Last updated: October 29, 2026
Candy cane reindeer are one of the easiest Christmas crafts you can make, and you only need a handful of supplies to get started. Below we cover exactly what to gather, how to build each reindeer, and how to put your finished reindeer to work.
Keep reading and you will have a cute little reindeer in your hands before your cocoa gets cold.
What You Need for Candy Cane Reindeer
The classic candy cane reindeer needs only a few basic supplies. Most of them are probably hiding in your craft drawer already. You can also buy complete candy cane reindeer craft kits on Amazon.
Start with wrapped candy canes, because the wrapper keeps the candy clean and gives the glue a smooth surface to grip. Standard straight canes work best, and mini canes are great for smaller projects.
For the antlers, grab brown pipe cleaners, which are also known as chenille stems. You can also use thin twigs or brown craft wire if you want a more rustic look.
The face comes from googly eyes and a red pom-pom for the nose. Red is the classic choice, but a brown nose looks sweet too.
To stick everything together, tacky craft glue or a hot glue gun will both work well. Hot glue sets faster, while tacky glue is gentler and easier for kids to handle.
A pair of scissors rounds out the supply list. Optional extras such as ribbon, glitter glue, and tiny bells let you dress each reindeer up.
How to Make Candy Cane Reindeer Step by Step
Once your supplies are laid out, the whole craft comes together in five simple moves. Cover your table first, because glue has a way of finding its way onto everything.
Step One: Position the Candy Cane
Turn the candy cane so the curved hook points downward. The hook becomes the reindeer’s face, and the straight part becomes the neck and body.
Lay the cane flat on your work surface. This lets you see exactly where each piece will go before any glue comes out.
Step Two: Add the Antlers
Cut a brown pipe cleaner in half and bend each half into a small branching shape. Twist the center of each piece around the candy cane just below the hook so the antlers stick out on both sides.
Fan the ends out and curl the tips so the antlers look full and natural. Uneven antlers actually look more charming than perfectly matched ones.
Step Three: Glue on the Eyes
Add a small dot of glue to the back of each googly eye and press it onto the curved part of the cane. Place the eyes close together near the top of the hook for the cutest look.
Hold each eye in place for a moment so it grips the wrapper. If an eye slides, simply wipe it off and try again.
Step Four: Attach the Nose
Put a bit of glue on the very tip of the hook and press the red pom-pom into place. The curve of the candy cane gives your reindeer a perfect little snout.
Let the glue set fully, following the directions on the bottle, before you move the reindeer. Rushing this step is the most common reason noses fall off.
Step Five: Finish With Details
Tie a small ribbon around the neck for a festive touch. Leave a loop in the ribbon if you plan to hang your reindeer on the tree.
A tiny bell or a dab of glitter glue adds extra sparkle. Stand your finished reindeer up against a mug or tuck it into a gift bow to show it off.
Candy Cane Reindeer Variations to Try
Once you have made the basic version, you can switch things up in endless ways. Each variation uses the same simple method with a small twist.
Rudolph Candy Cane Reindeer
Use a bright red pom-pom for the nose and a slightly larger one if you want Rudolph to really stand out. Add a pinch of red glitter glue to the pom-pom so the nose seems to glow.
This version is a hit with kids because everyone recognizes the most famous reindeer of all. Make one Rudolph and a whole team of brown-nosed friends for a complete sleigh crew.
Mini Candy Cane Reindeer
Swap in mini candy canes and trim your pipe cleaners into tiny antlers. Use small googly eyes and a small pom-pom so everything stays in proportion.
These tiny reindeer are perfect for topping cupcake boxes, decorating small gift bags, or perching on the rim of a mug. They also make the cutest additions to a mantel garland.
Glittery Snow Reindeer
Brush a thin layer of clear glue along the straight part of the cane and sprinkle on fine white glitter or craft snow. Shake off the extra and let it dry completely before adding the face.
The sparkly finish looks lovely under string lights. It also hides any small glue marks, which is handy for first-time crafters.
Reindeer With Jingle Bell Collars
Thread a small bell onto a piece of thin red ribbon and tie it around the neck. The bell gives your reindeer a little jingle whenever it moves.
This variation works well as a tree ornament or as a bow replacement on a present. Choose bells that are securely attached so they do not come loose.
Creative Ways to Use Candy Cane Reindeer
Candy cane reindeer are just as useful as they are cute. Here are some of our favorite ways to show them off.
Tie one onto a wrapped present as a gift topper instead of a plain bow. The recipient gets a little handmade surprise to keep or hang up.
Slip a reindeer over the rim of a hot cocoa mug so the hook rests on the edge. It is an easy way to dress up a cocoa bar or a simple cup of tea.
Write a guest’s name on a small tag and tie it to a reindeer to create a place card for the holiday table. Your guests will love having something to take home.
Make a batch for classroom party favors or teacher gifts, and pair each one with a short handwritten note. Kids can build the reindeer themselves during a class craft time.
You can also hang them as tree ornaments, add them to stocking stuffers, or scatter them down the center of a table as a festive runner. A bowl of finished reindeer looks adorable on a sideboard too.
Tips for Making Candy Cane Reindeer With Kids
Candy cane reindeer are a wonderful craft to do together, and a few simple habits keep the process smooth. Set out all your supplies in small bowls before anyone sits down.
Googly eyes and pom-poms are small parts, so supervise closely and skip them for children who still put things in their mouths. A drawn-on face made with a marker is a safer swap for little ones.
Let an adult handle the hot glue gun, since the nozzle and the glue can cause burns. Kids can use tacky glue and still get great results.
Treat the finished reindeer as decorations and not snacks. Once a cane has been glued, it is best to keep it away from mouths, so buy a few extra canes for nibbling.
Buy extras for breakage as well, because candy canes can snap. Store the finished reindeer somewhere cool and dry, since heat and humidity can make candy sticky.
Why Candy Cane Reindeer Make Such a Good Holiday Craft
This craft works because it is simple, affordable, and forgiving. You do not need special skills or tools, and a slightly crooked antler only adds personality.
It also fits almost any setting. You can make a few on a quiet evening, or you can set up a station for a whole class or a party full of guests.
Finally, candy cane reindeer double as decoration and gift wrap. Few crafts let you create something this cute that also has a real job to do.
Candy Cane Reindeer FAQ
Can you eat candy cane reindeer?
We recommend treating them as decorations. Once a candy cane has been handled with craft glue and non-food supplies, it should not be eaten.
If you want an edible version, build it with food-only items such as candy eyes and frosting, and keep it separate from the craft version.
What glue works best for candy cane reindeer?
Hot glue grips quickly and holds well on the cellophane wrapper. Tacky craft glue also works, but you will need to give it time to dry before moving the reindeer.
Always follow the directions on the label for the glue you choose.
How do you make candy cane reindeer without pipe cleaners?
Small twigs make wonderful rustic antlers, and brown craft wire works too. You can also cut antlers from brown cardstock or craft foam and glue them behind the hook.
How do you hang candy cane reindeer on a tree?
Tie a ribbon loop around the neck and hang the reindeer from a sturdy branch. Choose a spot where the reindeer is supported well so the weight of the cane does not pull it down.
What age can make candy cane reindeer?
It depends on the child and on which supplies you use. Younger children can join in with adult help and large, safe materials, while older kids can usually build the whole reindeer on their own.
Time to Make Your Own Candy Cane Reindeer
Now you have everything you need to make candy cane reindeer, from the supply list and the five easy steps to variations and ways to use them. Pick the version that suits your holiday plans and start building.
Gather your supplies tonight and make your first reindeer, then make a few more to give away. We would love to hear how your candy cane reindeer turn out.
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