This cotton ball candy cane craft is a simple, hands-on Christmas activity that young children love! With just red construction paper, white glue, and cotton balls, kids can create a soft, fluffy candy cane to hang on the wall or use as a decoration. It’s the perfect quick craft for preschool or kindergarten, easy enough for little hands but fun for older children as well. Best of all, you probably have everything you need right at home!

Our last Christmas craft of the week is an easy one! Some days allow for more involved crafts, while others don’t. These Cotton Ball Candy Canes are simple and you probably have all of the materials already at home.

An older child could easily do this whole thing by himself. However, this craft is a great one for littles too if you help them with the cutting.

🎄Looking for more Christmas Ideas? Browse through my large selection of Christmas Worksheets and Printables! You will find book suggestions, more craft ideas, and a plethora of printable worksheets and activities for your young learners.

What You Will Need for the Cotton Ball Candy Cane Craft

I just love activities where I already have the supplies and can just pull them from my craft closet. On those days I’m not ultra prepared, a well-stocked craft closet can come to the rescue!

Items You’ll Need for the Cotton Ball Candy Cane craft:
– Red construction paper or cardstock (I love this holiday pack!)
– White glue
– Regular cotton balls or try mini cotton balls (white pom poms) for older children
– Red glitter glue (optional) – see Notes and Tips section
– Red or green sequins This is a fun set! (optional) – see Notes and Tips section

How to Make Cotton Ball Candy Canes

Follow these easy step-by-step directions to make Cotton Ball Candy Canes. Your children will love this easy craft!

Draw or trace a candy cane.
On red construction paper or cardstock, draw a simple candy cane shape. If you prefer, use a candy cane template so each child has a uniform outline.
Cut out the candy cane.
Older children can do this independently; younger ones may need help with the curves.

If you are like me and would rather have a template, here is a great candy cane template that is plenty big for this project.

3. Add glue stripes.
Use white glue to draw curved stripes across the candy cane, leaving red spaces in between.

4. Attach cotton balls.
Press cotton balls into the glue stripes to create the classic white candy cane pattern. Pull the cotton balls apart slightly for a fluffier look.

5. Let dry and display.
Hang the finished candy cane on the fridge, a bulletin board, or your Christmas tree.

Notes and Tips for Making the Cotton Ball Candy Cane Craft

Here are a few helpful tips to think about before you get started with your Cotton Ball Candy Cane Craft.

This is a great fine-motor craft.
Pulling apart cotton balls helps strengthen little fingers and improve dexterity.
Try mini cotton balls or small white pom poms.
These adhere more neatly and help older kids create more detailed stripes.
Use this with Christmas read-alouds.
This craft pairs beautifully with The Legend of the Candy Cane and other Christmas-themed books.
Tip: Get the craft completely set up for your young ones and explain the directions. Let them glue and stick as you read the book aloud.
Turn it into a garland.
Make several candy canes and string them together for a festive banner.
Display it in your school room, in the kitchen, or near the front door. Choose any place in your home that you will see it often!
Use colored cotton balls or glitter glue.
Older children may enjoy decorating the red sections with glitter glue or sequins.

Edited to add in 2025: At the time of this original writing, my children were 6, 4, 2, and the baby was taking a nap while we worked on this fun candy canes. Now my children are 20, 18, 16, 15 (the baby at the time), and 8. While I didn’t save this particular Christmas craft over the years, I have saved many others and it is such a joy to reminisce about them each year. Take the time to be intentional with your Littles, Mama. You won’t regret it! ❤️