Every holiday season, I find myself reaching for my sketchbook a little more than usual. Maybe it’s the cozy lights, maybe it’s the cinnamon smell in the air, or maybe it’s simply the joy of slowing down and creating something small and cheerful.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered how to draw a candy cane in a simple, cute, beginner-friendly way that actually looks good.
That’s exactly what inspired this guide. Over the years, I’ve drawn countless holiday doodles—snowglobes, gingerbread houses, gnomes—and the candy cane has become one of my favorite festive shapes. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for anyone who wants to relax and draw something charming without overthinking.
If you’ve ever said to yourself:
- “I want to draw something cute, but I don’t know where to start.”
- “My candy canes always come out lopsided.”
- “I wish someone could just show me step by step.”
Then you’re in the right place. Let me walk you through it slowly, as if we were sketching together at my desk with a warm drink nearby.
Before we jump in, feel free to check out my Pinterest for more drawing ideas and inspiration:
Digital Drawing Ideas on Pinterest
And if you prefer video, my YouTube csatorna is here:
@DigitalDrawingIdeas on YouTube
Now let’s get into this sweet and simple candy cane drawing tutorial.
Step 1: Draw the Candy Cane Shape
Start by sketching the classic candy cane outline. Use a single smooth line to create a long hook shape, curving gently at the top and extending downward.
Don’t worry about making it perfect—this step simply sets the foundation for the rest of the drawing.
Step 2: Add the Outer Edge
Now draw the thicker outline of the candy cane. Follow the shape you created in Step 1, adding a second curved line around it to form the outer edge.
Keep your new line smooth and even—this will give your candy cane its classic rounded look.
Step 3: Connect the Ends
Add a small curved line to connect the inner and outer parts of the hook. This closes the top section of the candy cane and gives the shape a smooth, finished curve.
Step 4: Round the Bottom
Draw a curved line to connect the two straight ends at the bottom of the candy cane.
This creates a smooth, rounded tip and completes the overall outline of the shape.
Step 5: Add the Stripes
Draw curved diagonal lines along the length of the candy cane.
Keep the spacing even as the lines wrap around the shape—these will become the classic candy cane stripes that give it its festive look.
Step 6: Add Festive Sparkles
Draw a few small star-shaped sparkles around the candy cane to make the drawing feel cheerful and lively.
These simple background elements bring extra charm and help the candy cane stand out.
Step 7: Color Your Candy Cane
Finish your drawing by coloring in every other stripe with a bright red, leaving the rest white.
Add a warm yellow to the sparkles to make them glow.
With these final touches, your festive candy cane illustration is complete!
Tips If You’re New to Drawing Candy Canes
Since you searched for how to draw a candy cane, you’re probably looking for simple guidance without getting overwhelmed. Here’s what helped me when I was still figuring out my style:
- Start loose before you worry about clean lines.
- Use smooth, rounded curves—sharp corners make candy canes look less friendly.
- Keep the stripe angles consistent so the candy cane looks neat.
- Add little background elements (sparkles, stars, snowflakes) to give personality.
- Experiment with colors—pastel pinks, mint greens, icy blues all look adorable.
If one of your challenges is that your lines feel shaky or uneven, believe me, I’ve been there too. Over time, your hand gets steadier, and tutorials like this help build that confidence.
Looking for More Cute Holiday Drawings?
If you enjoyed learning how to draw a candy cane, I have several other festive tutorials you might love. These are all hand-drawn by me and fit the same cute, clean style:
These pair beautifully with this candy cane tutorial if you’re building a holiday sketchbook page or designing your own Christmas cards.
Final Thoughts and a Little Encouragement
I hope this tutorial helped you feel more confident about how to draw a candy cane in a cute, simple way. Sometimes the smallest drawings bring the most joy, especially during the holidays when creativity feels extra magical.
Now it’s your turn.
Take a moment today to grab a pen or your tablet and draw your own little candy cane. Even if it’s not perfect, you created something—and that’s the heart of art.
I would truly love to see your version.
Share your drawing on Pinterest and tag me, or find me on Instagram at @digitaldrawingideas.
What should we draw together next? Let me know, and I’ll happily create a new tutorial for you.
