Jacksonville offers more than just beaches and historic districts — it’s a hub for hands-on workshops that turn sweet dreams into reality. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun outing, a couple seeking a unique date, or a solo traveler eager to learn a new skill, Jacksonville’s candy and chocolate classes provide a delicious escape. The city’s Sweet Pete’s Candy shop isn’t just for shopping; it’s a lively classroom where you can learn to craft candy canes, gummies, chocolate apples, and even boozy truffles. These classes combine tangible skills with plenty of tasting opportunities, making them outstanding choices for those wanting a tasty souvenir or a fun photo moment.
What sets Jacksonville apart is the variety on offer. From simple candy shaping to fancy chocolate art, there’s a class suited to all skill levels and interests. Plus, many classes are affordable, around $16 to $30, offering great value considering the hands-on experience and take-home treats. Booking early is advisable because these popular classes fill quickly — especially during holiday seasons. Now, let’s explore the 13 best workshops and classes in Jacksonville, each with its own unique flavor.
1. Candy Cane Making Class
If you’ve ever wanted to learn the art of making perfect candy canes, this class at Sweet Pete’s Candy is a must. For just $16 per person, you spend about an hour shaping and twisting your own candy canes in a lively, festive environment. The workshop features unique picture opportunities and a chance to see how candy is made using traditional methods like air incorporation to whiten the candy. Jeff, the candy maker, is praised for being personable and approachable, making the experience suitable for all ages. The class is especially fun for families or groups celebrating the holidays.
What makes this class special is the hands-on shaping and the holiday setting in a candy shop decked out for Christmas. The process involves using a traditional hook to shape the candy, which adds a memorable, old-fashioned touch. Reviewers love how educational and engaging Jeff is, and many plan to try their skills at home afterward. The roughly 1-hour duration makes it a quick but satisfying activity, good for a morning or afternoon break.
Bottom Line: A festive, affordable, and interactive experience — perfect for holiday fun and family photos.
2. Gummy Making Class in Jacksonville
This exclusive gummy class at Sweet Pete’s offers a fun, hands-on experience that teaches the art of gummy creation. For $18, you learn about different textures and gelling agents, and you’ll get to taste gummies made with various ingredients. The class lasts about an hour and is suitable for all ages, especially kids and families who want to get creative in the kitchen. During the class, you’ll make your own gummies, choosing flavors and sour or sweet coatings.
What makes this class stand out is its focus on gummy science and flavor experimentation, with many participants commenting on how much they learned and enjoyed the process. The class includes a take-home bag of gummies, making it a satisfying souvenir. Reviewers highlight how enjoyable it is for children, with one saying, “My boys loved it and enjoyed taking home their gummy creations.”
Bottom Line: A tasty way to learn about confectionery science, ideal for families and gummy lovers.
3. Boozy Truffles Class in Jacksonville
If you’re looking to elevate your chocolate game, this Boozy Truffles Class is a decadent choice. For $30, you spend about an hour and 15 minutes learning how to make rich, homemade truffles with the help of expert candy-makers. The class includes two complimentary drinks, making it a relaxed, fun experience for date nights or girls’ nights out. You’ll learn a simple but elegant recipe, and the instructor shares tips for perfecting your truffles at home.
What makes this workshop unique is its focus on alcohol-infused chocolates and the social aspect. The atmosphere encourages creativity and conversation, balanced with professional guidance. Though only two reviews are available, both praise the instructor’s kindness and the delicious results. The drinks add a festive touch, making it a great evening activity.
Bottom Line: A delicious, social experience perfect for adult groups seeking a luxurious treat.
4. 75 Minute Jacksonville Candy and Cocktail Guided Class
This class combines candy making and cocktail crafting in a fun, guided session. For $33, you get about 1.5 hours of hands-on activity led by an expert candy maker. Participants will create their own chocolates or candies to take home, while also watching a demo of a specialty cocktail. The class is ideal for those who want a multisensory experience, blending sweet treats with tasty drinks.
Reviewers call it “The BEST time ever,” praising the instructor’s patience and knowledge. The combination of interactive candy shaping and craft cocktail demo makes this a well-rounded activity, especially suited for a small group or couple. The price offers good value considering the quality of instruction and the take-home goodies.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a fun, interactive date or a small celebration where both sweets and drinks are appreciated.
5. Fall Chocolate Apple Class
This class is a sweet fall tradition. For $20, a Sweet Pete’s chocolatier guides you through the art of tempering chocolate. You’ll dip Granny Smith apples in caramel, then decorate them with toppings of your choice. The class lasts about an hour and is a perfect activity for families or friends looking for a creative treat.
Participants rave about the teacher Jeff, who makes explaining the process easy and engaging. The apples you create are not only beautiful but taste fantastic. Plus, you get to visit the candy floor for toppings, adding an extra layer of fun. It’s a great way to learn a classic candy-making skill while enjoying some holiday cheer.
Bottom Line: A hands-on, tasty activity with a seasonal twist — great for families and sweet tooths.
6. 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville
This chocolate pizza class is a playful take on dessert. For $20, you’ll learn about chocolate tempering and then create your own “pizza” topped with candies and drizzled with white chocolate. The class involves a demonstration, then a chance to decorate your own chocolate pizza on the second floor, making it perfect for those who enjoy hands-on work.
What makes this class different is its focus on chocolate as a base and decorating, rather than traditional baking. It’s suitable for all ages and ideal for a casual afternoon activity. The process of working with chocolate directly appeals to those interested in confectionery techniques.
Bottom Line: A fun, interactive way to explore chocolate decoration, especially suited for families or chocolate lovers.
7. Hand Pulled Lollipop Class in Jacksonville
Create colorful, unique lollipops in this lively, festive class. Costing $16 for about an hour, it’s a pocket-friendly activity that is especially loved for its photo opportunities and creative shaping. You’ll witness sugar being heated, pulled, and molded into fun shapes, then taste the hot candy right off the table.
While the reviews are mixed, those who attend praise the fun, hands-on nature of the class. It’s particularly suited for children and families, offering a memorable visual experience and a chance to craft candies in fun shapes. The class’s affordability makes it accessible for a quick, sweet outing.
Bottom Line: A playful, creative candy-making activity, ideal for kids or those young at heart.
8. 1 Hour Chocolate Popcorn Making Class in Jacksonville
This class focuses on learning how to temper chocolate and decorate popcorn. At $20, it offers an interactive experience where you’ll choose decorations from hundreds of candies. While reviews are absent, the class promises a fun way to combine chocolate and popcorn, making it great for casual snacking and experimentation.
The class is suited for anyone interested in candy coating and decorating skills. It’s a straightforward activity that emphasizes visual creativity and hands-on chocolate work, appealing to those wanting to try something different without a big time commitment.
Bottom Line: An easy, tasty way to learn chocolate decoration, especially appealing for casual snackers and families.
9. Marshmallow Madness Class in Jacksonville
A spring-time favorite, this Marshmallow Madness class lets you learn how Sweet Pete’s makes their fluffy, hand-made marshmallows. For free (yes, free!), you can participate in making and dunking marshmallows in chocolate, enjoying a sweet, airy treat perfect for all ages.
While reviews are not available, the class’s free price point makes it a popular, accessible option for families. It’s a great way to experience confectionery craft with minimal commitment, especially during the spring.
Bottom Line: A fun, free activity that’s perfect for family outings and spring visits.
10. Saltwater Taffy Class in Jacksonville
This unique pull-your-own-taffy experience is a throwback to classic candy-making. Priced at $16, you’ll choose flavors and colors before pulling your own saltwater taffy. The class is ideal for families seeking interactive fun and those interested in traditional candy-making techniques.
While there are no reviews, the experience of hand-pulling candy offers a hands-on, memorable activity. If you want to become a candy artisan, this is a good choice to add to your Jacksonville visit.
Bottom Line: A nostalgic, family-friendly activity offering real candy craftsmanship.
11. 1 Hour Chocolate Bar Class in Jacksonville
Learn to craft your own chocolate bars in this interactive class. For $20, a professional chocolatier introduces the art of tempering, then guides you through topping your bars from hundreds of candies. Each participant leaves with three custom milk chocolate bars.
The class provides a rundown of chocolate-making, making it perfect for chocolate lovers wanting to try hand-tempering in a friendly environment. While reviews are not available, the focus on personalized creations adds a special touch.
Bottom Line: A practical, creative experience for those interested in chocolate craftsmanship.
12. Smashing Pumpkins Chocolate Class
This playful class involves shell molding and filling chocolate pumpkins with candies. Costing $20, you’ll select from hundreds of candies to fill your Belgian milk chocolate pumpkin. You’ll learn shell molding techniques and get a wooden hammer to bust open your creation and take it home.
Ideal for Halloween or any pumpkin-loving occasion, it’s a hands-on way to explore chocolate shell-molding and candy filling. The process is straightforward, but the visual impact makes it memorable.
Bottom Line: A fun, thematic activity perfect for celebrating fall or Halloween.
13. 1 Hour Guided Hearts Chocolate Making Class in Jacksonville
Celebrate love with this Valentine’s Day-inspired class. For free, you’ll learn how to make and smash a chocolate heart, then fill it with candies. The activity is simple yet interactive and festive, ideal for families and friends.
Since it’s free, it’s a great introduction to chocolate shaping with a romantic twist. It’s perfect for seasonal celebrations and creates a fun, memorable moment.
Bottom Line: A sweet, romantic activity, especially suited for Valentine’s Day or special occasions.
How to Choose the Right Workshop in Jacksonville
When selecting your confectionery class, consider your budget and interests. For family-friendly fun, Saltwater Taffy Class or Marshmallow Madness offer interactive, minimal-cost options. If you’re into chocolate artistry, Chocolate Pizza Making or Chocolate Bar Class will satisfy your sweet tooth and creative streak.
Those seeking a premium experience might prefer the Boozy Truffles or Candy and Cocktail Guided Class, which combine learning with social fun. Families or groups with young kids should look at Lollipop for its playful atmosphere.
Booking early is recommended, especially during the holidays or weekends, as these classes tend to fill up fast. Check for any age restrictions or special requirements beforehand to ensure a smooth, sweet experience.
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville’s workshops and classes showcase a sweet side of the city that’s both creative and delicious. For a quick holiday treat, the Candy Cane Making Class offers festive fun. For a more indulgent experience, the Boozy Truffles class combines luxury and socializing. Families will find the Saltwater Taffy Class and Marshmallow Madness perfect for bonding over hands-on candy crafting.
With many options under $20, Jacksonville’s sweet workshops are accessible and memorable. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics of candy making or create a show-stopping chocolate sculpture, these classes deliver fun and flavor. Don’t forget to book early — these popular sessions tend to fill quickly, especially around holidays.
Enjoy your sugary adventure in Jacksonville, and don’t hesitate to try multiple workshops if time allows — each offers a unique taste of the city’s creative confectionery scene.