The original “viral” Disneyland treat is coming back on select days starting November 27 and we have the the details you need for 2026, including an update on the distribution process. If you’re a Magic Key holder, you especially want to make reservations to get yours before the holiday blockouts begin.
In the era before Food Network and social media, the freshly pulled candy canes made at Disneyland were once one of those little Disney gems, known to only a small group of fans. Whether it’s the deceptively simple recipe (the candy canes made in-park contain no preservatives) or just the charm of watching candy makers cook, pull, and shape the canes in front of you, people line up early and wait hours to get one fresh from the Disney candy kitchens.
Prior to the pandemic, the fresh candy canes were offered on as many as 28 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year you have 18 opportunities to get your hands on one of the coveted gems, with two days where the candy canes will be released at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
The official dates for 2026 are:
- Disneyland Candy Palace – Nov. 27, 30; Dec. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 22, 24 and 25.
- Disney California Adventure Trolley Treats – Nov. 28, 29; Dec. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, and 24.
If you have the luxury of being able to go any day you want, your best bet is to pick a weekday when candy canes are being released at Disney California Adventure, which tends to have lower crowds. Sundays will be the busiest days. With almost all Magic Key passes blocked out December 22, 24 and 25, those should be the best days for non-passholders to get one.
Once you decide when to go, check to see what time the park opens and get to the front gates at least one hour early. Now that Early Entry has been discontinued, gates usually open 30 minutes before the published park opening, granting you access to Main Street and/or Buena Vista Street that morning.
As soon as the entrance opens, walk briskly straight to either Trolley Treats or the Main Street Candy Kitchen and look for the cast members who will direct you into a line outside the shop.
Last year Disney ditched the mobile wait list and went back to a wristband distribution system. The company will do the same this year, and the wristbands will likely be printed with the time for you to return to claim your candy cane. Depending on when you arrive, you may get a wristband for a candy cane from the first batch of the day, or you may be in a later group with a 1:30 p.m. or later return time.
There is a strict limit of one candy cane per person, per day.
