Canadian Christmas Traditions: Candy Recipe Included!

Canada is diverse country with people of many cultures. Because of this, they have many unique holiday customs. Learn about Canadian Christmas traditions with Little Passports!

Barley Candy and Chicken Bones

Christmas in Canada would not be complete without the famous Barley Candy and Chicken Bones. A favorite with children, barley candy is a hard candy in the shape of Santa, a reindeer or a snowflake. Chicken bones are pink-colored cinnamon-flavored candies with chocolate in the middle. Delicious! Scroll to the bottom and learn how to make your own candy!

Santa Claus Parade

The Santa Claus Parade in Toronto is one of the oldest and largest Santa parades in the world! For over 100 years, children get to follow Santa through the streets of Toronto. It is a huge event with decorated floats and thousands of people taking part!

Réveillon

One French Canadian Christmas tradition is having a holiday feast and celebration called “Réveillon.” It starts on Christmas Eve and lasts until Christmas morning. During this feast, French Canadians eat a traditional Christmas meal–a stew made from pigs feet! However, many people choose to eat a meat pie instead.

Make your own Canadian Holiday Candy

If you want to enjoy barley candy at home, follow the recipe below!

You’ll need:

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons corn syrup

1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon extract

Red gel-paste food coloring Candy molds

1. First, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the mix of sugar, water, and corn syrup to a boil.
2. Remove from heat, and stir in cinnamon extract and 1 or 2 drops food coloring using a rubber spatula. (Be careful: As you add liquid, the mixture will steam and bubble!)
3. Transfer mixture to a liquid measuring cup for 15 seconds, and let the bubbles settle slightly.
4. After that, slowly pour mixture into candy molds just below the top.
5. Then, wait 30 minutes for the candies to harden. Remove candies from molds.
6. Enjoy!