Looking for an inexpensive way to decorate for Christmas? This DIY giant candy cane made from a pool noodle is an easy holiday craft that’s perfect for adding festive charm to your front porch, front door, mantel, or even a Candyland-themed party. With just a few affordable supplies, you can create an oversized Christmas decoration in less than an hour.
Project Time: 30 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Estimated Cost: Under $10
Yield: 1 Giant Candy Cane
One of my favorite things about this project is that it gives an old pool noodle a new purpose instead of tossing it out. If you have one that’s seen better days, this is the perfect way to upcycle it into a fun Christmas decoration.
Whether you’re decorating your home for the holidays or making decorations for a school event, classroom, or Christmas party, these giant candy canes are simple enough for beginners and look great almost anywhere.
Why You’ll Love This DIY Giant Candy Cane
- Budget-friendly Christmas decoration
- Great way to reuse an old pool noodle
- Easy enough for beginners
- Customizable with different colors and ribbons
- Perfect for indoor or covered outdoor decorating
- Makes a fun decoration for Candyland-themed parties
Supplies You’ll Need
- 1 pool noodle (red gives the classic candy cane look)
- White duct tape or other wide white tape
- Scissors
- 1 wire coat hanger
- Ribbon (I used wired burlap ribbon)
- Pliers (optional)
How to Make a Giant Candy Cane
Step 1: Straighten the Coat Hanger
Start by carefully untwisting the wire coat hanger. Most of the time you can do this by hand, but a pair of pliers can make it easier if needed.
Straighten the wire as much as possible. It doesn’t have to be perfectly straight, but the smoother it is, the easier it will slide into the pool noodle.
Step 2: Insert the Wire
Slide the straightened wire into the center of the pool noodle until it reaches the opposite end. Make sure neither end of the wire sticks out.
The wire helps the noodle hold its candy cane shape.
Step 3: Shape the Candy Cane
Gently bend one end of the pool noodle into the classic candy cane curve. You may need to make a few small bends until you’re happy with the shape.
Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect—real candy canes aren’t all exactly alike!
Step 4: Add the Candy Cane Stripes
Starting at one end, place the white duct tape on the noodle at a slight angle.
Continue wrapping the tape around the pool noodle in an even spiral, keeping the spacing as consistent as possible. Smooth the tape as you go to help prevent wrinkles or bubbles.
When you reach the other end, trim away any excess tape for a clean finish.
Step 5: Make the Bow
Your candy cane is finished at this point, but adding a bow gives it an extra festive touch.
Cut a piece of wired ribbon about 20 inches long and tie the ends together, leaving a 4-inch tail.
Fold the ribbon into loops to create a bow, pinching the center together. The wire edges help the bow keep its shape, but you can also secure it with thread or floral wire if needed.
Next, cut another piece of ribbon about 10 inches long for the bow tails. Slide it behind the bow before attaching everything to the top of the candy cane.
If making bows isn’t your thing, a premade Christmas bow works just as well.
Decorating Ideas
These oversized candy canes are surprisingly versatile. Here are a few fun ways to use them:
- Hang one on your front door.
- Add one to a Christmas wreath.
- Lean several on your front porch.
- Display them by the fireplace.
- Use them in a holiday photo booth.
- Decorate for a Candyland birthday party.
- Place them in large outdoor planters.
- Use them as classroom or church Christmas decorations.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use wired ribbon so your bow holds its shape.
- Waterproof tape works best if displaying outdoors.
- Make several candy canes in different heights for a fun display.
- Try different pool noodle colors to create “different candy flavors,” like blue, green, or pink.
- Store them indoors after the holidays so you can reuse them year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different color pool noodle?
Absolutely! While red gives the traditional candy cane look, green, blue, pink, or even gold pool noodles can create fun decorative “flavors” that are perfect for themed parties or unique Christmas displays.
Can I display these outside?
Yes! They’re great for covered porches or protected outdoor areas. Using waterproof tape will help them hold up better during the holiday season.
How tall will my candy cane be?
Most standard pool noodles make a giant candy cane that’s approximately 3 to 4 feet tall.
Can kids help make this craft?
Yes! Kids can help wrap the tape and decorate, but an adult should handle straightening the wire coat hanger.
Final Thoughts
This DIY giant candy cane is one of those Christmas crafts that’s inexpensive, easy to make, and makes a big impact. Whether you’re decorating your home for the holidays, creating decorations for a Christmas party, or simply looking for a fun way to reuse an old pool noodle, this project is sure to become one you’ll make year after year.
If you make one, don’t stop at just one! A group of giant candy canes looks especially festive lining a porch, decorating an entryway, or welcoming guests to your holiday celebration.
More Christmas Crafts You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy Christmas craft, be sure to check out these other holiday projects:
- Easy DIY Winter Wreath
- DIY Sock Snowman Craft
- Cardboard Snowman Made From Upcycled TP Tube
- DIY Easy Snow Paint & Tips On How To Paint Snow
