A Sweet Holiday Tradition: Albany's Candy Cane Crawl Returns This December

From holiday shopping and delicious treats to unique experiences and seasonal surprises, the Candy Cane Crawl is a fun way to experience Albany during the most wonderful time of the year. And this year, participants will have the chance to win one exciting grand prize filled with goodies from local businesses!

Did you know Albany, Georgia, has a special connection to one of the most recognizable Christmas candies? Albany's candy cane legacy dates back to 1919, when Bob McCormack and fellow investor Bob Mills purchased a local candy company and established what became known as Bobs Candy Company.

Over the years, the company helped transform candy cane production through innovative packaging and manufacturing techniques. One of the most notable developments was the Keller Machine, invented by McCormack's brother-in-law, which automated the twisting and cutting of candy canes into their familiar shape.

Bobs Candy Company eventually became a nationally recognized name, helping put Albany on the map as the Home of the Candy Cane. Although the company was sold in 2005, its sweet legacy continues to be celebrated throughout the community. Today, Visit Albany keeps that history alive through the annual Candy Cane Crawl, combining local history, holiday cheer, and support for Albany businesses.

Ready to join the fun? Participating is easy!

1. Pick up your Bingo Card. Grab your official Candy Cane Crawl card at the Albany Welcome Center beginning December 1st.

2. Explore Albany. Visit participating locations throughout the community and take advantage of their special Candy Cane Crawl promotions.

3. Collect Your Stickers. Complete each business's listed promotion or activity to receive a sticker on your bingo card.

4. Get BINGO! Collect five stickers in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

5. Enter to Win! Return your completed bingo card to the Albany Welcome Center by December 30th to enter into the grand prize drawing!

6. Grand prize winner will be drawn January 4th!

It's a great excuse to discover a new favorite shop, revisit a local restaurant, or explore attractions you may have overlooked.

Visit any of the locations below, mention the Candy Cane Crawl, and use their listed promotion to receive a Candy Cane Crawl sticker on that space for your card. Once you’ve made “BINGO” with 5 in a row, head over to the Welcome Center by December 30th to turn in your card. For your exclusive participation prize, you’ll receive an “Albany, Home of the Candy Cane” tumbler and a long-sleeve t-shirt (while supplies last)!

This year's Candy Cane Crawl is sweeter than ever with a bigger and better grand prize giveaway! Thanks to generous contributions from participating local businesses, one lucky winner will take home a prize package valued at over $300, filled with gift cards and merchandise!

Every eligible completed bingo card returned by the deadline will be entered into the grand prize drawing, which will take place in January 2027. The more reason to shop, explore, and celebrate the season in Albany!