Ready to swap your parka for a bathing suit? Snow drifts for sand dunes? Boots for flip-flops? You get the picture: spend Christmas in Costa Rica and you and your family won’t be worried about what’s under the tree. Instead, you will be too busy enjoying the nature, beauty, adventure, and wonder of a Costa Rica Christmas vacation.
What You Can Expect the Weather to Be Like on Your Costa Rica Christmas Vacation
One of the top reasons to choose a Costa Rica Christmas Vacation is the tropical weather. Temperatures along the popular North Pacific Coast range between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius (79 – 90 F) in December with plenty of sunny days in the forecast.
Another reason December is perfect for a Costa Rica Getaway is the season. Costa Rica has two: summer and winter, or dry and rainy season. December marks the end of the rainy season, so it will have all the sun you expect, but the ground will have retained enough moisture to keep everything lush and green. There may even be some cool breezes left!
What You Can Expect to See on Your Costa Rica Christmas Vacation
Nothing is as rewarding as getting the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of a country you visit. Christmas in Costa Rica is a wonderful opportunity to experience unique customs and rich heritage.
Holiday Décor: Costa Rica’s strong Catholic roots mean Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The shops and streets will be lined with Christmas décor such as lights, Christmas trees, reindeer – everything but the snow!
One of their proudest traditions is laying out the nativity display, which they call portals or pasitos. Most homes will have their own pasito under the tree and towns will often display a life-sized portal for everyone to enjoy.
Fireworks: The Christmas season in Costa Rica begins and ends with a bang – literally! It is common for Costa Ricans to celebrate the holiday season with fireworks so don’t be surprised to see (and hear) these colorful displays throughout the season. Tamarindo Beach puts on a spectacular New Year’s Eve display, with the colors cascading over the ocean. It is a fabulous sight you won’t want to miss.
El Tope: Dancing horse parades known as el Tope, can often be seen on the streets of towns across Costa Rica during Christmas time. The largest display is taking place in the city of San Jose, featuring 3,000 horses strutting through the downtown core. Smaller towns, including the beach communities, also host smaller rodeos during the holiday season, with bull riding, local food, and beer gardens.
Local Events: For those spending their Costa Rica Christmas vacation in the Potrero and Flamingo Beach area, you will find many restaurants serving the traditional holiday food you expect. Many offer Christmas Eve or Christmas Day meals complete with turkey and all the fixings. These popular meals will likely require a reservation so be sure to plan ahead.
The Marina in Flamingo is already planning a Christmas event on December 14. The Festival of Lights will light up the sea and sky with lit-up yachts and shops sparkling under the stars.
What You Can Expect to Do on Your Costa Rica Christmas Vacation
Costa Ricans celebrate Christmas in a big way, with most people taking their vacations and holidays at this time. If you want to celebrate like a Costa Rican, do what they do – spend time with your family at the beach.
Surfing: Nearby Tamarindo Beach is the most popular spot to learn how to surf in the country, thanks to its consistent waves and soft sandy landing. What could be more unique than catching some waves on your Christmas vacation? Don’t be surprised to see a few surfers donning Santa hats!
Horseback riding: Picture you and your family dashing through the sand on a horse on Christmas Day. Over the beach you’ll go, laughing all the way. Ha, ha, ha!
Adventure tours: From ziplining to waterfall rappelling to exploring volcanos, there are endless exciting adventures available on your Costa Rica Christmas vacation.
Eat tamales: A Costa Rican Christmas wouldn’t be complete without tamales. Traditionally, families gather to spend time together during the preparation, which is a time-intensive but cherished process. This is why tamales are typically made only once a year, and luckily for you, it’s at Christmas time! Be sure to try a few during your stay, as every family has their own unique recipe – but act fast, because they don’t last long!
Where You Can Expect to Stay on Your Costa Rica Christmas Vacation
Casa Sol Azul: If you want the perfect place to spend your Costa Rica Christmas vacation with family and friends than this four-bedroom/four-bathroom house is it. Enjoy the epitome of outdoor/indoor living, with a wall of glass that opens up onto the terrace, a private swimming pool, and barbecue grill. Located in the hills of Playa Potrero, you will enjoy stunning ocean views from the whole property.
With two sofa beds, this property comfortably sleeps 10. An on-site housekeeper and caretaker ensure you will have a worry-free, safe stay.
Bella Catalina: This seven-bedroom ocean-view villa, sleeps up to 14 guests and is ideal for large families. With a massive outdoor area featuring a private pool and a sprawling open-concept indoor space you will not feel crowded.
Situated right on Potrero Beach, this property features a huge covered outdoor kitchen/eating area, fire pit, gazebo, and grassy areas to spend quality time with your loved ones. Easily walk to local shops and restaurants so everyone can feel free to explore a bit on their own.
Casa Gran Vista: For a more intimate Christmas celebration, Casa Gran Vista is the right place. Up to six guests can enjoy three spacious bedrooms in the gated community of Mar Vista, located just a seven-minute drive to the beaches of Brasilito and Flamingo.
Guests here are invited to explore the home’s garden, which has over 20 fruit trees including papayas, bananas, limes, oranges, mangos, grapefruit, and avocados. Pick the fruit right off the tree for a fresh smoothie or cocktail!
Flamingo Rose Vista: If you prefer a cozier experience, this two-bedroom condo in the heart of Flamingo Beach is a great option, especially if you want to walk around and enjoy the town.
The two-story penthouse overlooking Potrero Bay and Flamingo Harbor is only a four-minute walk to the beach. Guests can also enjoy a shared pool on the property.
Make this holiday season one to remember with a Costa Rica Christmas vacation. Enjoy warm weather, exciting adventures, luxurious accommodations, and unique traditions – all with the stress-free relaxation you deserve.
Feliz Navidad!