Are you, like me, always on the hunt for fresh ways to keep the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults too) entertained during the holidays? If you’re looking to mix up your usual festive routine, I’ve got just the thing Candy Cane Games! These are the kind of activities that turn a simple family gathering or holiday party into something extra special.

They’re easy to pull together, a total hit with kids, and let’s face it, they’re a lifesaver when you need a little break from all the holiday chaos. Plus, they add that sweet touch of fun that only a mom who’s been there, done that, can truly appreciate. Trust me, these games are worth a try, and they might just become your new favorite holiday tradition!

One of the best things about the holiday season is all the delicious candy that is available. And what better way to enjoy that candy than by using it to play some fun games? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

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Candy Cane Escape Room

For something challenging, give this Candy Cane Christmas Escape Room a try. It is perfect for kids aged 7 - 13 years. Players will need to work together to track down the Candy Cane Bandit who stole Santa's magical candy canes. 

They will search for hidden puzzles and figure out codes, to uncover the ultimate set of numbers and crack the final lock combination.

Candy Cane Hunt

No list of candy cane games would be complete without mentioning the ever-popular candy cane hunt. This can be done inside or outside, depending on your preference. Simply hide a bunch of candy canes around the house or yard and let the kids loose to find them. The first one to find all of the candy canes is the winner!

Candy Canes - Peppermint FlavorVariety Candy CanesRed and White Peppermint Candy

Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt

This fun printable Candy Cane Treasure Hunt has done all of the hard work for you. There are 17 super cute treasure hunt clues for your child to solve, and each one brings them closer to the treasure hidden at the end. The answers and suggested hiding places for these clues are included so it is such as easy game to set up. You can hide Candy Canes with each clue or leave some with the final treasure. This game is such a fun kids Christmas activity.

Candy Cane Balance

This is a test of both skill and patience. See how long you can balance a candy cane on your finger, nose, or forehead.The person who can go the longest without dropping their candy cane wins.

Candy Cane Wrap

Divide your group into teams of 4 or 5. Choose one person in each team to be the 'Candy Cane' while the others are the 'Wrappers'. The Candy Cane person must stand still while the Wrappers use their red and white crepe paper to wrap them up in stripes like a candy cane. The first team to finish wins!

Crepe Paper Roll, RedRed and White Crepe Paper StreamersCrepe Paper Roll, White

Candy Cane Relay

This is a great game for larger groups. Divide your group into teams and line them up behind a starting line. The first person in each team must run to the other side of the room (or outside if you have enough space) and back holding their candy cane. As they cross the finish line they must hook their candy cane on the next person in the line's candy cane. The next person then has to run with the both candy canes and so on until everyone in the team has had a turn. If any candy canes fall off during the race, the team must pick it up and go back to the start. The first team to finish wins!

Holiday Cherry Candy Canes

Pin the Candy Cane

When it comes to playing games with candy canes, there are quite a few options available. One popular game is the classic "pin the tail on the donkey" game, but with a holiday twist. Instead of a donkey, use a gingerbread man or gingerbread house and have players try to pin the candy cane onto the correct spot. This is sure to bring some laughs and make for a great photo op.

Large Fabric Colorful Gingerbread House Door Cover

Candy Cane Fishing

This is a fun Christmas Minute to Win it game. The aim of the game is to collect as many candy canes as you can in just one minute. To do this you will need 2 players, 2 cups and a pile of candy canes. Each player picks a candy cane and holds the straight edge in their mouth. They will use the candy cane like a fishing hook to try to pick up another candy cane and put it into their cup. They can not use their hands and can only pick up one candy cane at a time. Place the candy canes in a pile in between the two players and on the count of three watch as they hilariously try to 'fish' for candy canes!

Candy Cane Face Off

Using a small candy cane, each player must place it on their forehead. The object of the game is to get the candy cane into your mouth without using your hands. The first person to do so wins!

Organic Mini Candy CanesMini Candy Canes Tub

Candy Cane Tree Toss

You will need to give each team a small artificial Christmas Tree and a pile of candy canes. Standing a distance away from the tree, each team must take turns throwing their candy canes at their tree, trying to get them to stick. The team with the most candy canes stuck in their tree at the end of the game wins!

The Sweet History of Candy Canes

Ah, candy canes, those iconic red and white twists that instantly bring a festive feeling! But have you ever wondered how they became such a staple of Christmas? Well, let me take you on a little trip down candy cane memory lane.

The story starts way back in the 17th century, when these sweet treats were more of a straight, white stick than the curly creations we know today. Legend has it that in 1670, a choirmaster in Germany decided to give children something sweet to keep them quiet during the long nativity services.

He had the candies shaped into a shepherd's crook to remind the kiddos of the shepherds who visited baby Jesus. Now, whether that’s entirely true or not, I can't say, but it's a charming story, right?

Fast forward to the 19th century, and these candies started popping up in America. It wasn't until the early 20th century that they took on their classic red and white stripes. And as for that refreshing peppermint flavor? It's said to symbolize purity and the cooling, calming nature of the season. Plus, let's be honest, who doesn't love a little minty freshness after a big holiday meal?

So, how did candy canes become synonymous with Christmas? Well, they started being used as tree decorations in the late 19th century, and their popularity snowballed from there. Before you knew it, they were hanging on trees, stuffed in stockings, and, of course, sneaking their way into all sorts of holiday games!

The candy cane is one of the most classic Christmas candies. These striped peppermint sticks are not only delicious, but also versatile. So, if you're looking for a fun and festive way to keep the kids occupied, try one of these candy cane games. They are sure to provide hours of entertainment for everyone.

Tips for Setting Up Candy Cane Games

Alright, now that we’ve had our little history lesson, let’s get to the fun part, using candy canes to keep those kiddos entertained! Here are some tips for setting up and organizing candy cane games that are sure to make your holiday gathering a hit:

1. Stock Up on Candy Canes: First things first, you’re going to need a good stash of candy canes. And trust me, those things break easily, so grab a few extra packs. The more, the merrier! You can even mix it up with different colors and flavors if you’re feeling fancy.

2. Prep Your Space: Depending on the game, you'll want to make sure you've got enough room for the kids to move around without knocking over Grandma's favorite vase. Clear some space in the living room or take the fun outside if the weather’s nice.

3. Set Up Stations: If you're planning on multiple games, set up different stations around the house or yard. You can label each one with a fun sign like "Candy Cane Hook Relay" or "Peppermint Ring Toss." This way, kids can rotate between games without a hitch.

4. Keep it Safe: This one's for us moms who know how wild things can get. Make sure the area is safe for running around, especially if the kids are on a sugar high. Lay down some non-slip mats if you're playing indoors to avoid any candy cane casualties.

5. Divide and Conquer: If you have a big group, divide the kids into teams. This keeps things organized and makes it easier to manage the excitement. Plus, team games can be a great way for the shy ones to come out of their shells.

6. Have Prizes Ready: Little trinkets or extra candy canes make great prizes for winners (and participants, because let’s be real, everyone’s a winner during the holidays). You could even wrap them up in cute little bags as a keepsake from the party.

7. Timing is Everything: Plan your candy cane games around the party schedule. I like to do them right after the sugar kicks in from the holiday cookies, but before they hit that inevitable crash. It’s all about finding that sweet spot when they’re ready to burn off some energy.

8. Capture the Fun: Don't forget to have a camera or phone ready to snap some photos! Candy cane games make for the cutest holiday memories, and you'll want to look back on these moments when they're all grown up.

Candy cane games are a fantastic way to bring a little extra joy (and a bit of competition) to your holiday festivities. They’re simple to set up, fun to play, and they make for great photo ops, what’s not to love?

So go ahead, grab those candy canes, gather the kids, and let the games begin. After all, Christmas is about making sweet memories, one candy cane at a time!

More Fun Party Games:

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