For many people, winter involves travel and new experiences—whether that means escaping the cold weather back home or searching out a cozy winter wonderland abroad. In numerous countries around the world, winter is a time to come together and enjoy unique seasonal traditions and holidays. For anyone interested in studying or interning abroad, wintertime is wonderful for exploring new cultures, learning about local customs, and pursuing your academic or professional goals.
Experience the magic of the season overseas! Here are a few unique winter holidays you can celebrate as a student or intern abroad.
Dongzhi Festival – South Korea
Recognized in eastern Asian countries like China and South Korea, the Dongzhi Festival celebrates the winter solstice, which marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. On the winter solstice, yin energy (which symbolizes darkness and coldness) reaches its peak, after which the days begin to grow longer and yang energy (representing light and heat) waxes. This holiday represents hope, renewal, and the natural cycles of life and nature, the flow of yin and yang, night and day. For those who celebrate the Dongzhi Festival, it’s also a time to reconnect with family and enjoy traditional foods like red bean porridge (patjuk).
By doing a study abroad or international internship program in Seoul during the fall semester, students have the chance to experience Dongzhi rituals firsthand, witness local celebrations, and embrace the warmth of Korean winter holiday traditions. Venture to historical sites throughout the city to soak in the local festivities, such as Hanok Village—home to hundreds of traditional houses, where you can watch as masked folk dancers ward off evil spirits with their performance. On your way, stop by the Gyeongbokgung Palace for a chance to see this traditional South Korean landmark blanketed in the soft velvet of mid-winter snow.
Boxing Day – England & Australia
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, finds its roots in Victorian England. This holiday was likely created as a day off for servants and the working poor to return to their families and celebrate the season after serving their employers on Christmas Day. Today, it is a public holiday in the U.K. and commonwealth nations such as Australia where people exchange gifts, continue holiday celebrations, and watch sporting events.
Although many fall study abroad students and interns in England or Australia will have returned home by the time Boxing Day arrives, those who travel after their program ends or stay over before their second, consecutive program begins in January, can experience the post-Christmas celebrations firsthand. Doing so provides the opportunity to enjoy more seasonal treats, explore local traditions, and soak in the winter holiday atmosphere that carries through the end of the year.
Carnival – Europe & Latin America
Celebrated in countries across the world, Carnival is a winter holiday tradition leading up to lent, often marked by colorful parades and lively parties. Cities like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; New Orleans, U.S.; and Venice, Italy, are famous for Carnival celebrations featuring their own local influences of music, dance, and costumes. The Carnival period begins after January 6, the Epiphany, and reaches its peak on the final day before Ash Wednesday.
College students and young professionals studying or interning abroad in Europe and Latin America during spring semester (which often includes mid to late February) can join in on the spirited local celebrations. Those studying or interning abroad in Italy can venture to Venice to experience Carnevale, which has been home to famous masqueradecelebrations stretching back to the Middle Ages. Cities in Germany like Cologne and Düsseldorf are also well-known for their lively Karneval or Fasching festivities that begin as early as November and stretch into the pre-Lenten period of late winter. While Rio de Janeiro is best known for its Carnaval celebrations in Latin America, Buenos Aires, Argentina, is another great city to witness colorful parades and unique cultural performances that make this late winter holiday so special.
Saint Nicholas Day – Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic
Saint Nicholas Day, also called the Feast of Saint Nicholas, is celebrated on December 6 and honors the patron saint of children and gift-giving. In multiple countries across Europe, children leave shoes or stockings out overnight for St. Nicholas to fill with candy and small gifts.
While the traditions and understanding of Saint Nicholas Day have largely been replaced by Christmas celebrations, some cities and towns in Europe, including those in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, still celebrate this Christian advent holiday. Visit the Christmas markets around Prague’s old town on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day to witness “Mikuláš” (St. Nicholas) inspired festivities, including people dressed up as angels, devils, and St. Nicholas himself, who passes out candy to deserving children. In parts of Germany and Austria, you can watch the St. Nicholas Day festivities come alive at charming holiday markets where the red-cloaked Saint can often be found greeting passersby. Some communities in Germany and Austria also have a Saint Nicholas parade where you can witness the saint marching down the street with his sinister companion, Krampus. In Hungary, public celebrations are less common, but you can still feel the “Mikulás” spirit as children prepare to receive chocolates in their shoes overnight.
Anyone interested in experiencing these unique advent celebrations can study or intern abroad in Germany, Austria, Hungary, or the Czech Republic during fall semester.
Las Posadas – Spain & Costa Rica
Las Posadas is a nine-day winter holiday celebration leading up to Christmas that occurs between December 16 – 24. The holiday is a commemoration and reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. Participants travel from house to house singing carols and enjoying treats with friends, families, and neighbors.
In Spain and some Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, communities gather to enjoy the festivities with one another. In the days leading up to Christmas, this is an excellent time for anyone studying or interning abroad in Costa Rica or Spain to fully immerse themselves in the community and experience the season through local music, food, and festivity.
Three Kings Day & Epiphany – Spain, Argentina, & Greece
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the Christmas season continues until January 6, when families celebrate Three Kings Day, also known as El Día de los Reyes Magos, the Epiphany, or “Little Christmas.” The holiday commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to see baby Jesus and is filled with color, music, and tradition.
In Spain and Argentina, lively “Cabalgatas” (parades) fill the streets with performers dressed up as the biblical kings Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar. Families share gifts and enjoy Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake topped with candied fruit. Similar to St. Nicholas Day traditions, children leave out their best shoes and treats for the kings’ camels and wake to find small gifts and candy in return. Students studying or interning abroad early in the year—during certain January Term and select spring semester programs can take part in these celebrations.
In Greece, Epiphany is celebrated the same day, honoring both the Magi and the baptism of Jesus. Coastal towns host the Blessing of the Waters, where priests cast a cross into the sea and swimmers dive to retrieve it—a symbol of renewal and good fortune for the year ahead.
Hanukkah – Budapest
While Christmas festivities may be more popular in much of Western Europe and Latin America, many cities across Europe embrace Jewish culture and traditions. Central and Eastern European nations like Hungary are especially well known for their strong Jewish heritage andlively Hanukkah celebrations.
Of all the cities in Europe, Budapest is one of the best places to witness or take part in community-focused Hanukkah traditions. The Hungarian capital has a long and rich history of Judaism; today, it’s home to the largest Jewish population in the region. On the first night of Hanukkah, those studying or interning abroad in Budapest should visit the City Park Ice Rink—one of the largest and oldest in all of Europe—to witness hundreds of Jewish people and rabbis gathering to ice skate, sing songs, and light menorahs in honor of this special holiday. For any students or young professionals who want a taste of Jewish traditions abroad, experiencing Hanukkah in Budapest an outstanding way to embrace the holiday!
Discover winter holidays around the world—study or intern abroad with AIFS Abroad!
Study or intern abroad in the winter with AIFS Abroad and experience new holiday festivities that expand your cultural horizons and deepen your appreciation for the season. With AIFS Abroad’s valuable program inclusions, such as coordinating your housing and providing things like trips and excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and cultural and social activities, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
