Talking about Christmas in September might sound early—but in Costa Rica, it’s right on time. September is a shoulder season (rainy, lush, fewer crowds), and it’s also when savvy travelers start locking in their holiday and winter escapes. By the time November rolls around, the most coveted beach resorts and rainforest lodges are snapped up. Reserve your spot now, and you’re choosing ocean views and holiday fireworks over overpriced flights or sold-out resorts.
So once you’ve got your spot secured, what can you actually expect from a Costa Rica holiday? Costa Rica celebrates Christmas and New Year’s with its own flair—think banana-leaf tamales, midnight fireworks, and beach parties at sunset.
Christmas Traditions in Costa Rica
Costa Ricans, or Ticos, love Christmas—it’s one of the biggest celebrations of the year. The season kicks off in early December with Festival de la Luz in San José: think floats, marching bands, lights everywhere, and enough fireworks to light up the entire Central Valley.
On Christmas Eve, families gather for big dinners (tamales are non-negotiable). Midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo, “Rooster’s Mass”) is a huge tradition, followed by fireworks and celebrations that last well into the night. Christmas Day itself? Way more relaxed. Families hit the beach, picnic in the mountains, or just hang out, enjoying the downtime.
And here’s the best part for you as a visitor: hotels and resorts across the country go full festive. We’re talking holiday buffets, live music, tropical takes on Christmas décor, and staff who somehow manage to be even cheerier than usual. (How is that even possible? It’s Costa Rica.)
New Year’s in Costa Rica: Fireworks & Beach Parties
If you thought Christmas was lively, wait until New Year’s Eve. Wherever you are, expect fireworks—lots of them. Every town, from San José to the smallest beach village, puts on its own show. If you’re on the coast, you’ll see fireworks reflecting off the ocean, with bonfires and parties up and down the sand.
In beach towns like Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio, the celebrations can get wild—live music, DJs, dancing on the beach until sunrise. In smaller towns, you’ll find community gatherings, barbecues, and a more laid-back scene. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
New Year’s Day? The tradition is simple: go to the beach, nurse your hangover (if you celebrated a bit too hard), and start the year with a swim in the Pacific or Caribbean. Trust me, it beats shoveling snow.
Where to Spend the Holidays
So, where should you base yourself for Christmas or New Year’s in Costa Rica? Depends on your vibe:
- Manuel Antonio: Rainforest + beaches + wildlife = holiday paradise. Resorts here go all-out with Christmas dinners and celebrations. You might even share your holiday meal with a monkey or two (uninvited, of course).
- Tamarindo: Surf town energy with a party vibe. If you’re looking for a lively New Year’s scene, Tamarindo is where you’ll find fireworks, music, and late-night beach dancing.
- Arenal / La Fortuna: Imagine soaking in hot springs with a cocktail in hand while watching fireworks burst over the rainforest. That’s Christmas in Arenal. Bonus: adventure activities like ziplining and canyoning keep the holiday calories in check.
- Osa Peninsula (Corcovado National Park & Drake Bay): If your idea of a holiday escape involves actually escaping, this is your spot. Remote, wild, full of wildlife. Perfect for those who want to unplug from the chaos of the holidays.
- Caribbean Coast: A little less traditional but full of character. Cahuita and Puerto Viejo offer Afro-Caribbean holiday flavor with reggae beats and beach bonfires.
Holiday Weather
Here’s the beauty of Costa Rica during the holidays: it’s dry season on the Pacific side. Translation: sunny skies, warm days, perfect beach weather. This is also why it’s peak season—everyone wants to be here when the weather is this good.
On the Caribbean side, expect a bit more unpredictability (showers here and there), but you’ll also find fewer crowds and more relaxed energy.
Why You Need to Book Early (Like… Now)
I’m going to give it to you straight: Christmas and New Year’s are the busiest travel weeks of the year in Costa Rica. The most popular resorts, eco-lodges, and villas are usually booked out by October. Airfare gets more expensive every week you wait.
By booking in September, you:
- Lock in the best hotels and rooms (not just what’s left).
- Score better flight schedules (no 3 a.m. layovers).
- Guarantee space on the top tours and activities.
So, yes, this is me telling you to stop “thinking about it” and just book. Future-you will thank you when you’re sipping a piña colada by the pool instead of stress-refreshing airline websites.
Holiday Activities: Beyond the Fireworks
Christmas and New Year’s aren’t just about parties. Some of the best holiday memories come from the little adventures you squeeze in between celebrations:
- Zipline through the rainforest canopy.
- Take a wildlife boat tour in Tortuguero or Isla Damas (monkeys, sloths, crocodiles—oh my).
- Go whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River
- Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal.
- Join a turtle-watching night tour if you’re on the Caribbean side.
The holidays here are about balance: one day you’re hiking to waterfalls, the next you’re stretched out in a hammock with a cocktail. That’s the beauty of Costa Rica—there’s no wrong way to do it.
Final Tips from a Costa Rica Expert
- Book early. (Yes, I said it again. It’s that important.)
- Pack light but smart. Swimsuits, flip-flops, casual clothes, maybe something festive for Christmas dinner at the resort.
- Expect fireworks. Dogs bark, kids cheer, the sky lights up
- Bring your appetite. Try Costa Rican Christmas tamales, queque navideño (fruitcake, but better), and festive cocktails with tropical twists.
The Pura Vida Holiday
Spending Christmas and New Year’s in Costa Rica is like pressing pause on the holiday stress and play on pure joy. Instead of snow boots, you’ve got sandy feet. Instead of gift receipts, you’ve got sunset memories. Instead of “All I Want for Christmas” on loop… okay, you’ll still hear it somewhere, but at least you’ll hear it under the palm trees.
Ready to swap snow for sand this holiday season? Let’s plan your trip!