6 Magical Workaway places to experience the festive season abroad

“There’s no place like home for the Holidays” but… have you ever wondered what Christmas is like in Prague? Or heard of the Sankta Lucia festival in Sweden? If you’re itching to celebrate the holidays in a different corner of the world this year, we’ve got the perfect recommendations! From sunny beaches to winter wonderlands, here are our top places to spend the holidays abroad with Workaway: 🎄

Prague

Germany may be the most well-known for its Christmas Markets, but the one in Old Town Square, Prague, is our personal favourite for a quintessential holiday celebration in Europe. With gothic architecture and beautifully lit cobblestone streets, you’ll want to experience the Czech take on St. Nicholas, Christmas dinner (featuring carp), the Christmas exhibition at the Prague Botanical Garden which is our personal favourite, and more. For an added bonus, stay with one of our 30+ Workaway hosts in Prague for a local and extra cosy festive season with your home away from home.

New York

This East Coast State is so much more than the city it’s named for. Rolling foothills, sprawling farms, and country charm are all more than enough reason to spend the Holidays away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re dreaming of a ‘White Christmas’ in a cozy, down to earth spot, then consider joining this

The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
The image depicts a woman with long blonde hair kissing the cheek of a white sheep in a barn. The sheep has a yellow tag on its ear.
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New York State, United States

Come and help with rescue horses and other pets and enjoy Berne, New York, USA
We moved our dreams from California to New York! Our workawayer's have this unique opportunity to enjoy our paradise. We are located at the foothills of a large mountain range and are nestled between a few other mountain ranges! At 1400 feet our ......
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Pitch some hay, skate on the pond, and help prepare for the next growing season all while enjoying the serene surroundings. And…if you’re itching to see the ball drop in Times Square for New Year’s Eve, NYC is only a bus ride away!

Mexico

Looking for a unique kind of Christmas in warmer weather? Spice up your holidays (literally) with some tropical vibes in Tulum, Mexico! Volunteer at this dynamic community and spend your spare time diving into the deep blue waters of a cenote, exploring Mayan ruins, or swapping the frostbite for margaritas under crystal skies while soaking in sunshine. Don’t forget to watch for the traditional celebration of the Virgen de Guadalupe (December 12th) and Las Posadas (beginning December 16th) which are candlelit processions reenacting Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter.
solo travel woman standing in cenote gazing up light cave explore Mexico

Barcelona

Every place has their own take on how to celebrate the holidays and Catalonia in Spain is no different! A vibrant mix of cultures collides in Barcelona making it rich with festivals and feasts to prolong the season. A few to look for are ‘La Misa Del Gallo’ (meaning, ‘Rooster Mass’) which takes place on Christmas Eve, and Three Kings Day which is January 5th. And if you want to do something truly unforgettable? The Copa Nadal (Christmas Cup) is an annual Christmas Day tradition in which swimmers don their Santa costumes and dip into the sea for an 200m open water race in the harbour. As for those who are looking for a deeper culture exchange, stay with this lovely family of 4 and learn Catalan while teaching them English or French!
barcelona couple christmas holiday season travel inspiration

Sweden

Escape to Scandinavia where the Northern Lights provide their own festive background for celebrating the Holidays. Sweden is truly a magical place and when the days are long and dark the people make up for it by putting candles outside every doorway and sharing candlelit dinners with family and friends. On December 13th, you can witness a one of a kind tradition honouring Sankta Lucia (Saint Lucy) with songs, parades, candles and a special baked bun made with saffron, called Lussekatt. We might be biased, but we think there’s no better way to get the inside scoop on the culture and traditions than staying with a local. If you are a dog lover, we recommend
The image depicts a family of three, consisting of a man, woman, and baby, standing outdoors with two dogs on leashes, set against a rustic red barn backdrop.
The image depicts a family of three, consisting of a man, woman, and baby, standing outdoors with two dogs on leashes, set against a rustic red barn backdrop.
The image depicts a family of three, consisting of a man, woman, and baby, standing outdoors with two dogs on leashes, set against a rustic red barn backdrop.
The image depicts a family of three, consisting of a man, woman, and baby, standing outdoors with two dogs on leashes, set against a rustic red barn backdrop.
The image depicts a family of three, consisting of a man, woman, and baby, standing outdoors with two dogs on leashes, set against a rustic red barn backdrop.
The image depicts a family of three, consisting of a man, woman, and baby, standing outdoors with two dogs on leashes, set against a rustic red barn backdrop.
The image depicts a family of three, consisting of a man, woman, and baby, standing outdoors with two dogs on leashes, set against a rustic red barn backdrop.
The image depicts a family of three, consisting of a man, woman, and baby, standing outdoors with two dogs on leashes, set against a rustic red barn backdrop.
The image depicts a family of three, consisting of a man, woman, and baby, standing outdoors with two dogs on leashes, set against a rustic red barn backdrop.

Sweden

Come and help our family at our 17-hectare property and with our sled dogs and animals in Ängesträsk, Sweden
We need help to care for our dogs and our homestead! That means you'll be helping out with everything from picking up dog poop to picking weeds from the potato land. We're a couple with 23 Alaskan huskies and a 17-hectare (42-acre) homestead. ......
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 (23 Alaskan huskies to be exact!) while you explore.

Cologne

Take a ride down the Rhine to experience this enchanting city decked out for the Holidays! Famous for more than one Christkindlmarkt, (including the world-famous one at the Cologne Cathedral), Cologne is the place to be for an authentic taste of Glühwein, artisan crafts, and a general sense of merriment. You’ll find ice-skating rinks and carousels at many of these iconic Christmas markets, and if you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss the Chocolate Museum for a special treat. To go behind the scenes, join one of our 30+ Workaway hosts in or around Cologne to go off the beaten track and discover some more hidden gems with locals! 
cologne-germany-quiet-christmas-ideas-europe

Where are your favorite places to celebrate the Holidays? What special family or cultural traditions do you enjoy the most? We’d love to hear your stories! 💌✨ No matter where you happen to be this season, Have a very Happy Holiday from all of us at Workaway!

christmas abroad festive Barcelona Cologne New York Prague travel photography Sweden culture exchange winter holidays christmas destinations community wanderlust mexico culture
Mariah Friend
About Mariah Friend

Mariah Friend is an author and former Workawayer who quit her job to travel the world for fourteen months, embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Many of her experiences staying with hosts in France and Ghana ended up inspiring her debut novel, "The Pattern Shop", a story about the hopes and fears we inherit and the courage it takes to choose home over and over again.

She’s currently working on her second novel, a historical fiction about the Russian Revolution, still dreaming of faraway places while tending her garden and her family in Chattanooga, TN.

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