tree Ornaments
You probably already have a tree. Now make it extra.
Take three small candy canes and glue them together at the hooks to form a triangle shape (like a tree). Glue a small button or bow at the top where they meet. Attach a ribbon for hanging. Boom—instant ornament.
Variation: Glue candy canes in a star shape by arranging five of them with the hooks pointing out. It’s trickier, but it looks amazing.
5. Peppermint Striped Vase
Got a boring glass vase? Fix it.
Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the vase. Press candy canes vertically around the entire surface. Once dry, seal the outside with another layer of Mod Podge. Fill the vase with red roses or white carnations for a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Does it last? Yes, if you keep it away from humidity. No, you can’t wash it. Just dust it gently.
6. Candy Cane Napkin Rings
This is so simple it almost feels like cheating.
Take one full-sized candy cane. Bend it gently (warm it in your hands first so it doesn’t snap) into a circle shape, overlapping the ends. Glue the ends together. Slide your napkin through, and place it on the dinner plate.
Your guests will think you’re fancy. Little do they know you spent 30 seconds per ring.
7. Peppermint Garland for the Mantel
Stringing popcorn is old news. String candy canes instead.
Use a needle and sturdy thread or fishing line. Poke a hole through the straight part of each candy cane (not the hook). String them together, alternating directions for visual interest. Drape this along your mantel or across a window.
Heads up: This attracts attention. And possibly ants if you leave it up too long. Don’t ask.
8. Candy Cane Reindeer
Kids love this one. Adults pretending to be kids also love this one.
Take two candy canes. Glue them together at the hooks to form antlers. Glue a small brown pom-pom or a chocolate kiss (wrapped) at the base for the face. Add googly eyes and a tiny red pom-pom nose. You now have Rudolph’s cousin.
Crafting tip: Use a low-temp glue gun if kids are helping. Fewer burns, more fun.
9. Peppermint Topiaries
Want to feel like you live in a fancy hotel? Make topiaries.
You’ll need foam cones, candy canes, and a glue gun. Start at the bottom and glue candy canes around the cone, working your way up. Overlap them slightly so the foam doesn’t show. Place the finished topiary in a decorative pot with some fake snow or moss.
Why this works: It’s tall, it’s red and white, and it screams “I have my life together” even if you don’t.
10. Candy Cane Coasters
Protect your coffee table in style.
Glue mini candy canes together in a spiral pattern on a flat surface. Start from the center and work outward, creating a circular mat. Once dry, you can seal it with clear acrylic spray. Use these under cold drinks only—hot coffee will melt your hard work.
FYI, these make great stocking stuffers. Everyone needs coasters. Everyone loves candy.
11. Peppermint Scented Pinecones
This combines two great things: pinecones and peppermint.
Collect some pinecones (or buy a bag at a craft store). Brush them with a thin layer of white paint for a snowy effect. While the paint is wet, sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over them. The candy sticks and makes them smell amazing.
Arrange these in a bowl or scatter them on the mantel. They look rustic and smell like Christmas morning.
12. Candy Cane Heart Wreath
Valentine’s Day gets hearts. Christmas deserves them too.
Bend two candy canes so the hooks meet, forming a heart shape. Glue them together at the bottom and where the hooks meet. Make several of these hearts and glue them onto a small wreath form, or hang them individually on the tree.
Personal opinion: These are underrated. They add a sweet, romantic touch to all the traditional greenery.
13. Peppermint Bark Centerpiece
Okay, this one is technically edible. But it’s also a decoration until you eat it.
Melt white chocolate and spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces all over. Let it harden, then break it into shards. Pile these shards in a glass jar or a festive bowl. Place it on your coffee table or kitchen island.
Warning: People will eat it. Make extra.
Tips for Working with Candy Canes
Before you start gluing, let me save you some headaches.
The Breakage Problem
Candy canes are brittle. They snap. It happens.
- Warm them up: Hold them in your hands for a minute or run them under warm water (briefly!) to make them slightly more pliable.
- Have spares: Buy extra. You will break some. Accept this truth.
The Stickiness Factor
Candy canes attract moisture and get sticky.
- Seal them: If you want your decorations to last beyond Christmas Eve, spray them with a clear acrylic sealer. This locks out humidity and keeps them looking fresh.
- Store carefully: Wrap finished projects in tissue paper and keep them in a cool, dry place. Heat is the enemy.
Glue Matters
- Hot glue works best for most projects. It dries fast and holds strong.
- Mod Podge works for projects where you want a sealed, glossy finish.
- Avoid school glue. It won’t hold, and you’ll cry.
Displaying Your Candy Cane Creations
You made the stuff. Now show it off.
- Group them: Don’t scatter one tiny ornament alone. Cluster things together for visual impact.
- Add lights: Wrap battery-operated fairy lights around your candy cane wreaths and garlands. The twinkling lights reflecting off the stripes is magical.
- Mix textures: Combine your candy cane crafts with natural elements like pine branches, burlap, and wood slices. It balances the sweetness.
Why You Should Make These This Weekend
Look, the holidays are stressful. There’s gift shopping, travel planning, and way too many family obligations. Crafting is therapy. Sitting down with a glue gun and some candy canes forces you to slow down and actually enjoy the season.
Plus, handmade decorations just hit different. Store-bought stuff is fine. But when you walk past something you built with your own hands, you feel a little spark of pride. Even if it’s slightly crooked. Even if you glued your finger to a candy cane. (Been there.)
So crank up the Christmas music, pour some hot cocoa, and get crafting. Your house is about to look amazing. 🎄
Which of these 13 festive DIY candy cane decorations are you trying first? Tell me in the comments—I promise I won’t judge if you eat all your supplies.
