Top 6 Festive Workshops & Classes Around the World

1.Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 183 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72Our pick

In a small Salzburg cooking school built into a cliff, a chef guides you through apple strudel and Vanilla Kipferl cookies. You stretch pastry, season apples, bake your desserts, and eat goulash soup while they cook. The 90-minute English class includes tastings and extra cookies to take home. Leonardo, Johan, Nonna, and Ishmail have led sessions.

“If you are looking for something fun and active to do in Salzburg, this is it! Our group of six ranged from 13-58 years old and each of us enjoyed our time making strudel and Christmas cookies. The hosts were detailed in their demonstration and then provided assistance as each group about to make our own strudel. Everything turned out delicious and we left with the ability to replicate the strudel at home. So fun! We’d definitely take another of their classes if we had a chance.”

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2.Flavours of Polish Christmas: 4 course dinner + cooking class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $120

At PIEROGI & MORE in Warsaw, Maria leads a 2.5-hour Christmas cooking evening for up to 10 people. You will shape sauerkraut pierogi, learn about Polish customs, eat a four-course dinner, taste Polish liqueurs, and take home recipes. The other dishes are prepared for you in advance.

“This was a last-minute thing for me as I didn’t know what else to do in Warsaw on Christmas Day after spending the afternoon in the Old Town. I was pleasantly surprised by the family vibes Maria and her son created during class. In the end, all participants sat together and enjoyed a nice Xmas meal and sang carols. Highly recommend!”

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3.Magical Private Santa Visit, Reindeer Ride & Elf Workshops

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $373

At Apukka Resort, a playful English-speaking elf guides you through a reindeer sleigh ride, gingerbread baking, Christmas crafts, and elf games. The highlight is a private family meeting with Santa on the resort’s private grounds, with Santa photos, snacks, hot drinks, winter clothing, and transfers from central Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village available.

“The attention to detail was wonderful. I liked it was a small group, the children didn't feel rushed or left out. The reindeer ride was lovely and they looked well treated. The elves were fantastic with the children; playing games, making cookies, and postcards home. It was absolutely wonderful and the children loved every second (so did the grown ups)! It is expensive but honestly worth it.”

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4.Traditional Czech Christmas Cookie Baking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2h 30m · from $92

In a small group of up to 10, you’ll learn four Czech Christmas favorites at Kuličkário, a pink venue near Prague’s historic center. A local instructor explains holiday customs, then guides you through wasp nests, vanilla crescents, coconut balls, and Linzer cookies. Ingredients, aprons, equipment, recipes, drinks, and packaging are included.

“We loved the small class size. It was well organized. Very clean space. Easy to find. We had great conversation about Christmas traditions in the Czech Republic and Australia. What a kind and knowledgableyoung man. And the treats were yummy”

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5.‍Paris Small Group French Christmas Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $277

Join chef Dominique in his Paris home kitchen for a small-group Christmas cooking class in English. Choose a market visit, prepare seasonal dishes such as guinea fowl and Bûche de Noël, then sit down for a 45-minute meal with wine and recipes to take home.

“Chef not only provided excellent instructions but also gave us background in the culture. Highly highly recommend!”

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6.Festive Season and New Year’s Eve Waltz Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $45Best value

Spend one hour learning the original Viennese Waltz with an English or German-speaking instructor in a private dance hall. You’ll practice key movements, learn ball etiquette, and hear how Vienna welcomes the New Year with The Blue Danube. Beginners are welcome, but comfortable shoes and punctual arrival matter.

“The waltz lesson instructor was very poised and clear with their directions. She answered our questions with patience and demonstrated each step with precision and grace. The school and dance floor is elegant and spacious. We would be delighted to take her class again next time we are in Vienna!”

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