Jacksonville: Sweet Pete’s Candy Cane Making Class

Imagine rolling out molten sugar, twisting it into the iconic red-and-white holiday treat, and leaving with your own handmade candy canes. That’s exactly what you get from the Sweet Pete’s Candy Cane Making Class in Jacksonville—a hands-on experience that transforms holiday cheer into a tasty craft.

We love that this experience is affordable at just $18 per person, offers step-by-step guidance from expert confectioners, and promises plenty of festive photo opportunities inside the candy mansion. It’s a fun activity for all ages, especially families, friends, or couples looking to add a personal touch to their holiday traditions.

One thing to consider is that this class is only an hour long, so it’s best suited for those who want a quick but memorable activity rather than an in-depth, day-long workshop. If you’re craving a festive, interactive experience with a sweet reward, this class hits the mark. It’s particularly ideal for anyone who enjoys DIY projects, holiday treats, or simply loves the smell of peppermint and sugar in the air.

Good To Know

• Affordable and fun: At $18 per person, the class offers good value for a memorable holiday activity.
• Hands-on crafting: You’ll be guided to stretch, twist, and shape your own candy canes from scratch.
• Expert guidance: Sweet Pete’s confectioners share tips, stories, and techniques, making it beginner-friendly.
• All supplies included: No need to bring anything; everything you need is provided.
• Take-home treats: You leave with your homemade candy canes, perfect for holiday gifting or snacking.
• Photo opportunities: The festive candy mansion provides plenty of chances for holiday pics.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An inside look at the Candy Cane Making Class

The Setting: A Festive Candy Mansion

The class takes place inside Sweet Pete’s Candy, a well-loved local confectionery known for its whimsical atmosphere. The first-floor foyer is the check-in point, and once inside, you’re greeted by the aroma of sugar and peppermint. The candy classroom is decorated in holiday style, making it clear that this is a seasonal treat to get you into the holiday spirit.

The Experience: From Molten Sugar to Twisted Peppermints

The core of the class involves working with molten sugar, which the instructors warm and stretch until it is malleable. You’ll learn to shape the sugar into the traditional candy cane shape, with guidance from seasoned candy makers who keep the mood cheerful through festive stories and fun facts about the science behind candy canes.

Reviews mention that the step-by-step guidance is clear and accessible, with some saying, “the instructors made it fun and easy to follow.” Expect to spend about 15-20 minutes shaping your canes, then a few minutes for tasting samples and taking photos of your finished work.

The Guides: Sweet Pete’s Expert Confectioners

The staff, described as friendly and knowledgeable, keep the class lively while ensuring everyone’s safety when working with hot sugar. They share interesting tidbits, like how the red and white swirls are achieved and the importance of the twisting technique. Several reviews highlight the guides’ patience and enthusiasm, making the overall experience more engaging.

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The Outcome: Handmade Candy Canes to Take Home

Your finished candy canes are wrapped up in cellophane and tied with a festive ribbon. Many guests mention how proud they felt holding their very own peppermint creations—some even comment that they would be tempted to keep them as decorations rather than eat them! Plus, the candies are quite sizeable, offering good value for the $18 price tag.

The Photo Ops and Atmosphere

Beyond the crafting, the candy mansion itself is eye-catching, filled with holiday decor and charming backdrops for photos. Guests often post pictures of their creations amidst the cheerful surroundings, adding a memorable visual element to the activity.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Duration and Timing

The class lasts about one hour, with sessions typically available in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This flexibility makes it easy to fit into your Jacksonville itinerary.

Accessibility and Group Size

The activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all guests. It’s usually a small group setting, fostering a cozy, intimate experience without feeling crowded.

Cost and Value

At $18 per person, the class offers a cost-effective way to enjoy a unique holiday activity that yields tangible, tasty souvenirs. The price covers all supplies, expert guidance, and your finished candy canes, which are ideal for gifting or munching later.

What’s Included

• Hands-on candy cane making experience
• All necessary supplies, ingredients, and equipment
• Guidance from confectionery experts
• Your own handmade candy canes to take home
• Festive photo opportunities

What’s Not Included

• Food and beverages outside of the candy making

Booking and Cancellation

You can reserve your spot without paying upfront—pay later—and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Why This Experience Works Well

Perfect for Families and Groups

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the crafting process, making it an ideal activity for families or groups of friends. The cheerful guides make sure everyone gets a turn shaping their candy canes, and the festive setting adds to the overall fun.

Great for Holiday Traditions

If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations, this class offers a meaningful way to create a memorable keepsake. Making candy canes from scratch is a hands-on holiday tradition that can be repeated in future years.

A Photogenic Opportunity

With the candy mansion’s festive decor, guests can snap plenty of cheerful photos, perfect for sharing on social media or creating holiday cards.

Suitable for a Range of Ages

While mainly a short activity, the process is simple enough for kids to enjoy, especially with adult supervision. It’s also a cozy, entertaining experience for couples or solo travelers wanting a sweet break.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

The Sweet Pete’s Candy Cane Making Class offers excellent value at just $18, combining education, creativity, and holiday fun in an accessible package. You’re guided by friendly experts who make the process easy and enjoyable, leaving you with delicious, handmade candy canes and a handful of holiday memories.

This experience is best suited for families, couples, or groups who love tasty DIY activities and want a sweet souvenir to remember their trip. The festive environment, combined with the hands-on crafting and expert guidance, makes it a genuinely enjoyable activity that adds a unique touch to your Jacksonville visit.

While it’s a quick hour and doesn’t include a full tour of the candy mansion, the focus on making your own candy canes creates a personal connection to the holiday season. Plus, the ability to reserve in advance and cancel with ease adds to its practicality.

If you’re craving a fun, inexpensive, and delicious activity that involves a bit of holiday magic, this class deserves a spot on your Jacksonville itinerary.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, kids will enjoy shaping their own candy canes, and the guides make the process fun and easy. It’s a family-friendly activity.

How long does the class last?
The class takes about one hour, making it a quick but memorable holiday activity.

Are supplies provided?
Absolutely. All ingredients, equipment, and guidance are included, so you just need to show up ready to craft.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the candy mansion and classroom are wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. Expect some sticky fingers—aprons might be provided, but it’s good to wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little sugar on.

Can I take my candy canes home?
Yes, your handmade candy canes are wrapped up and ready to take with you, perfect for holiday gifting or treats.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
While specific group sizes aren’t specified, it’s described as a small class, ideal for intimate groups.

What language is the instruction in?
Classes are conducted in English, but the guides are friendly and patient with all participants.

What’s the cost again?
The price is $18 per person, covering everything from supplies to the finished candies.

In summary, this candy cane making class at Sweet Pete’s offers a delightful blend of creativity, holiday spirit, and affordability. It’s an experience that provides not just a sweet treat but also a fun memory—perfect for making your Jacksonville trip extra special.

You can check if your dates are available here: