Christmas in Costa Rica: Worth a Visit? and What to Expect

If you’re dreaming of a holiday season filled with sunshine, beaches, and vibrant celebrations, Christmas in Costa Rica is something you’ve got to experience. The festive season here blends traditional customs with a laid-back tropical vibe.

However, there are definitely some things you should be aware of before visiting at this time of year so you can make the most of your experience.

As a couple who has lived in Costa Rica since 2016, we have a lot of experience celebrating the holidays here. We created this guide to fill you in on traditions, fun things to do, how to enjoy a Christmas meal, places to visit and avoid, the weather, and more. Let’s get to it!

Weather in Costa Rica During Christmas

One of the best things about spending Christmas in Costa Rica is the beautiful weather.

By late December, Costa Rica is in the early days of its dry season, which means you can expect sunny skies, warm temperatures, and very little rain, especially in the popular beach towns along the Pacific coast.

Here’s what you can typically expect in different parts of the country:

• North Pacific (Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula):
  • Average High: 86°F (30°C)
  • Average Low: 70°F (21°C)
  • The northern Pacific coast, including popular spots like Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, and Nosara, experiences hot, sunny days with very little humidity in December. It’s perfect for beach lovers. Even at night, temperatures rarely dip too low.
• Central Pacific (Jacó, Manuel Antonio):
  • Average High: 84°F (29°C)
  • Average Low: 72°F (22°C)
  • The Central Pacific, from Jacó down to Manuel Antonio, is slightly cooler than the northern Pacific coast but still offers warm, sunny days perfect for exploring.
• South Pacific (Dominical, Uvita, Osa Peninsula):
  • Average High: 82°F (28°C)
  • Average Low: 72°F (22°C)
  • The South Pacific region, including towns like Dominical, Uvita, and the Osa Peninsula, also enjoys warm and sunny days in December, though it tends to be a bit more humid than the northern Pacific. There’s also a chance of occasional rain showers, but they’re usually short-lived.
• Central Valley (San José, Alajuela):
  • Average High: 77°F (25°C)
  • Average Low: 65°F (18°C)
  • The weather here can be a bit cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings. You might also experience stronger winds in the Central Valley during this time of year, which makes it feel a lot colder.
• Northern Highlands (Monteverde, La Fortuna):
  • Average High: 75°F (27°C)
  • Average Low: 65°F (18°C)
  • These temperatures are more accurate for La Fortuna. In Monteverde, it can be much cooler. I suggest bringing pants and several layers to wear on top.
• Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita):
  • Average High: 82°F (28°C)
  • Average Low: 72°F (22°C)
  • The Caribbean side follows a different weather pattern, and December can still see some heavy rains. These rains are hard to predict. Sometimes it rains all night, sometimes all day, sometimes not at all.

In Costa Rica, you can expect sunrise around 5:45 AM and sunset around 5:30 PM during December. The days may be shorter compared to summer months, but with the dry season beginning, you can pack a lot into those daylight hours.

Find out more in our guide to December in Costa Rica.

I know, it’s probably such a contrast from the chilly winters you most likely are used to at this time of year.

As somebody who grew up in Massachusetts, it definitely feels a bit weird to try and get into the holiday spirit when it is 80 °F and sunny instead of cold and snowy. But, I also find it so enjoyable to be able to celebrate Christmas while sitting on the beach in a bathing suit.

If you have kids, they just need to build snowmen out of sand instead of snow. 😉

The Best Places to Visit and Avoid

I can’t really say that there are any “best places” or places I would necessarily avoid during Christmas. It really depends on what you are looking for. Just keep in mind that since this is such a popular time to visit, things can book out fast and a lot of towns can be very busy.

Most people living in Costa Rica also have the week between Christmas and New Years off of work. That means there is a lot of domestic tourism as well. Most of these families will head to the beach towns rather than the jungle towns.

In other words, typically places such as Monteverde and La Fortuna will be less crowded than the coastal areas. You might want to take that into consideration when planning your travel route.

If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path places you might want to consider; the small beaches between Nosara and Tamarindo, San Gerardo de Dota (a very cool cloud forest town), and the beaches south of Uvita down to Corcovado National Park.

Also, the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica tends to get less full than the Pacific coast. However, as I mentioned above, it can be very rainy on this side of the country.

What Will Be Opened and Closed Over Christmas?

Most tourist-related things will be open during the week between Christmas and New Years Day.

December 25th is a national holiday, but the 24th is not. So, you can expect that a lot of restaurants, grocery stores, banks, and some activities will be closed on the 25th, but most will be open at least for a few hours on the 24th.

I suggest doing any grocery shopping you need on December 22nd to beat the crowds of people shopping on the 23rd and 24th.

Navigating the Road

If you’re driving during the holiday season, especially in popular beach towns, be prepared for some traffic.

Many local families head to the coasts for vacation, so roads can be crowded, especially on weekends.

If possible, try to travel earlier in the day to avoid the busiest times. Roads leading to towns like Tamarindo, Jaco, and Manuel Antonio can get particularly congested, so plan accordingly.

Christmas Traditions in Costa Rica

I love learning about Christmas traditions and trying to incorporate them into my celebrations. In Costa Rica, the traditions are all about family, food, and faith.

Here is what you need to know…

• Christmas Trees: Yes, Costa Ricans do put up Christmas trees. Pine trees are not native here so most people use cypress trees instead. Also, artificial trees are becoming more and more popular. You’ll find trees decorated with colorful lights, ribbons, and handmade ornaments.
• Nativity Scenes (which are known as “portales” in Costa Rica) are a big deal here. Many homes, churches, and even public spaces set up elaborate displays. The details are impressive and often include miniature houses, animals, and of course, the Holy Family. Often, people will invite their neighbors and priests to bless their nativity scene when they set it up and when they take it down.
• Santa Claus is also a thing with kids here, but not as common as it is in North America. Instead, many Costa Ricans focus on ‘Niño Dios’ (Baby Jesus) as the gift-bringer. Kids usually receive smaller gifts on Christmas Eve and larger presents on Christmas Day.
• Tamales: The star of the show for food is definitely tamales. Families gather in early December to make hundreds of these delicious bundles of pork, vegetables, and masa wrapped in banana leaves. It’s a tradition that brings everyone together, with each person having a role in the tamal-making process. I love it!

Christmas Events

Here are the things going on around the country leading up to Christmas, on Christmas, and in the days following.

Misa del Gallo

Misa del Gallo is the traditional Midnight Mass that takes place on December 24th at churches throughout the country.

In the past, this was often a two-hour-long service. Now, more churches are switching to slightly earlier services that are shorter.

If you would like to attend a Misa del Gallo, keep in mind that the churches are typically packed. It is. a good idea to get there early.

Festival de la Luz

One of the most popular holiday events in Costa Rica is the Festival de la Luz in San José. This parade lights up the city with beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, and thousands of twinkling lights.

A lot of the local schools get involved with kids creating paper lanterns to march in the parade with.

If you’re in San José during the holidays, this is a must-see event that really kicks off the Christmas spirit!

In 2024 this festival will be held on Saturday, December 14th. You can get updates on the official event Facebook page.

Fiesta de Zapote

The Fiesta de Zapote takes place in San José on the last week of December and first week of January.

This large-scale festival features carnival rides, street food, live music, and the famous bullfighting events.

Bullfighting (or ‘Corridas de Toros’) in Costa Rica is much less aggressive than in Spain. Here, the bull is not killed. Instead, brave participants jump into the ring and try to dodge the bull’s charges. It’s more of a spectacle than a competition.

However, there is still a fair share of controversies surrounding this activity.

See, it is not unusual for the participants to get seriously injured while partaking in bullfighting. It is also believed that the bulls are not always treated in an overly humane manner.

The largest bullfighting event occurs at the Fiesta de Zapote, however bullfighting is somewhat synonymous with Christmas here. It is possible to see bullfighting events at a smaller scale throughout the country at this time of year.

Carnaval Nacional

Held after Christmas in San José, the Carnaval Nacional is a colorful, music-filled parade that winds through the streets. It’s a fun family event and another chance to experience Costa Rica’s lively, joyful holiday spirit

Note: I read that this event has been suspended for 2024 by the mayor in an attempt to put the budget towards other more pressing uses for the city.

Tope Nacional

Right after Christmas, on December 26th, you can catch the Tope Nacional. This is a massive horse parade in San José.

Thousands of riders from all over Costa Rica come to show off their horses in a proud display of tradition and culture. Even if you’re not a horse enthusiast, the Tope is a cultural event that gives you a glimpse into Costa Rica’s rural heritage.

Note: This event has also been suspended for 2024 by the mayor.

How Costa Ricans Celebrate Christmas

While the festive events are a big part of the season, the heart of Christmas in Costa Rica is family.

The holidays are about gathering with loved ones, eating delicious food, and celebrating traditions.

Gift-giving here tends to be more low-key than in other countries. Many families exchange small, meaningful gifts rather than splurge on elaborate presents.

Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve (December 24th), is the most important day for many families in Costa Rica. The festivities start early in the evening, with families gathering for a big meal. Tamales are usually served alongside roast pork, and the night is filled with laughter, conversation, and plenty of family time.

Typically, kids get a small gift on the 24th and big ones on the 25th.

Navidad, or Christmas Day (December 25th) in Costa Rica is more relaxed compared to Christmas Eve. Many families spend the day with loved ones, enjoying leftover tamales and roast pork from the night before.

It’s common for people to head to the beach for big family barbecues.

Some families exchange larger gifts, but the focus tends to remain on togetherness and relaxation.

Where to Eat a Christmas Meal

As I mentioned above, the most traditional food to eat on the 24th is tamales.

You can actually often buy these premade at any grocery store. All you need to do is put them in boiling water until they are warm (make sure to keep them tied together with the string they come with). Once they are done heating up, you just need to unwrap them and eat the filling.

You do not eat the banana leaf. It is just used as a packaging.

I suggest also buying a small bottle of Salsa Lizano to eat as a dipping sauce. This is a traditional Costa Rican sauce that is somewhat similar to Worcestershire sauce.

Find out about all the traditional Costa Rican foods here

Additionally, you can often find tamales served at Costa Rican sodas (small traditional restaurants) throughout the country in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Looking to enjoy a Christmas meal at a restaurant?

You should have no problem finding places that are open in larger towns which cater to tourists. If you are struggling to find a place, look for hotels that have a restaurant on-site. Most of these will be open.

Otherwise, ask your hotel and they should be able to direct you to nearby places.

If possible, I suggest booking a table ahead of time to guarantee you get a spot.

Tips for Celebrating Christmas in Costa Rica as a Tourist

If you’re planning to visit Costa Rica during the holiday season, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip:

• Book early! Christmas is in the dry season which is also the peak tourist season in Costa Rica, and accommodations fill up fast. This especially applies in popular beach destinations like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Santa Teresa. If you’re planning on spending Christmas here, start planning and booking your hotels and activities as early as possible.
• Expect crowds: While Costa Rica isn’t as densely packed as some other holiday destinations, the roads and beaches can get busier during Christmas, especially in major tourist spots.
• Transportation tips: If you’re renting a car, book it well in advance, as rental cars are in high demand during the holiday season. Book your car and save 10% here. Alternatively, consider taking shuttles or domestic flights between popular destinations to avoid the holiday traffic.
• Join the festivities: Don’t be shy about joining in local traditions. Whether it’s attending a Midnight Mass, enjoying a Christmas Eve feast, or attending a Christmas-related event there are plenty of ways to experience Costa Rican Christmas culture. I’ve always found locals to be incredibly welcoming, just be respectful and don’t take photos unless they say it is OK.

If you have any questions about visiting Costa Rica during the Christmas season don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. we are always happy to help you plan!

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