🌍🎄 World of Wonders (WOW): Christmas Around the World

2-Day School Holiday Program — Finland & France

Dates: 10 & 11 December 2026

Time: 10:00am–4:00pm

Ages: 6–12 years

📍 The Joyful Place, Burwood

Part of our World of Wonders (WOW) school holiday series, this hands-on Christmas special invites children to explore global cultures through food, stories and play — no passport required!

This time, we're travelling to Finland and France to discover how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world!

From the snowy landscapes of Finnish Lapland, where Santa Claus is said to live, to the charming Christmas markets and bakeries of France, children will explore the festive traditions, foods and stories that make Christmas special in each country.

Across two days, they'll prepare delicious savoury dishes, bake traditional Christmas treats, discover fascinating cultural customs and enjoy festive games inspired by the places we're visiting.

And they'll discover that while Christmas may look and taste different around the world, the joy of sharing food and celebrating together is something that connects us all.

Book one day or join us for both Christmas adventures and enjoy 10% off!

What children will do

DAY 1 – Christmas in Santa's Hometown

Thursday, 10 December

• Discover Finnish Lapland, Santa Claus Village and the snowy landscapes of northern Finland

• Make Kinkkupiirakka (Finnish Ham & Cheese Pie) for lunch — prepare a savoury filling, make the pie and bake it until golden

• Make Joulutorttu, traditional Finnish Christmas star pastries filled with fruit jam

• Discover Finnish Christmas traditions, including Joulupukki (Finnish Santa Claus), Christmas saunas and the lucky almond hidden in Christmas porridge

• Enjoy stories about Christmas in Finland

• Play festive games and Christmas challenges inspired by Lapland

• Learn a few Finnish Christmas words and greetings along the way

DAY 2 – The Little Christmas Pâtisserie

Friday, 11 December

• Discover how Christmas is celebrated in France, from festive family gatherings to the famous Christmas markets of Alsace

• Make French Cheese Soufflé for lunch — learn to prepare a light, fluffy savoury soufflé and watch it rise in the oven

• Make Mini Bûche de Noël (Chocolate Christmas Yule Log) — whisk, bake, fill, roll and decorate their own miniature Christmas log cake to bring home

• Discover the story behind the traditional French Christmas Yule log

• Learn about Père Noël, Saint Nicholas and the tradition of leaving shoes out for little Christmas treats in parts of France

• Explore French Christmas markets through stories, videos and an interactive Christmas Market game

• Practise simple French greetings and Christmas words along the way

✈️ Choose Your Christmas Adventure!

Each day is a complete, full-day experience featuring:

• Two hands-on cooking and baking experiences

• A savoury dish prepared for lunch

• Christmas stories and cultural discoveries

• Interactive games and festive challenges

• A traditional Christmas sweet treat to bring home

• Opportunities to build confidence, independence and new friendships

Children can join us for Finland, France or both days to discover Christmas traditions from two different countries!

🎁 Book both days and enjoy 10% off your Christmas adventure!

Please contact us before booking if your child has dietary requirements or food allergies.

🧺 What to bring

Day 1 – Finland: Please pack a snack and fruit box and a labelled drink bottle. Lunch is prepared as part of the program.

Day 2 – France: Please pack a snack and fruit box and a labelled drink bottle. Lunch is prepared as part of the program.

💲 Fees & Discounts

Single Day: $158

Both Days: $284.40 (10% off — save $31.60!)

Joyful Mates enjoy 20% off.

Want to be a Joyful Mate? Check out our annual membership perks:

https://thejoyfulplace.com.au/be-a-joyful-mate

Bank Transfer option available. Please use code MANUALBOOKING upon checking out and we will contact you with the bank details.

🎄World of Wonders WOW Christmas Edition: Christmas Around the World

Choose your tickets

10 Dec Thu (Full Day 10am to 4pm) ticket

11 Dec Fri (Full Day 10am to 4pm) ticket