Disneyland has released the 2026 dates for the handmade candy canes. The announcement comes multiple weeks earlier than we received it last year. These have been a tradition for over 50 years. There is always huge demand for the candy cane treats that are made by the candy makes at Disneyland in limited batches.
The candy canes are released in both Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Park. The dates are not the same for the two locations. In addition to the dates for the 2026 candy cane release, we also have a trip down memory lane looking at the history of the candy canes. Plus, we have our tips for the best ways to get the candy canes in 2026. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including how Disney is listening to fan feedback and the best dates to visit in fall and winter for 2026 for low crowds.
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2026 Disneyland Candy Cane Dates
Disneyland sells the hand-pulled candy canes in late November and throughout December. The treats are only available on the dates listed below. They are more expensive than other holiday treats at Disneyland, but buying them is a fun tradition for many. The treat has also only gained popularity in the social media age when people like to share their limited-time “secret” offerings at the parks.
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The least crowded dates to get the candy canes typically come after the Disneyland Magic Key Annual Pass blockout dates window starts for December.
The treats are available at Candy Palace at Disneyland Park and Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure. Last year the candy canes sold for about $24 and were 5 oz and 18-inches long.
Here’s the full 2026 Disneyland candy canes schedule. There is now a sign posted at the candy shops with the dates and a notice that one candy cane will be allowed per person and that no discounts apply and there are no exchanges or refunds.
Candy Palace at Disneyland
- November 27 & 30
- December 2, 7, 9, 14th, 16, 22, 24, 25
Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure
- November 28 & 29
- December 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 24
Getting one of these candy canes requires more than just showing up to purchase one on these dates. There is a specific buying process to control guests being able to buy the popular treat.
2025 Disneyland Candy Canes Dates: How to Get Your Own Candy Cane
Disneyland implemented a wristband system for candy cane distribution. A mobile waitlist was not used last year and we anticipate that it will not be used in 2026 either. Plan on lining up right when the park opens and use your rope drop time to secure a wristband if this is a priority for you.
Rope drop to the candy shop and secure your wristband. There will then be a line. In the windows of the candy shops, you’ll be able to see into the spaces where Candy Makers are working in the window to make the candy canes. There are also cute photo ops with cut-out candy canes.
Here are our top tips that we shared last year again for you to follow as you secure your 2026 Disneyland candy cane.
- Arrive at least an hour prior to opening so that you are among the first at the gates entering the park.
- Then, once you are let in, head right to Candy Palace in Disneyland or Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure (depending on which park you’re in) and get in line to collect a wristband. Make sure your whole party is in line with you. Remember: only one candy cane per person in your group!
- Your wristband will have the date and a return time listed. Make sure to return on time for your candy cane! You will likely end up waiting in two lines for these candy canes.
History of the Hand-Pulled Disneyland Candy Canes
Disney has previously shared that some of the Candy Makers at the park have been working on the candy canes for over 36 years. Here’s a look at the process for creating the candy canes.
Today, most candy canes that you would see in a store are made by machine. The hand-pulled candy canes at Disneyland follow the traditional approach.
The Disneyland candy makers make their candy canes entirely from scratch by mixing the pulled sugar and peppermint extract, which must be kept boiling hot to keep the sugar pliable, so the room temperature is kept at just under 100 degrees. Then the Candy Makers roll, pull, and twist the sugar into the traditional candy cane shape.
Devoted fans of these hand-pulled candy canes swear that they taste fresh, which makes them worth the time and effort to get one. Store-bought candy canes just do not compare.
Disneyland has decided to continue this tradition that honors the human creative process of baking. For many guests who line up, getting the Disneyland candy cane is about more than just getting a treat, it is them taking part in a piece of Disney history.
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While the Disneyland candy canes are quite a bit of fun, I would chime in and share that my personal favorite Disneyland holiday treat is the gingerbread man sold in the lobby at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. The hotel also has a Halloween version of the cookie.
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