The whole country basically goes on vacation for New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica. Think fireworks over the beach, family dinners with tamales and beach parties that go until sunrise.
Thomas and I have lived in Costa Rica since 2016. To keep it real, we’re usually not here for New Year’s, since we tend to visit family over the holidays, but we know how busy (and pricey) this week gets. The one year we booked a villa here for New Year’s with my family, planning ahead saved us a lot of money.
Below, you’ll find how to book your trip without overpaying, our favorite places to celebrate (party or chill), New Year’s Eve dinners and events, local traditions and what to expect on New Year’s Day.
Quick answer
New Year’s week is the busiest and most expensive time of year in Costa Rica. Book your stay and rental car early (ideally by summer), go to Tamarindo, Santa Teresa or Jacó for a party, or pick a quieter town like Nosara or Monteverde for a calm night with fireworks.
Book These First for New Year’s in Costa Rica
Don’t want to read all this? These are the things that sell out first over New Year’s, so lock them in now.
Book these early
What the Weather Is Like at New Year’s in Costa Rica
Late December is the start of dry season in most of the country. Rainy season is pretty much over, but the landscape hasn’t turned brown yet, so everything is still lush and green.
The big thing to know is the wind. We live in the Central Valley, and everyone here calls it “Christmas weather,” which means sunny, breezy days and some seriously strong winds. Monteverde and the mountains get really windy too, and so does Guanacaste.
Sarah’s Tip
I’ll admit, New Years is not my favorite time of year here. It’s windy and busy, and I could do without both. But if you’re coming from a cold winter, sunny days, green hills and almost no rain are hard to beat. Just pack a light jacket for the mountains and the Central Valley.
On the Caribbean side, December can still be rainy. See our guides to Costa Rica in December and the dry season for more.
Why You Should Book New Year’s in Costa Rica Early
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest time of year in Costa Rica. Travelers from North America and Europe arrive for the holidays, and Costa Ricans are on vacation too, so beach towns fill up fast.
That means everything costs more, including hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and shuttles. If you’re planning to come for New Year’s, try to book by the summer. Our favorite places book out early, and prices only go up from there.
If I were booking New Year’s here, I’d go with vacation rentals or hotels with free cancellation. That’s our favorite trick. Lock in a good place early, then keep an eye on things as your trip gets closer. Sometimes new places open up, and you can switch if something better comes along.
Sarah’s Tip
Book before the rates go up. One year I booked a vacation rental for New Year’s with my family, and because we booked early, we got a much better rate. The owners had not yet raised their prices for the holiday. When I reached out to a bunch of different villas, a few of them even told me their rates didn’t reflect New Year’s yet, and they changed them right after. The same can go for hotels, so the earlier you book, the better.
Our VRBO guide can help you decide between a rental and a hotel, and our tips for Costa Rica in December cover the rest of the month.
Coming for the holidays? Our guide to Christmas in Costa Rica covers what to expect the week before.
How to Do New Year’s in Costa Rica on a Budget
New Year’s is just an expensive time to travel here. When we’re in Costa Rica over the holidays, we usually stay home unless we have family visiting, because prices are so high.
If you want to save money, skip the most popular tourist towns and head somewhere more remote. The one time we did go away over the holidays, we went down to the Osa Peninsula, and we were still able to find places that were decently affordable.
The catch is booking last minute. That’s usually us, since we tend to decide on a weekend away on a whim, and last-minute holiday trips are pricey. If you’re on a budget, book early and look beyond the big-name beach towns.
Rental Cars and Getting Around Over New Year’s
New Year’s week is also the most expensive time to rent a car in Costa Rica. In my opinion, it’s still worth renting one for most trips, since it gives you so much more freedom, but expect to pay more and book early so you’re not stuck without a car.
Traffic is heavy too. Many Costa Ricans head to the beach after Christmas and drive home around January 1 and 2, so plan your driving days around that. If you’d rather not drive, book a shuttle or private transfer early (use code SARAHMC5 for 5% off), and read our shuttle vs rental car guide.
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Book Tours and New Year’s Eve Dinners Early
The good news is, day tour prices don’t jump as much in high season as hotels and cars do. Popular tours still sell out over the holidays, though, so if I were coming for New Year’s, I’d book the ones I really wanted early. Most tours on Viator have free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
The same goes for restaurants. Many restaurants and hotels do special New Year’s Eve dinners with set menus, and the best ones fill up weeks ahead. If you have your heart set on a certain spot, reserve as soon as you can.
Best Places for a New Year’s Eve Party in Costa Rica
If you want a party, head to a beach town with a nightlife scene. These are the busiest spots on New Year’s Eve.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Guanacaste, with packed beach bars, DJs and fireworks over the water. It’s easy to reach from Liberia airport. Book dinner early from our Tamarindo restaurants list and read our Tamarindo safety tips before a big night out.
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa has a younger surf crowd and beach parties that go from sunset to sunrise. Find a good spot for dinner in our Santa Teresa restaurants guide.
Jacó
Jacó is the closest party beach to San José, with lots of bars and clubs. See our Jacó restaurants for dinner.
Puerto Viejo
On the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo has a laid-back reggae party vibe. Keep in mind the Caribbean coast can be rainier in December.
Book this tour
Tamarindo catamaran tour
Food and open bar on the water, a fun way to spend New Year’s week
Best Places for a Quiet New Year’s in Costa Rica
Not a party person? In my opinion, a chill New Year’s here is just as fun. You can still watch fireworks from the beach and then be in bed by 12:30.
- Nosara: A calm yoga and surf town with beautiful beaches for a sunrise walk on January 1.
- Sámara: A relaxed, family-friendly beach town with a small, easygoing celebration.
- Montezuma: A bohemian little town with beach bonfires and a laid-back crowd.
- Manuel Antonio: Great for couples and families who want a nice dinner with an ocean view. See our Manuel Antonio restaurants.
- Monteverde or La Fortuna: Cooler mountain air, hot springs and a quieter night away from the beach crowds.
Compare more beach towns in our best beaches in Costa Rica guide.
New Year’s Eve Dinners and Parties (2026 into 2027)
Lots of hotels and restaurants host New Year’s Eve dinners, galas and beach parties. Most announce their plans in the fall, so check back with them and book early. Here are a few we found for this year, plus some annual favorites.
- Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo (Guanacaste): A New Year’s Eve dinner at Armadillo with live entertainment and a beachfront countdown, or a six-course tasting dinner at Nemare, both followed by an after-party at the beach club. Expect around $450 to $530 per adult.
- Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén (near San José): A “Disco Glam” party from 7 pm to 3 am with a buffet dinner, live music, grapes at midnight and a kids’ club. About $195 per person, or $225 with drinks.
- Ylang Ylang Beach Resort (Montezuma): Usually hosts a New Year’s Eve buffet with a beach bonfire and live music, open to guests and non-guests.
- Beach towns: In Tamarindo, Santa Teresa and Jacó, many restaurants do set-menu dinners and beach bars throw parties. Check local event listings like Eventbrite in December.
Prices and details are from each venue’s own listings and can change, so always confirm directly before you book.
Local parties and smaller events usually get posted closer to the date, in November and December. Facebook Events is one of our favorite places to find them in Costa Rica, so search for your town plus “New Year’s Eve” or “Año Nuevo.”
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica
Yes, there are fireworks. At midnight, you’ll see them over beach towns like Tamarindo and Jacó and all across San José and the Central Valley, set off by hotels, restaurants and neighbors. If you’re traveling with kids or pets, expect a lot of noise around midnight.
Costa Rican New Year’s Traditions
Most Costa Ricans spend New Year’s Eve with family. Some traditions are shared across Latin America, but you’ll see most of these at a Tico celebration:
- Family dinner: Tamales wrapped in banana leaves, roast pork leg and plenty of food, usually shared late in the evening.
- 12 grapes at midnight: One grape for each stroke of midnight, with a wish for each month of the new year.
- The suitcase walk: Walking around the block with an empty suitcase is said to bring a year full of travel.
- Lucky underwear: Yellow for good luck and money, red for love.
- Tossing water: Some people throw a bucket of water out the door to send off the bad energy of the old year.
- “El Año Viejo”: This classic Latin American New Year’s song plays at parties all over the country.
For the rest of the season, read our guides to Christmas in Costa Rica and Costa Rica holidays.
Holiday Events Around New Year’s
Fiestas de Zapote
The biggest holiday fair in the country runs in Zapote, San José, from around Christmas into early January. Expect carnival rides, food stalls, concerts and “toros a la tica,” a Costa Rican style bull event where brave (or unwise) locals jump into the ring.
El Tope and the Carnaval
The Tope is a big horse parade through San José, traditionally on December 26, followed by the Carnaval with floats and music. Both have been changed or canceled in some years, so check the local news before you plan around them.
Palmares Fiestas
In January, the town of Palmares hosts one of the country’s biggest festivals, with concerts and a party atmosphere for about two weeks. Our Costa Rica in January guide has more.
What to Do on New Year’s Day in Costa Rica
January 1 is a national holiday, and it’s a quiet one. Many families sleep in, head to the beach or just relax, and some local shops and sodas close for the day.
It’s the perfect day for something easy. Soak in hot springs, have a long brunch, or spend the day at the beach. If you’re near Arenal, this La Fortuna combo tour ends with a soak in the hot springs. In Guanacaste, a sunset sail from Playa Flamingo is a great way to kick off the year.
Book this tour
La Fortuna combo with hot springs
Hanging bridges, waterfall, volcano hike and hot springs
What Is Open Over New Year’s in Costa Rica
| Type | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Tours and national parks | Mostly open, but popular ones sell out, so book ahead |
| Restaurants | Open in tourist towns, but some local sodas close Dec 31 and Jan 1 |
| Supermarkets | Open, with shorter hours on Dec 31 and Jan 1 |
| Banks and government offices | Closed or limited hours |
| Buses | Running, but very full, so buy tickets early |
Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica Over New Year’s
- Pack for wind. Late December is dry but windy in Guanacaste and the Central Valley. Our packing list has what to bring.
- Watch your things at big beach parties. Leave valuables at your hotel and only bring what you need.
- Stay connected. An Airalo eSIM (code NEWTOAIRALO15) makes meeting up with friends and finding your way back much easier. See our cell phone guide.
- Check the weather. See our dry season guide for what to expect.
New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica FAQ
Is Costa Rica busy over New Year’s?
Yes. It’s the busiest and most expensive week of the year, so book stays, rental cars and popular tours as early as you can.
Where is the best place to spend New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica?
For a party, go to Tamarindo, Santa Teresa or Jacó. For a quieter night, try Nosara, Sámara, Monteverde or La Fortuna.
How do Costa Ricans celebrate New Year’s?
Most celebrate with family, a big dinner, fireworks at midnight and traditions like eating 12 grapes and walking around the block with a suitcase.
Is New Year’s Day a holiday in Costa Rica?
Yes. January 1 is a national holiday, so expect a quiet day with some local businesses closed.
What is the weather like at New Year’s in Costa Rica?
It’s dry season on the Pacific side, so expect sunny, windy days in Guanacaste. The Caribbean coast can be rainier.
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Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
