A special visit from Saint Nicholas
Every December, Sankt Nikolaus visits the children of Spielwelt to celebrate one of the best-loved traditions of the German Christmas season.
Children gather with their families to sing German Christmas songs, share festive food and welcome Nikolaus, who has travelled a long way to visit the German-speaking children of Canberra.
One important detail: Nikolaus only understands German! It’s the perfect opportunity for children to proudly use the language they’ve been learning throughout the year.
What to expect
The celebration includes:
- A visit from Sankt Nikolaus
- Traditional German Christmas songs
- A festive morning tea or supper
- Family performances and singing
- Time to celebrate the end of another Spielwelt year together
Parents, grandparents and friends are warmly invited to join the celebration.
Please bring a plate to share
Our Nikolaus celebration is a community event, and everyone helps create the festive atmosphere.
Please bring a plate to share for our Christmas morning tea or supper. Homemade treats, festive baking and family favourites are all welcome.
For many families, this is also a wonderful opportunity to catch up before the summer holidays begin.
The tradition of Sankt Nikolaus
Saint Nicholas is celebrated across Germany and many other European countries on 6 December.
According to tradition, Nikolaus visits children to recognise kindness, generosity and good behaviour throughout the year. Unlike Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, Nikolaus arrives earlier in Advent, often bringing small gifts, chocolate or mandarins in children’s boots.
For many German families, this tradition is one of the highlights of the Christmas season and an important part of growing up.
Sing along
Children and families are encouraged to join in with traditional German Christmas songs throughout the celebration.
Songbooks are provided, and families can also download the Spielwelt Nikolaus songbook to practise at home before the event.
Don’t worry if you don’t know every word—everyone is welcome to sing along.
A celebration for the whole community
Nikolaus is more than a Christmas party. It is a chance for our community to celebrate another year of learning, friendship and shared experiences before the summer break.
Whether your family joined Spielwelt recently or has been part of our community for many years, we look forward to celebrating together.
Everyone is welcome
The Nikolaus celebration is a joyful way to experience German Christmas traditions in Canberra.
Come and meet Saint Nicholas, enjoy festive songs and food, and finish the year surrounded by the Spielwelt community.
