Have you been hunting for vacation spots to close this calendar year in style? Do you think you’ve seen it all and have no place left to experience Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in a way you never have? Well, if you haven’t yet immersed yourself in the authentic traditions in Costa Rica, you’ll have to add it to your bucket list right away! The celebrations in this country - like its people - feature plenty of excitement, high spirits, fun adventures and parties.
On top of finding various activities for you and your family/friends, you’ll also feel warm vibes and positive energy if you decide to rent out an extravagant and luxurious villa. To add to all of this, everything from the weather to the local traditions and natural beauty will make you feel as though the whole universe wants you to witness an experience of a lifetime.
With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at the popular Christmas and New Year’s traditions in Costa Rica that make this country the best spot to visit in December.
Christmas traditions in Costa Rica
Christmas is all about family, friends, celebrations, and being grateful for the life you have. No other place knows the importance of unity, enjoyment, and appreciation as well as Costa Rica.
1. Parades, fiestas, and rodeos!
While Christmas falls on the 25th of December, Costa Ricans start their preparations and parties mid-December…because why not? Throughout the month, you’ll get a chance to attend vibrant parades, fiestas, bull runs, and rodeos. To top it off, the street parties and dance festivals will be something you’ll remember and cherish for the rest of your life.
As volunteers and musicians fill the streets of Costa Rica for Festival de la Luz, let’s just say the party does not end anytime soon! Beginning the second week of December, dances, floats, and celebrations continue well into January!
2. The delicious feasts
If action filled fiestas are not your thing and you consider yourself more of a foodie, then the Christmas feasts in Costa Rica will appeal to you. On the day of the festival, you can expect to see lots of tamales, pork ribs, and eggnogs. It’s simply not Christmas Eve if you don’t sit back with friends and family to sample the country’s national drink, Guaro, and some rum.
3. Costa Rica national traditions
On top of enjoying the traditional Christmas cuisines, you’ll also get a peek into Costa Rica traditions that are significantly different than the ones you follow in the US. Costa Ricans love setting up a Nativity Scene either in the living room or next to Christmas tree. If you get the opportunity to visit a local’s home during this time, you’ll find nativity scenes that take up more than half of the room!
Unlike your typical Christmas in the States- where Santa is involved- children in Costa Rica write their letters to Niño Dios, aka Baby Jesus. After dinner, the children and their family will put Niño Dios to bed in the manger. Costa Rican families then head to the Midnight Mass for a celebration.
4. It doesn't end there
Christmas is only the beginning of the festivities that follow in Costa Rica in December. Some of the most popular traditions in Costa Rica include horse parades and bullfights that begin right after Christmas. However, you can always skip the festivities and relax on the beach.
Costa Rica traditions for New Year's
The Christmas celebrations soon turn into New Year’s celebrations as the skies are filled with wish lanterns and fireworks. Can you imagine the scenic views blended with the surrounding natural beauty?
December is close to its end, and the whole country is indulged in New Year’s Eve celebrations - like the rest of the world. However, as one of the world’s happiest countries, Costa Rica likes to do things a little differently than the United States of America.
1. "Tis the (barbeque) season
December in Costa Rica is the start of the high-season for tourists. For New Year's Eve Costa Ricans love a little barbecue feast. You’ll find plenty of mouthwatering items on the menu, slow-cooked to perfection over a coffee-wood fire.
In addition to the barbecue, one of the most popular traditions in Costa Rica at the end of the year involves eating 12 grapes to attract good luck into each of the coming months. Don’t forget to make a wish as you munch on each!
2. Traditional practices
One of the most unique traditional practices you’ll come across in the country is that the people here wear yellow, green, or red underwear to attract good fortune, money, or a soul mate, respectively. Don't worry if you forget to buy underwear; a ribbon on the door will do!
There’s also a water-tossing ritual, and you’ll see many locals throwing water from a pan over their shoulders. This symbolizes letting go of all struggles and worries of the past year and welcoming the new one. The fun and excitement don't end on this day!
Fiesta Zapote starts on New Year’s Eve and lasts six days! It's no wonder that Costa Ricans are always so happy and full of excitement. If you want to party at the beach that night, you can head to Playa Tamarindo in the Guanacaste Province.
Are you eager yet to experience Costa Rica along with its beautiful beaches? Our villa on the Pacific coast in Playa Junquillal, Guanacaste is waiting for you. Browse our Out of Office Villa website now and reserve your dates for your dream escape!