Over 50 fun and delicious candy cane crafts and activities for kids and families. Arts and crafts, ornaments, science, sensory play, and yummy treats to try!
Close your eyes and take a moment to think about Christmas.
If you’re like me, fond memories will pop up . . . including the delightful scents of evergreen trees and peppermint.
There’s just something about peppermint and candy canes that make me smile and think about kid-friendly fun around the holidays.
In that vein, take a peek at these amazing candy cane crafts and activities to try with the children soon.
All of these candy cane crafts and activities are fun ideas for bringing some pepperminty goodness into your holidays!
I think they’d be great whether you’re home with the kiddos or a teacher making December plans. Now if only I could narrow down what ones I want to try!
Table of Contents
Science, Math, and Sensory Candy Cane Activities
I loved finding so many candy cane ideas that let the kids explore early learning.
Below you’ll find more than 10 activities that delve into science, math, and sensory concepts.
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- Sweet Smelling Candy Cane Sensory Bin (Fun-A-Day)
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- Disappearing Candy Cane Science Experiment (Laughing Kids Learn)
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- Candy Cane Math Activities (Fantastic Fun and Learning)
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- Candy Cane Christmas Sensory Play (Baby Centre)
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- Candy Cane Foam Dough Recipes (Fun at Home with Kids)
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- Candy Cane Cloud Dough (Growing a Jeweled Rose)
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- Candy Cane Science in Preschool (Teach Preschool)
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- Dissolve the Stripe (Preschool Powol Packets)
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- Candy Cane Oobleck (Science Sparks)
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- Peppermint Play Dough (Fantastic Fun and Learning)
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- Candy Cane Scented Play Dough (Where Imagination Grows)
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- Candy Cane Clay (Growing a Jeweled Rose)
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- Candy Canes Christmas I-Spy Game (And Next Comes L)
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- Candy Cane Construction Bridge (Preschool Powol Packets)
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- Crystal Candy Canes (Go Science Girls)
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- Peppermint Scented Baking Soda Dough (Still Playing School)
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- Scented Salt Dough Experiment (Lemon Lime Adventures)
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- Candy Cane Slime
Candy Cane Crafts – Ornaments
Of course we can’t talk about candy canes without touching on ornaments the kiddos can make (parents and teachers can help, too)!
Below are hands-on candy cane ornaments the kids will have a blast making.
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- Name Candy Cane Ornament (Fun-A-Day)
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- Old Fashioned Salt Dough Ornaments (Fun at Home with Kids)
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- Candy Cane Ornaments for Toddlers (Happy Hooligans)
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- Bird Food Ornament (Coffee Cups and Crayons)
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- Puzzle Piece Candy Cane Ornament (
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- Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes (Design By Night)
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- Beaded Candy Canes (Savings Lifestyle)
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- Wooden Bead Candy Canes (Buggy and Buddy)
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- Felt Candy Cane Ornaments (Bugs and Fishes)
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- Easy Candy Cane Tree Decorations (Kids Craft Room)
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- Quick Candy Cane Christmas Ornament (Powerful Mothering)
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- Candy Cane Cookie Cutter Ornament (Bloom Designs)
Candy Cane Crafts and Art Projects
Some awesome art and crafts activities that are all around a candy cane theme.
Which of these ideas would your kids be most excited to make?
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- Scrunched Paper Candy Cane (Crafty Journal)
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- Candy Cane Rubber Band Bracelet (Make It Easy Crafts)
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- Candy Cane Puffy Paint (Learn.Play.Imagine)
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- Candy Cane Craft for Toddlers (No Time for Flash Cards)
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- Painted Candy Canes (Rust & Sunshine)
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- Foam Candy Cane Ornaments (Bead & Cord)
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- Marbled Shaving Cream Candy Canes (Fun at Home with Kids)
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- Candy Cane Sun Catchers (Learn.Play.Imagine)
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- Candy Cane Reindeer (Gingerly Made)
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- Easy Christmas Candy Cane (Creative Connections for Kids)
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- Tape Resist Candy Cane Painting (Hands On As We Grow)
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- Christmas Salt Dough Recipe (NurtureStore)
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- Hand Print Candy Cane Craft (Little Family Fun)
Candy Cane Crafts for Home Decorations
If you and the children are candy cane obsessed, why not make some of these decorations for the house or the classroom?
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- Candy Cane Wreath (We Made That)
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- Burlap Candy Cane Decoration (How Wee Learn)
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- Lighted PVC Candy Canes (DIY Showoff)
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- Candy Cane Wreath Tutorial (Michael Ann Made)
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- Candy Cane Button Tree (Buttons Galore and More)
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- Easy Homemade Candy Cane Wreath (Coupons and Freebies Mom)
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- Burlap Candy Cane Wreath (Katelyn Chantel)
Delicious Candy Cane Treats
I couldn’t have a candy cane collection without adding in some sweet treats, now could I?
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- Random Acts of Kindness: An Advent Tradition (Raising Lifelong Learners)
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- Candy Cane Sleigh (One Hundred Dollars a Month)
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- Hot Cocoa Stir Sticks (Bridgey Widgey)
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- Peppermint Bell Cookies (Mess for Less)
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- Fruit Candy Cane (Capernaum Pediatric Therapy)
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- Candy Cane Cookies (Reasons to Skip the Housework)
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- Candy Cane Popcorn (The Educators’ Spin On It)
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- Candy Cane Heart Pops (Kiss Recipe)
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- Candy Cane Marshmallow Pops (Liv Life)
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- Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies (Fireflies and Mud Pies)
Do you have any favorite candy cane crafts and activities you and your family enjoy? If you’re looking for more Christmas ideas for the kids, be sure to pop over to my Christmas Pinterest board.
Christmas Resources for Preschool Teachers
Save time planning (and, really, you can use all the time you have around the holidays!) with already done-for-you resources from Preschool Teacher 101. There are lesson plans, math and STEM activities, and literacy resources just for you! Be sure to check out the membership options for even more savings. You can also find us on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Click on the photos below for more information about Christmas resources:
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- Christmas Lesson Plans
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- Christmas Tree Roll and Color
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- Gingerbread Lesson Plans
Originally published December 7, 2013. Updated for even more candy cane fun!
Wow, who’d have thought they’d be so many candy cane ideas! Thanks so much for including our tree decorations.
Thanks so much for featuring our candy cane playdough and putting together this list! So many great other candy cane activities to try!
What a fun and HUGE collection of candy cane ideas! Thanks so much for including my lighted PVC candy cane tutorial. 🙂
Have a Merry Christmas!
Wow, so much candy cane goodness! Love how you’ve split them into categories – some of the maths and science ones at the top look really cool, although I have to admit my sweet tooth is tempted by the treats! Thanks for including one of our ideas too!
Loved your idea, Danya! 🙂