📸 Christmas Across Cultures Photo Challenge - Operations Guide
Game Concept: Self-guided photo opportunity trail featuring 6 Christmas traditions from around the world. Guests pose with educational poster displays and submit photos via QR code. Submitted photos display on slideshow in Great Hall. Optional activity, zero staff required.
🌍 Cultural Display List (6 Countries)
| Country |
Tradition Featured |
Educational Content |
Photo Prompt |
| 🇩🇪 Germany |
Christmas Markets
(Weihnachtsmarkt) |
Germany's famous outdoor Christmas markets date back to the late Middle Ages. Markets sell handcrafted gifts, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and Glühwein (mulled wine). |
"Pretend you're shopping at a Christkindlmarkt! Hold up an imaginary mug of Glühwein." |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Las Posadas |
From Dec 16-24, families reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem. Processions visit homes, sing carols, and break piñatas filled with candy and fruit. |
"Strike a piñata-breaking pose! Swing your imaginary stick." |
| 🇯🇵 Japan |
KFC Christmas Dinner |
In Japan, Christmas isn't a national holiday, but KFC Christmas dinner is a beloved tradition since the 1970s. Families pre-order fried chicken weeks in advance for December 25th! |
"Give your best 'Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!' (Kentucky for Christmas!) thumbs up." |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden |
St. Lucia Day |
On December 13th, Sweden celebrates St. Lucia Day. Girls wear white gowns and crowns of candles, singing procession songs to bring light during the darkest time of year. |
"Pretend you're wearing a candle crown! Hold your hands above your head like flickering flames." |
| 🇮🇹 Italy |
La Befana |
On January 6th, the kind witch La Befana flies on her broomstick delivering candy to good children and coal to naughty ones. She's searching for baby Jesus but brings gifts along the way. |
"Strike your best friendly witch pose! Pretend to ride a broomstick." |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Giant Lanterns
(Paról) |
Filipinos create massive star-shaped lanterns (parols) from bamboo and paper, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. The Giant Lantern Festival features parols up to 20 feet wide! |
"Make a star shape with your arms! Shine bright like a paról." |
Cultural Selection Rationale:
- Geographic diversity: Europe (2), Asia (2), North America (1), South America implied
- Tradition variety: Food, processions, decorations, folklore, markets
- Family-friendly: All traditions are positive, celebratory, inclusive
- Unexpected facts: Japan's KFC Christmas surprises guests and sparks conversation
- Interactive prompts: Each photo pose ties directly to the tradition
📐 Poster Display Specifications
Poster Size & Format
- Size: 18×24" (standard poster size, easy to print and mount)
- Orientation: Portrait (vertical)
- Mounting: Foam board backing or poster frames
- Placement: Wall-mounted or on easel stands
Poster Content Layout
- Country flag and name (top, large and prominent)
- Tradition name (headline, bold)
- Educational paragraph (150-200 words, engaging facts)
- Photo or illustration (visual representation of tradition)
- Photo prompt (clear instruction for pose)
- QR code (bottom, large and scannable, labeled "SCAN TO SUBMIT PHOTO")
Design Files: Poster designs should be created as HTML files (for consistent style with other event materials) and converted to PDF for printing. Each poster gets its own poster-[country].html file.
📱 Photo Submission System
Option 1: QR Code → Google Form (Recommended)
Setup:
- Create Google Form with fields: "Name (optional)", "Country Station", "Upload Photo"
- Generate QR code for form URL (one QR code per country, pre-fills "Country Station" field)
- Print QR code on each poster
- Form submissions feed into Google Drive folder
Pros: Free, simple, automatic organization, works on all smartphones
Cons: Requires guests to have data/WiFi, manual curation for display
Option 2: QR Code → Cloud Photo Upload Service
Setup:
- Use service like Pic-Time, Dropbox, or dedicated photo upload platform
- Create upload folder for event
- Generate QR codes linking to upload page
Pros: Direct photo upload, cleaner interface
Cons: May require account setup, some services have costs
Option 3: No QR Code - Photography Only
Setup:
- Posters are photo opportunities only (no submission)
- Guests take photos with own phones for personal keepsake
- No technical infrastructure needed
Pros: Zero tech setup, zero staff, no technical issues
Cons: No community sharing/display element
Recommendation: Start with Option 3 (no submission) for first few shows to test engagement. If guests enjoy photo opportunities and ask about sharing, implement Option 1 (Google Form QR codes) for later shows. This reduces technical risk and setup time.
🖥️ Photo Display (If Using Submission System)
Slideshow Display in Great Hall
- Equipment: TV/monitor or projector + laptop
- Software: Google Photos slideshow, PowerPoint auto-advance, or web-based gallery
- Update frequency: Refresh slideshow every 30-60 minutes with new submissions
- Moderation: Quick review of photos before adding to slideshow (filter inappropriate content)
Alternative Display: Print 4×6" photos throughout evening and add to physical photo wall with magnets or clips. More tactile/interactive but requires printer, staff time, and supplies.
📦 Materials & Equipment Needed
| Item |
Quantity |
Purpose |
Est. Cost |
| Poster Prints (18×24") |
6 |
One per country display (Germany, Mexico, Japan, Sweden, Italy, Philippines) |
$30-60 |
| Foam Board/Frames |
6 |
Mount posters for stability and professional look |
$20-40 |
| Easel Stands (optional) |
6 |
Freestanding poster display if not wall-mounting |
$60-100 |
| QR Code Generation |
6 codes |
One per poster (if using submission system). Free online generators. |
$0 |
| Display Screen + Laptop |
1 set |
For photo slideshow in Great Hall (if using submission system). May already have. |
$0-300 |
| Instruction Signage |
1 (8.5×11") |
Explains photo challenge concept, placed near first poster or at entry |
$3 |
Total Estimated Cost (Displays Only): $50-100 (without submission system), $110-400 (with submission + slideshow)
Reusability: Posters can be reused for future Christmas events or other multicultural celebrations. One-time creation cost provides ongoing value.
🗺️ Poster Placement Strategy
Option A: Spread Across Multiple Rooms
- Great Hall: Germany, Mexico
- Post Office: Japan
- Santa Tracking Room: Sweden
- Bar/Drinks Area: Italy
- Toy Assembly Room: Philippines
Benefit: Encourages guests to explore all rooms, integrates with scavenger hunt
Option B: All in Great Hall as Gallery
- All 6 posters displayed together in one area
- Creates "Christmas Around the World" gallery experience
Benefit: Easier for guests to find and complete all 6, concentrated educational impact
Recommendation: Use Option A (spread across rooms) to encourage movement and prevent Great Hall crowding. Pair with scavenger hunt to create dual-purpose exploration.
⚙️ Setup & Operations
Pre-Event Setup Checklist
- ☐ Design and print all 6 country posters (18×24")
- ☐ Mount posters on foam board or in frames
- ☐ If using submission system: Create Google Form, generate QR codes, add to posters
- ☐ Place posters in designated rooms (secure to walls or set on easels)
- ☐ If using slideshow: Set up display screen and laptop in Great Hall, test slideshow
- ☐ Print instruction signage explaining photo challenge concept
- ☐ Test QR codes with smartphone to ensure functionality
During Event Operations
- ☐ Zero active staff required for displays - Completely self-guided
- ☐ If using submissions: Monitor photo uploads every 30-60 min, refresh slideshow
- ☐ Moderation: Quick review of submitted photos before adding to public display
- ☐ Technical support: If guests have trouble with QR codes, staff can provide direct form link via text/email
End-of-Night Cleanup
- ☐ If using easel stands, collect and store posters
- ☐ If wall-mounted, posters can remain for all 30 shows
- ☐ Download submitted photos for archiving (optional keepsake for event)
- ☐ Close Google Form after final show to prevent post-event submissions
🎯 Expected Guest Experience
Typical Flow (5-15 minutes):
- Guest encounters poster display while exploring venue
- Reads educational content about cultural tradition
- Reads photo prompt and poses for picture
- Family member/friend takes photo with guest's phone
- Optional: Scans QR code and uploads photo
- Moves to next poster or continues with other activities
- Later in evening, may see their photo displayed on Great Hall slideshow
Educational Value: Even without photo participation, posters serve as decorative educational elements. Guests learn about global Christmas traditions while waiting in lines or moving between activities.
💡 Tips for Success
- Keep it optional: Photo challenge is bonus activity, not required. No pressure to participate.
- Family-friendly poses: Prompts should be fun but easy (no complex choreography, safe for all ages).
- Readable text: Posters should be legible from 3-4 feet away. Use large fonts, high contrast.
- WiFi access: If using QR submissions, ensure venue has guest WiFi or encourage data usage.
- Privacy consideration: Make name field optional on forms. Some guests prefer anonymous photo sharing.
- Backup plan: If QR codes malfunction, have direct form link written on posters as backup.
🔧 Troubleshooting
| Issue |
Solution |
| QR code won't scan |
Ensure QR code is large enough (at least 2×2 inches). Test with multiple phone types. Provide direct URL as backup text on poster. |
| No WiFi/data for uploads |
Guests can still take photos for personal keepsake. Consider providing guest WiFi network if submissions are important. |
| Inappropriate photo submitted |
Moderate submissions before adding to slideshow. Remove/skip inappropriate content. Form can include "By submitting, you agree photos may be publicly displayed." |
| Low participation in submissions |
This is okay! Posters still serve educational/decorative purpose. Don't pressure guests to submit - let it be organic. |
| Poster damaged during event |
Keep digital files on hand for quick reprints. Lamination can protect high-traffic posters. |
📊 Engagement Metrics (Optional Tracking)
- Photo submissions: How many photos uploaded per show?
- Most popular country: Which tradition gets most photo submissions?
- Completion rate: Do guests visit all 6 displays or just a few?
- Qualitative feedback: Ask guests which tradition surprised them or which they'd like to try
Christmas Across Cultures Photo Challenge - Operations Guide
Created: November 14, 2025 | For: Christmas Event 2025