Candy Cane Costume
Bring sweet holiday cheer with a classic red and white striped look.
The candy cane is a beloved symbol of Christmastide and Saint Nicholas Day, making it a festive favorite for holiday parties, parades, and Christmas-themed events. This cheerful costume relies on a bold red and white diagonal stripe pattern, often paired with playful holiday accessories. Whether you choose a sleek bodysuit, a cozy tunic, or a sharp striped suit, this look is guaranteed to spread sweet holiday cheer.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $20–75
Try it on
See yourself as Candy Cane
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What you need for a Candy Cane costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Candy Cane costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Striped bodysuit or tunic
A form-fitting unitard, dress, or oversized tunic featuring diagonal red and white stripes.
DIY: Use fabric paint or red duct tape to create diagonal stripes across a plain white long-sleeve shirt and leggings.
White gloves
Classic wrist-length white cotton or satin gloves for a polished, clean look.
Candy cane headband or hat
A festive headband featuring mini candy canes, or a red and white striped top hat.
DIY: Hot glue real or plastic candy canes to a plain red or white headband.
Red or white shoes
Clean white sneakers, red flats, or glossy red boots to anchor the outfit.
DIY: Wear plain white sneakers and swap the laces for bright red ones.
Candy cane staff
A lightweight plastic prop staff shaped like a giant candy cane.
DIY: Wrap red ribbon diagonally around a white plastic tube or a curved walking cane.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Candy Cane costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the red and white striped bodysuit, dress, or tunic as your base layer.
- 2
If wearing a tunic, pair it with solid red or white leggings or tights to keep the color scheme consistent.
- 3
Slip on the clean white costume gloves.
- 4
Put on your choice of footwear, ensuring the colors match the red and white theme.
- 5
Secure the candy cane headband or striped top hat onto your head.
- 6
Carry the giant candy cane staff as your primary prop to complete the silhouette.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup bright and festive with a classic red lip and optional white eyeliner accents. Style hair in playful pigtails tied with red ribbons, or keep it neat and tucked under a striped hat.
Candy Cane for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up as a Candy Cane and Gingerbread Man, or go as a matching set of Peppermint Twists.
- group
- Form a festive holiday treat platter with friends dressed as gingerbread cookies, sugar plums, and hot cocoa mugs.
- kids
- A cozy red and white striped fleece jumpsuit or a striped tutu outfit makes for an adorable, warm kids' costume.
- Plus size
- An A-line dress or a loose-fitting striped tunic paired with comfortable red leggings offers a flattering and flexible fit.
- pet
- A simple red and white striped dog sweater or a festive collar ruff instantly transforms your pet into a holiday treat.
Tips
- Ensure your stripes run diagonally rather than horizontally to mimic the classic look of a spun sugar candy cane.
- If wearing this outdoors for a winter parade, layer thermal underwear underneath a slightly oversized striped jumpsuit.
- Keep your props lightweight; a plastic or inflatable candy cane staff is much easier to carry around all night than a heavy wooden one.
Candy Cane costume FAQ
- How do I make a DIY candy cane costume?
- Start with a plain white outfit, such as a white sweatshirt and sweatpants. Wrap red duct tape or painter's tape diagonally around the arms, legs, and torso to create the iconic stripes.
- What makeup goes well with a candy cane costume?
- A bold red lipstick is the perfect match. You can also add fun details like temporary face gems or white eyeshadow to mimic glistening sugar crystals.
- Is this costume suitable for cold weather?
- Yes, you can easily adapt this by using a thick striped sweater, heavy leggings, and adding a matching red scarf and gloves to stay warm.
Did you know? While candy canes were originally solid white, the famous red stripes and peppermint flavoring were added in the early 20th century, quickly becoming the global standard for the holiday treat.