You see, hard candies are over a thousand years old. Anciently, hard candies date way back, which explains the need for their celebration.
As people love sweet treats, a hard candy day would serve them a sweet time indeed, hence National Hard Candy Day celebrated on December 19th.
From classic peppermint sticks to colorful fruit drops, the hard candies add that delightful shine to our day and to our sweet tooth. This National Hard Candy Day encourages indulgence in your favorite hard candy, as well as nostalgia about the sweet childhood delights.
So go grab a handful of your favorite hard candies and join the sweet celebration.

History of Hard Candy
Hard candy is one of the confections that exist for thousands of years and enjoyed by people since time immemorial. It dates back to ancient times when its production began from various cultures worldwide.
Ancient Origins
The origin of the hard candy goes way back into the early years from when people used it under the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These combine honey with fruits, nuts, and spices to give it a good taste. Those candies are vastly different from the hardness feature that defines the current hard candies, for sure this is where all these hard confections start.
Medieval Period
The Middle Ages were the time when sugar was available in general, and candy-making advanced. Boiling the sugar in water during the 13th century resulted in a syrup which, upon cooling, would harden. This led to the emergence of more recognizable forms of hard candies.
Renaissance Period
By the Renaissance time, candies were already a luxury for the high class because sugar was not yet affordable for them at that time. Only a few can indulge on those sweets because very few people can afford the sugar during that time. Candy flavorings also came with spices like ginger, anise and cinnamon.
18th and 19th Centuries
Mass production of hard candies occurred during the 18th and 19th centuries. Sugar became cheaper with the Industrial Revolution. Candy-making equipment improved, sugar refining improved, and mass production of hard candies was now possible.
20th Century to Present
The 20th century saw popular hard candy brands emerge. Some of these brands included Jolly Rancher, Life Savers, and Werther’s Original. In the present century, hard candy comes in hundreds and thousands of flavors, colors, and shapes and is enjoyed by all ages.

Celebrating National Hard Candy Day
National Hard Candy Day is a sweet and festive event that occurs on every 19th of December. It is the time when one can enjoy various kinds of hard candies in hand. Here are the simplest and most enjoyable ways to celebrate this special day.
1. Taste Different Flavors
One of the best ways to celebrate National Hard Candy Day is by tasting different flavors of hard candy. Just head down to your nearest candy store and pick up a mix of the good old traditional favorites and some newer flavors you haven’t tried yet. Some popular choices are:
- Peppermint
- Butterscotch
- Fruit flavors like cherry, lemon, and grape
- Cinnamon
2. Share with Friends and Family
Hard candies are perhaps one of the best things to dispense. You just need a gargantuan bag filled assorted hard candies and have rest assured that you distribute to your friends, give out to your family, even for your coworker gifts. You can prepare jars full of assorted sorts of candies for such purposes, plus so many more different small gift bags.
3. About Researching History
Learn about the history of hard candies. Read how they were made centuries ago and how they evolved through time. Share interesting facts with others to make the day both informative and entertaining.
4. Hard Candy Making
If you enjoy cooking, then give making hard candies a shot at home. There are many simple recipes available on the internet which you can easily find and use for making hard candies. You could experiment with flavors and colors to create candies that fit your preference.
5. Candy Tasting Party
Host a candy tasting party by inviting friends over for sampling. Prepare a table with several kinds of hard candy, and let every member try them out along with ranking their favorites. It’s one way to bring out the fun and enjoyable feeling on National Hard Candy Day.
6. Do Candy Craft
Craft use hard candies. One could make these colorful candy wreaths to decorate their homes and gingerbread houses. Use candy in fun and funky art with kids for celebrations. Such an activity with the kids really adds festivity to all your parties.
7. Engage Local Candy Makers
Visit local candy shops or farmers’ markets and buy some hard candy from local artisans. It will support small businesses that keep the tradition of handmade candy alive, and it will make this celebration a little bit special.