Christmas in Costa Rica – Everything You Need to Know (2024)

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Costa Rica, Central America’s paradisiacal diamond known for abundant wildlife and diverse flora and fauna, is a magical place at all times of the year. It ranks among the happiest places in the world and is a leading model for other democratic nations. It is a big hitter in many fields given its relatively small size.

The country’s tourism industry is booming and the number of visitors each year is ever-rising. Most, understandably, come in relation to the country’s unrivalled nature. Some may visit for its exuberant culture, or for its breathtaking beaches, while others are seeking engrossing adventures.

Many visitors will have carefully selected the time of year at which they travel. Perhaps they are intending to catch a glimpse of a majestic humpback whale as part of their migration to warmer waters, or the turtle nesting season over on the Caribbean coast. In some cases, tourists may be seeking the rainforests at their very lush and green best, or alternatively the dry season when they can enjoy stunning weather in the many national parks that the country is home to.

Christmas is a wonderful time to travel to Costa Rica. It is vibrant, full of energy and life and special to many in the country who will happily involve you in their traditions.

The school year ends in December in Costa Rica, so people around this time are often in high-spirits and may be heading to other areas of the country for a break. Beaches become increasingly popular and are enjoyed by all.

Christianity is the predominant religion in Costa Rica and Roman Catholicism is the official state religion. Christmas is the country’s most celebrated holiday with nativities, impressive light shows and music major parts of the season. Families often come together for the holidays and spend much-loved and appreciated time as a group.

Locals love decorating their houses and properties for Christmas. Trees, wreaths and nativity figures are regular sights and only add to the wonderful colours and views available throughout the country.

For most parts of the country, December is the beginning of the dry season. Due to the many different microclimates in the country, there is no time of year at which every region experiences the same season or weather patterns.

December is the time during which the Caribbean coast is experiencing some of its heavier rains. The Pacific coast, however, is entering its peak season. Due to its proximity to the equator, warm weather is almost guaranteed year-round in all regions. You can certainly expect that in December, as well as plenty of sunshine and clear skies.

Arenal is another area that is entering into a wet season during December, although you can still expect the majority of mornings to offer some clear skies and explorable conditions before the rains close in later in the day.

If you are looking for the best of the weather and the driest conditions at Christmas, head to the Pacific coast. If, on the other hand, you are seeking something specific in a region more likely to experience rain, it may well still be worth the visit, and you may simply have to alter your expectations.

Christmas trees are a huge part of a Costa Rican Christmas. People generally use cypress trees rather than pine trees. Artificial trees are growing in popularity, while some people may not buy one but instead decorate a palm tree in their garden.

Trees are in fact used for great symbolic purposes in the country. One of the most important trees is outside the Children’s Hospital in San José. It is used to symbolise gratitude and hope for the children and the people of the city. This tradition was started by CNFL, a power company, as far back as the 1960s.

La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the country’s largest urban park and the ‘lungs of San José’, hosts a large Christmas tree each year that is installed by Coca-Cola.

Often considered little more than an entrance and exit for travellers, San José comes into its own around Christmas time.

It is the place to feel the culture and season come alive and hosts many of the country’s most famous festivals at this time of year. If an authentic and truly Costa Rican Christmas is what you are wanting, then the capital is a great place to be.

Though lacking in some of the more incredible scenery that you will see in other parts of the country, San José gifts you the chance to see some of the country’s more symbolic, meaningful and thought-provoking Christmas trees, the dazzling Festival de la Luz and Carnaval Nacional as well as the Fiestas de Zapote.

Though not prime turtle-spotting season, Tortuguero is a real Christmas treat. Narrow winding canals flanked by thriving greenery help you lose yourself in an inconceivable world.

Only accessible by boat or plane, even just travelling to Tortuguero is a thrilling experience. After driving to within 20 miles, a boat is necessary to complete the journey. They are regularly available, however, and once there you feel the benefits. You are now withdrawn from any hustle and bustle and able to immerse yourself wholeheartedly in the beauty of the place.

Spot caiman, iguanas and monkeys from the vantage point of a canoe or boat as you drift peacefully across the still waters. Not the Christmas you’re used to. Not a Christmas you’ll forget.

North Atlantic St Lawrence whales will be arriving along the coast through the month of December. Once you have finished cruising the inland canals, head out from Tortuguero on a sight-seeing trip and observe some of the largest and most majestic mammals on the planet.

The perfect place to combine beach time with park exploration. Manuel Antonio is known for its rich and abundant wildlife, and it’s saying something to stand out for that in Costa Rica!

The forest stretches right down to the beachfront where you will be greeted by clean, white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters that lap gently over your feet. Join the locals in a typical Costa Rican festive season visit to the beach. There are few beaches in the world that can rival what you will find here!

Take a guided tour with a professional who can help you spot the more subtle wildlife, or go for a snorkel in some of the world’s finest waters and marvel at colourful marine life. For the more adventurous visitor, canopy tours are available for young and old for a Christmas time you won’t ever want to forget.

The dry, tropical climate of Guanacaste attracts many visitors each year. Amply served by transport links and blessed with countless attractions, it sits in the north-western part of the country bordering Nicaragua.

With attractions across land and water, mountains and volcanoes, there is no danger of running out of things to do. Over 400 miles of coastline, animal rehab centres and volcanic national parks lead the way in attracting Guanacaste’s visitors. It is home to many all-inclusive resorts, which not only makes it popular with tourists and families, but makes it a hassle-free place to spend your Christmas getaway.

The region has two main commercial areas, Liberia and Santa Cruz, with a further six tourism development centres surrounding the area. Guanacaste is an area for tourists with surf lessons and a rapidly changing landscape. Hassle-free, sun-drenched days await a Christmas visitor to the region.

The Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica is a wild region with vast rainforests and exceptional wildlife. At least half of all species living in Costa Rica can be found here!

Jutting out into the Pacific ocean, the Osa Peninsula offers fabulous hiking trails, exhilarating boat trips and unforgettable wildlife viewing. From kayaking to surfing, abseiling to yoga, activities to exhaust and enthral, or relax and regenerate are plentiful and available to all.

The region is developed in a way to support tourism, but maintains a typically Costa Rican feel and hosts many opportunities for the more adventurous explorer to delve off the beaten path and take a more rural journey.

Star attractions include a boat ride to the uninhabited Isla de Caño, a world-class snorkelling and diving destination with immense richness in its waters. Dives to see dolphins and reef sharks here can be booked. Isla de Caño is a truly once in a lifetime Christmas experience!

Famed for its volcano and often explored from the popular tourist town of La Fortuna, Arenal is the place for a picture-perfect Christmas.

The active volcano was once believed dormant having shown no activity for hundreds of years. La Fortuna’s name is a reference to its fertile lands, and it is now abundant in tourist attractions.

In the local area, many geothermal hot springs are available and are a real attraction for tourists. Imagine Christmas spent soaking in the relaxing and regenerating naturally heated waters! Once you are done relaxing, take in the natural beauty of the area, snap a picture of Arenal volcano or head out explore waterfalls, rivers or Lake Arenal for some adrenaline-boosting water sports.