- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- CandyChildren
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every December 26
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍬
National Candy Cane Day arrives every December 26, offering a delightful reason to enjoy the iconic peppermint stick. This festive treat, with its distinctive red and white stripes, has charmed generations. Unwrap a candy cane, hang one on your tree, or try a peppermint-infused recipe to celebrate!
Want to sponsor National Candy Cane Day? Learn how
Expected National Candy Cane Day Deals
While specific 2027 promotions are still under wraps, history shows that post-Christmas sales often feature candy canes at steep discounts. Look for major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS to clear out seasonal stock, making December 26 an ideal day to stock up for next year or enjoy a final festive treat. Grocery stores such as Kroger and Safeway typically offer multi-packs at reduced prices. Specialty candy stores like See’s Candies might also feature their unique peppermint-flavored confections. Keep an eye on coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ for any lingering peppermint-themed drinks or treats. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 26 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Candy Cane Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #CandyCaneDay. Film a creative video showing how you enjoy or decorate with candy canes.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCandyCaneDay. Share visually appealing photos of candy canes in festive settings or unique recipes.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CandyCane. Post a question asking followers for their favorite candy cane memory or recipe.
National Candy Cane Day Hero
August Imgard
National Candy Cane Day timeline
The story of candy canes began in the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, where the choirmaster handed out the bent sweet sticks to his youngest singers to keep them quiet during the long Living Creche ceremony.
August Imgard, a German-Swedish immigrant, decorated a small blue spruce with paper ornaments and candy canes in Wooster, Ohio.
In Albany, Georgia, Bob McCormack began making candy canes by hand as special Christmas treats for his children and friends.
Gregory Keller, a Catholic priest, invented a machine to automate the production of candy canes.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Candy Cane Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Candy Cane Day by incorporating the festive treat into their offerings. Coffee shops might feature special peppermint lattes or hot chocolates, while bakeries can offer candy cane-flavored cookies, brownies, or cheesecakes. Retail stores could use candy canes as a small, complimentary treat for customers at checkout or as part of a festive display. Consider a ‘guess the number of candy canes’ contest for customer engagement.
National Candy Cane Day FAQs
When is National Candy Cane Day?
National Candy Cane Day 2026 falls on Saturday, December 26, offering a sweet opportunity to enjoy the iconic treat right after Christmas.
How many candy canes are sold each year?
Estimates suggest that over 1.7 billion candy canes are produced annually, with a significant portion sold during the Christmas season in the U.S. alone.
What are the traditional flavors of candy canes?
The most traditional and popular candy cane flavor is undoubtedly peppermint, characterized by its refreshing, cool taste and classic red and white stripes.
What is the origin of the candy cane's shape?
The candy cane’s iconic ‘J’ shape is often attributed to a German choirmaster in 1670, who bent sugar sticks to resemble shepherd’s crooks for children during Christmas Eve services.
National Candy Cane Day Activities
Add some candy canes to your hot chocolate
If you're like our families, you might use this day to rest and recharge after days of bustling around for the holidays. It's the perfect excuse to curl up with some hot chocolate. Celebrate candy canes by crushing some up into your warm drink.
Make peppermint bark
You may be tired of cookies and other baked goods. If so, this will be the perfect treat since it's made with crushed candy canes, white chocolate, and milk chocolate. Peppermint bark can also serve as the perfect "thank you" for that sweet gift your received.
Stock up for next year
It's the day after Christmas, which usually means the cost of candy canes has gone down a bit. Check out some stores to stock up. They last two to three years.
5 Crazy Candy Cane Flavors
Pickle
Sometimes the sour taste is just the right balance needed.
Bacon
Wake up with some bacon (candy canes) and eggs!
Rotisserie chicken
A main course and dessert — all wrapped up in one!
Wasabi
If you've always thought candy canes were missing a spicy kick, then these are just right.
Gravy
Now if only they made candy cane mashed potatoes!
Why We Love National Candy Cane Day
Candy canes remind us it's time for the holidays
You might live in a place where it's warm year-round and you never see snow. You might be too distracted by work and other adult things. But, everyone can agree that when they see a candy cane, they know exactly what time of year it is.
Childhood nostalgia
Munch on a candy cane to jog your memories of a snow day with your siblings, or trading candy canes in grade school. They can bring on those special moments with just the rip of a plastic wrapper.
Candy canes have their benefits
Candy canes are made of sugar, peppermint oil, and water. From helping with bad breath to serving as a digestion aid and mood booster, this peppermint candy can bring plenty of good to your life.
National Candy Cane Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | December 26 | Sunday |
| 2028 | December 26 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | December 26 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | December 26 | Thursday |
Social Media Tips for National Candy Cane Day
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