Candy makers at this Colorado factory still stretch, twist, and cut sugar by hand. Some of their machines date back to the late 1800s. Vintage coworkers, anyone?
The crew cranks out more than 5,000 pounds of candy a day. That’s a sugar rush measured in tons. Millions of candy canes leave each year, in flavors peppermint never saw coming.
A free tour puts you right up close. Watching sugar turn into a candy cane is weirdly hypnotic. One pull, one twist, and suddenly it looks like the holidays.
The recipes are more than a century old, and the tour ends with a free sample that beats any fridge magnet. Then comes the candy store.
Self-control, meet your match.
Hot Sugar, Bare Hands, And A Whole Lot Of Skill
Most candy you buy comes from machines that never take a coffee break. At Hammond’s Candies in Denver, people do the shaping work themselves.
Artisans stretch, twist, shape, and cut the candy by hand. That includes the famous candy canes and the curvy ribbon candy that shows up on so many holiday tables.
The company has been making sweets since 1920. Its recipes are more than a century old and still kept secret, which feels right for a candy shop.
Training a candy maker takes real time, too. Hand-pulling sugar into neat stripes isn’t something you learn on a Tuesday afternoon.
Some of the equipment dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Those old machines still help keep the line moving every day.
Here’s why it matters for you as a visitor: you’re watching skilled workers handle candy that ends up in stores and stockings.
Every twist you see on a candy cane came from a person’s hands. Once you know that, a simple holiday treat starts to look like a small piece of art.
The Best Free Half Hour In Town Starts With A Candy-Making Tour
Free tours are rare, and free tours that end with candy are even rarer. The factory tour here costs nothing and lasts about 30 minutes.
Visitors watch the candy-making process from designated tour areas, with large screens providing close-up views of the work.
Watching skilled candy makers at work gives you a new appreciation for every twist and stripe.
The visit starts with a video about the company’s history. Then a guide leads the group past the production areas and explains what’s being made that day.
Big video screens hang throughout the factory. They give you a close look at the tiny details, like how a stripe gets lined up just right.
Small stands help kids see over the action. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and families are also able to bring strollers through the tour areas.
Tours generally run Monday through Saturday between 9:15 AM and 2:15 PM. The candy makers are real workers on a real schedule, so activity changes depending on what’s in production.
That means each visit can look a little different. One day might feature canes, while another shows packaging or lollipops getting their final touches before shipping out.
Book Early Or Watch The Holiday Slots Vanish
December turns this place into a hot ticket.
Reservations are required for factory tours, with online bookings needing at least 24 hours’ notice; call the factory to check same-day availability.
You can usually book up to six months ahead. That sounds like a lot, but candy cane season fills calendars fast.
Planning a trip with visiting relatives? Lock in a time before you even buy the turkey.
Holiday timing also makes sense for the candy itself. Candy canes and ribbon candy are seasonal stars, and this is when they take center stage.
The factory offers free guided tours that give visitors a close look at its traditional candy-making process.
It’s an easy way to appreciate the craftsmanship behind these old-fashioned sweets.
Weather in Colorado can get snowy in winter. Give yourself some extra drive time, because arriving late can mean waiting for the next open slot.
One smart move is to pick a weekday if your schedule allows. Production varies day to day, so a weekday visit may give you more chances to see candy makers busy at work.
Either way, an early booking turns a maybe into a sure thing. Your future candy-loving self will thank you.
Ribbon Candy Looks Too Pretty To Eat, Almost
Folded like a wavy ribbon, this old-fashioned treat looks more like a decoration than dessert. It’s one of the most eye-catching holiday sweets Hammond’s makes.
Ribbon candy takes patience to create. Makers form thin bands of candy and fold them into those signature loops by hand.
Many families remember a dish of it on a relative’s coffee table. That nostalgic feeling is a big part of why people still seek it out.
Its bright colors make it perfect for holiday parties. Set out a clear bowl, and you’ve got instant table decor that people can snack on.
Be gentle when you handle it, though. Those delicate folds are thin, so treat the box like it holds a fancy ornament.
Ribbon candy also makes a thoughtful gift for older relatives. It’s a sweet way to share a treat that may bring back childhood memories.
Seeing how it’s made adds even more meaning. After the tour, you’ll notice every careful fold and probably feel a little guilty crunching one.
Probably. The guilt usually fades by the second piece.
Peppermint Is Just The Opening Act
Millions of candy canes leave this factory every year. That’s a lot of hooks hanging on a lot of trees.
Classic peppermint is here, of course. But Hammond’s Candies offers many more flavors than the red-and-white standard most of us grew up with.
That variety makes them a fun gift. A box of mixed flavors beats a plain bag from the grocery aisle any day.
Every cane gets its curve and stripes by hand. When you hold one, you’re holding something a real person shaped on the factory floor.
Kids especially love comparing colors and guessing flavors. It turns a normal snack into a tiny taste test game.
Here’s a practical tip for holiday shopping. Pick a few unusual flavors for stocking stuffers, so each person gets something a little unexpected.
Candy canes also work great as decorations before they become dessert. Hang them on a tree, tie them to gifts, or stick a few in a mug for a cheery desk display.
Just don’t be shocked if the decorations slowly disappear. That happens in most homes, and nobody ever confesses.
The Oops Room Is A Bargain Hunter’s Dream
Not every candy cane comes out perfect. A crooked hook or uneven stripe doesn’t change the taste one bit.
Those imperfect pieces land in the Oops Room inside the factory store. Here you’ll find budget-friendly factory seconds that still deliver the same flavor.
It’s a smart stop for big families or anyone stocking up. Why pay full price for candy you plan to crunch anyway?
The store opens Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On Sundays, it opens from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
That schedule makes shopping easy even if you skip the tour. You can pop in, grab some deals, and head back out.
Oops candy works great for baking projects, too. Crushed peppermint pieces can top cookies, brownies, or a mug of hot cocoa.
It’s also perfect for classroom treats or office snack bowls. Nobody at the break table will notice a wobbly stripe.
A tip for serious shoppers is to check the Oops section first. Then decide how much of your candy budget goes toward the fancier, picture-perfect gift boxes.
A Denver Story That Started Back In 1920
Carl T. Hammond, Sr. opened Hammond’s Candy Company in Denver in 1920. More than a hundred years later, his name still sits on every wrapper.
That’s a long run for any business. Few companies keep traditional methods alive while so much of the food world speeds up.
The candy-making methods have been passed down through generations. Some recipes are older than a century, and they remain closely guarded secrets.
Andrew Schuman acquired the company in 2007. He serves as President and CEO today, carrying the handmade tradition forward.
The business moved into its current 35,000-square-foot facility on Washington Street after 1999. That bigger space allows the tours and store to share one roof with production.
History buffs will enjoy the vintage equipment, too. Watching machines from the late 1800s still earn their keep feels like a little time travel.
For kids, it’s a fun lesson that doesn’t feel like school. They learn how a local business grew while munching on the evidence.
For grownups, it’s a reminder that good craft lasts. Some things really don’t need an upgrade.
Finding The Factory Is Part Of The Adventure
You’ll find Hammond’s Candies at 5735 Washington St, Denver, CO 80216. It sits in north Denver, an easy drive from downtown.
The building is set back from the road, behind other buildings. Watch for your turn carefully, because it’s easy to roll right past.
Once you arrive, parking is simple. A large lot sits right by the factory, and restrooms are available on site.
Plan to spend a little time beyond the tour. The store deserves a slow browse, especially if you’re checking off a holiday gift list.
A visit pairs nicely with a day exploring Denver. It’s a cozy indoor option when Colorado weather turns chilly or snowy.
Check the latest accessibility guidance before you leave home. Families with little ones can plan around the tour’s accessible viewing areas.
Arrive a few minutes early for your reserved time. That gives you a moment to check in with your guide and get settled.
Then let the sugar adventure begin. You’ll leave with a free sample, a few new favorites, and maybe a bag heavier than planned.