Celebrate a Costa Rican Christmas – Experience the Magic!

There’s something truly special about Christmas in Costa Rica. Whether you’re already living here or thinking about making the move, the holiday season offers a unique blend of tropical charm, heartwarming traditions, and opportunities to connect with the local pura vida lifestyle.

Costa Rican Christmas Traditions You’ll Love
Christmas in Costa Rica is all about family, food, and festivity. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Delicious Holiday Treats: Dive into the tradition of making tamales. These flavorful parcels of joy are wrapped in banana leaves and shared among friends and family—a must-try for anyone new to Costa Rica. Pair it with a glass of rompope (Costa Rican eggnog) to complete the experience!
Festive Parades and Lights: From the dazzling Festival de la Luz in San José to local town celebrations, Costa Rica truly comes alive with parades, fireworks, and holiday lights. It’s a magical way to feel part of the community.
Midnight Mass and Spiritual Reflections: Known as Misa de Gallo, the midnight mass is a cherished tradition that blends faith and festivity. Even if you’re not religious, the sense of togetherness is something to behold.

A Tropical Twist on Christmas
For expats and visitors, spending Christmas in Costa Rica can feel like a tropical getaway combined with the warmth of the season. Instead of snow, you’ll have sun-kissed beaches. Swap sweaters for sandals, and enjoy the best of both worlds—holiday cheer and tropical relaxation.

Activities to Make Your Holiday Memorable

Host a Beachside Holiday Picnic – Bring along some local snacks and celebrate under the palm trees.
Explore National Parks – Christmas is the start of the dry season, making it the perfect time to hike, birdwatch, or marvel at waterfalls.
Give Back to the Community – Join local charity events or toy drives to spread holiday cheer and connect with neighbors.

Plan Your Move During the Holidays
Many expats visit Costa Rica during Christmas to explore what life here could look like. Our monthly relocation tours are a great way to experience the holiday spirit and see how Costa Rica could be your future home. From meeting locals to learning about life here, there’s no better time to start imagining your next chapter.

Let’s make this holiday season one to remember—Costa Rican style!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Feliz Navidad,
Christopher Howard