Winter means something a little different depending on where you are in the world — from cozy Christmas markets to sunny beach barbecues. If you’re dreaming of spending your next winter abroad, you’re in for a treat. Across Go International’s popular IEC destinations, the holiday season comes with unique traditions, unforgettable food, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences.
Here’s how winter holidays are celebrated in our working holiday destinations— and why spending the season abroad might be the best gift you ever give yourself.
🇦🇺 Australia – Christmas in the Sunshine
Forget snow boots — in Australia, Christmas means swimsuits, sunscreen, and surfboards. The holiday season falls right in the middle of summer, and locals make the most of it.
Common traditions include:
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Beachside Christmas barbecues
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Outdoor “Carols by Candlelight” concerts
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Santa arriving on a surfboard
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Boxing Day cricket matches and massive sales
For Canadians looking to escape the cold, Australia offers the ultimate winter glow-up: summer vibes, festive energy, and endless adventure.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom – A Storybook Christmas
If you’ve ever pictured a classic Christmas straight out of a movie, the UK delivers exactly that. Cobblestone streets glow with fairy lights, shop windows overflow with decorations, and the smell of mulled wine fills the air.
Key UK traditions include:
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Christmas crackers at dinner
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Roast turkey with stuffing and gravy
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Ugly Christmas jumpers
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Pantomime theatre shows
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Boxing Day football matches
Working in the UK over the holidays means experiencing Christmas exactly as you’ve seen it on screen — and getting paid while you do it.
🇯🇵 Japan – A Wholesome, Feel-Good Holiday
Christmas isn’t a public holiday in Japan, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the most heartwarming and visually stunning seasons of the year.
Festive highlights include:
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Magical winter illuminations across major cities
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Christmas Eve as a romantic couples’ holiday
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Famous Christmas KFC dinners
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Beautiful New Year’s traditions like temple visits and fireworks
Japan’s winter season blends cozy charm with cultural depth, making it an unforgettable place to spend the holidays.
🇫🇷 France – Lights, Chocolate & Christmas Markets
France during winter feels like a real-life snow globe. Cities and villages glow with lights, bakeries overflow with seasonal pastries, and Christmas markets bring the streets to life.
Holiday favourites include:
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Marchés de Noël filled with crafts and treats
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Hot wine, chestnuts, and raclette
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Advent calendars and festive window displays
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Midnight Mass and long, elegant family meals
Spending winter in France means soaking up festive magic with a side of world-class food and culture.
🇩🇪 Germany – The Home of the Christmas Market
If Christmas markets are your love language, Germany is your dream destination. The country is famous worldwide for its traditional Weihnachtsmärkte.
You’ll experience:
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Wooden stalls selling ornaments and gifts
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Glühwein (hot mulled wine) and gingerbread
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Advent wreaths and Christmas pyramids
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Cozy village celebrations and historic city squares
Winter in Germany feels straight out of a fairytale — especially if you’re working and traveling through Europe.
🇳🇱 The Netherlands – Cozy Lights & Festive Canals
The Netherlands knows how to make winter feel warm. Cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht glow with candles, string lights, and festive canal reflections.
Dutch holiday traditions include:
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Sinterklaas celebrations in early December
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Oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts)
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Light festivals along the canals
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Cozy indoor gatherings during dark winter days
It’s festive, atmospheric, and perfect for anyone who loves walkable cities and winter charm.
🇬🇷 Greece – A Warm Mediterranean Christmas
Greece offers a unique mix of holiday spirit and milder winter weather. While you’ll still find lights and decorations, Christmas here comes with a Mediterranean twist.
Seasonal traditions include:
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Christopsomo (traditional Christmas bread)
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Honey-soaked desserts like melomakarona
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Boat-shaped Christmas decorations
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Three Kings celebrations in January
It’s a beautiful blend of culture, history, and festive warmth — without the heavy winter chill.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica – Pura Vida Christmas
In Costa Rica, Christmas is all about family, food, and the famous pura vida lifestyle. The season is warm, welcoming, and full of heart.
Holiday highlights include:
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Tamales made with family and friends
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Fireworks and street celebrations
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Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
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Sunny beach days between festivities
If you’re craving sunshine, community, and feel-good vibes, Costa Rica delivers in every way.
🇰🇷 South Korea – Bright Lights & Winter Romance
South Korea transforms into a glittering winter wonderland during the holidays, especially in cities like Seoul and Busan.
Festive experiences include:
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Massive LED light displays
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Christmas concerts and pop-up markets
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Ice skating and winter street food
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Romantic city vibes and photo-worthy decorations
It’s modern, energetic, and unforgettable — perfect for travelers looking for something totally different.
🇮🇪 Ireland – Music, Family & Festive Cheer
Irish Christmas is warm, welcoming, and filled with tradition. Pubs glow with fireplaces and live music, and small towns go all out with lights and community celebrations.
You’ll find:
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Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
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Family feasts with turkey, ham, and potatoes
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Christmas swims (yes, really!)
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Lively pub sessions and New Year’s celebrations
Working in Ireland during winter means stepping into a culture that values connection, storytelling, and celebration.
🇳🇿 New Zealand – A Fresh Take on the Festive Season
Just like Australia, New Zealand celebrates Christmas in the summertime — but with a uniquely Kiwi twist.
Popular traditions include:
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Outdoor family feasts
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Road trips and beach days
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Kiwi Christmas trees (the pōhutukawa)
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Fireworks and festivals over the New Year
It’s laid-back, nature-filled, and perfect for anyone craving a festive season that feels completely different from home.
Why Spend Winter Abroad?
Spending the holidays overseas isn’t just about new traditions — it’s about growth, independence, and unforgettable connections. Instead of the usual routines, you’ll gain:
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International work experience
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New cultural perspectives
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Friends from around the world
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Travel memories that last a lifetime
You can still FaceTime family, open gifts, and celebrate your own traditions — just in a completely new corner of the world.
Ready to Make Next Winter Unforgettable?
Explore our work and travel programs, start your application early, and give yourself something incredible to look forward to this winter. Explore our Work and Travel destinations and take the first step toward the experience of a lifetime!
Our team is always here for you, so don’t hesitate to contact us today to start planning your Working Holiday abroad.