If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica during Christmas week, prepare for warm temperatures, active local traditions, and the kickoff to high season. Days often hit the 80s Fahrenheit on the Pacific coast with plenty of sun, though the Caribbean side can get rain. Costa Ricans see the holidays as time for family, but in areas popular with visitors, you can find ways to participate. This guide gives practical details on local customs, closures, top areas to visit, costs, and tips for first-timers.
How Costa Ricans Celebrate Christmas
The main action happens on December 24. Families attend evening church services, including midnight mass known as Misa de Gallo, to welcome Christmas Day. Then they gather for a late-night meal featuring tamales—corn dough stuffed with pork, rice, and vegetables, steamed in banana leaves. Gifts get exchanged around this time, often said to come from Baby Jesus rather than Santa.
December 25 is more relaxed. People visit friends, rest, or head to beaches and parks. In spots with lots of visitors, the day includes picnics, outdoor meals, and casual get-togethers. Fireworks pop up in neighborhoods, but the big shows save for New Year’s Eve, especially on beaches where midnight displays light up the sky.
Traditions have Catholic influences, with nativity scenes set up in homes and public areas. Streets feature lights and red poinsettia plants. In smaller towns, look for community fairs with food vendors, rides, and sometimes dances or bull events, often running in mid-December. At home, music, dancing, and sharing stories keep things lively.
The season extends through December with parades, rodeos, and street parties, creating a festive atmosphere.
What’s Open and Closed on December 24–25 and December 31–January 1
Holidays bring some shutdowns, but places catering to visitors keep operating. On December 24, shops, markets, and eateries often close by early afternoon—grab supplies in the morning. Banks, government offices, and post services shut on December 25, a national holiday. National parks, beaches, and most hotels remain available, though some sites might cut hours or need reservations.
For New Year’s, December 31 sees similar early closures for businesses and stores. January 1 is another holiday, with banks and public offices closed. In busy areas like beaches or adventure zones, eateries and activities usually run, but check ahead. Drugstores and fuel stations may have reduced schedules, and buses operate less frequently.
Here’s a summary table:
| Date | Banks/Government | Shops/Markets | Eateries/Activities | Parks/Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 24 | Limited hours | Close early | Mostly open, some early | Open, possible short hours |
| Dec 25 | Closed | Some open in visitor areas | Open | Open |
| Dec 31 | Limited hours | Close early | Open, with events | Open, possible short hours |
| Jan 1 | Closed | Some open in visitor areas | Open | Open |
Details can vary by location—remote spots differ from places like Manuel Antonio or La Fortuna. Always confirm with your accommodation.
Best Places for a Christmas Trip: Beach, Volcano, or San José?
Your base during Christmas week depends on preferences—sunny shores, outdoor pursuits, or city energy. Beaches draw many for dry conditions, while volcanoes and the capital provide alternatives. Here’s how they compare.
Beach Areas (Like Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, or Guanacaste Coast)
Pacific beaches like Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo buzz with energy. Dry weather supports surfing, wildlife spotting, and relaxation. Resorts might offer holiday dinners with music. On December 25, sands fill with picnics and swims; New Year’s includes beach fireworks and gatherings.
Expect heavy traffic and full spots, as locals and travelers flock here. If you seek social scenes, this fits, but it’s not for seclusion. Guanacaste areas add volcanoes nearby for day trips.
Volcano Regions (Like Arenal and La Fortuna)
Around Arenal Volcano, focus on nature and action. Hot springs provide warm soaks on cooler nights, and views suit fireworks watching. Options include waterfall hikes, canyoning, or bridge walks—good for groups wanting movement. Holidays feel calmer, with space for local meals.
Crowds build but stay manageable compared to coasts. Temperatures range 70-80°F, with occasional rain. Choose this for a mix of rest and exploration.
San José
The capital delivers a city holiday experience. Lights and decorations brighten streets, and early December’s Festival de la Luz brings parades with floats and bands. On Christmas Eve, attend mass; the next day, explore parks or markets.
It’s near airports for easy access and drier than the east coast. Drawbacks include more congestion and less wildlife. Stay a couple days before moving to other spots if you like cultural elements.
Beaches appeal to those wanting water activities, volcanoes to adventurers, and San José to urban explorers. All get busier, so consider combining—like starting in the capital then heading to Arenal or the Pacific.
| Region | Weather | Crowds | Key Activities | Holiday Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaches | Sunny, warm | High | Surfing, wildlife tours, gatherings | Social and active |
| Volcanoes | Mild, some rain | Medium | Hiking, hot springs, zip-lining | Balanced pursuits |
| San José | Dry, mild | High | Parades, markets, sites | Cultural events |
Price Spikes, Crowds, and How Early to Book
Christmas week aligns with peak season, driving up costs. Rooms that cost $100-150 off-peak can reach $200-400 or higher. Car rentals jump to $50-100 daily from $30-50. Flights and activities rise 50-100% from U.S. origins.
Popular beaches like Tamarindo or Jaco pack with people, leading to waits at sites and slower drives—a trip from San José to the coast might add hours. Traffic worsens, especially near holidays.
Book ahead to secure spots. Aim for 6-12 months on hotels and rentals for choices. Cars need 3-6 months, particularly automatic transmissions. Reserve tours like park visits or guides 2-3 months out to avoid misses. Check operator sites for availability, and look at bundles for slight savings.
For lower costs, try less-crowded areas like the Osa Peninsula. Flexible dates around the week can help.
Simple Do’s and Don’ts for First-Timers
Keep these tips in mind for an easy trip:
- Do reserve hotels, vehicles, and activities months ahead to get what you want and skip high rates.
- Do sample tamales and attend a local event for real flavor.
- Do bring light clothes, a rain layer, eco-friendly sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Don’t expect empty days—holidays bring locals out, so account for lines and full areas.
- Don’t forget insurance for rentals, covering rough paths.
- Don’t ignore shared rides between towns if driving feels tough—they’re reliable and cheap.
- Do wear modest clothes for church visits.
- Don’t show off items; theft picks up in busy places, so lock up valuables.
Christmas in Costa Rica offers heat, family customs, and options for fun—ideal if you prefer warm holidays. Reserve early, handle the busyness, and enjoy the mix.