5 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Costa Rica This Year

If you’re dreaming of a holiday season filled with sun, adventure, and festive cheer, Christmas in Costa Rica might be just what you need. Combining warm weather with exciting cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and a wealth of wildlife, Costa Rica has the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.

It’s also a place to experience Christmas differently compared to the usual Christmas we all know.

December marks the start of the dry season in Costa Rica, offering warm, sunny days and comfortably mild evenings. Unlike colder, snow-covered Christmas destinations, Costa Rica's weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities and holiday relaxation. Imagine spending Christmas morning lounging on a sun-drenched beach or exploring lush rainforests filled with exotic wildlife. 

Costa Rica’s pleasant climate during December is ideal for enjoying the country's famed national parks and pristine beaches. So, if hiking to hidden waterfalls or exploring rainforests is your thing, then you will be glad to know that the weather is on your side.

Christmas in Costa Rica is something that allows you to get a closer look at the way cultures differ during Christmas. Costa Ricans, known as "Ticos," celebrate Christmas with a warm and welcoming holiday spirit that makes visitors feel right at home. In December, the streets of Costa Rican towns and cities come alive with parades, music, and fireworks.

A standout tradition is the Festival de la Luz, a spectacular parade in San José with vibrant floats, musicians, and dancers. The celebration showcases Costa Rica’s creativity and community pride, drawing locals and visitors alike. Another beloved tradition is Las Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging, celebrated in neighborhoods across the country with carol singing and festive gatherings.

Costa Rican families also come together to prepare holiday meals. Tamales, a staple dish made from corn dough filled with meats and vegetables and wrapped in banana leaves, are prepared in bulk for family and friends. These gatherings are an integral part of Costa Rican Christmas traditions, and they bring warmth and community to the holiday season.

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, making it a dream destination for nature lovers. Spending Christmas here means you’ll have access to a range of different and beautiful landscapes, from sandy beaches to misty cloud forests and towering volcanoes. With the dry season beginning, it’s the perfect time to explore Costa Rica’s most famous natural attractions.

Start your holiday at one of Costa Rica’s popular national parks, like Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast or Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean side. Visiting these parks would make for a day trip from Blue River Resort and Hot Springs, which means you can venture through more of Costa Rica’s untouched natural beauty. Another glorious and gorgeous national park is Rincón de la Vieja National Park in the country's northwestern region, which is just about an hour and a half away from Blue River Resort and Hot Springs and boasts excellent waterfall trails. Each park offers unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. You might encounter everything from colorful toucans and playful monkeys to serene beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. You will get the chance to spot the region's tropical creatures, including the most colorful toucans and playful monkeys. 

If you’d like to stay closer to your accommodation and not travel too far out, don’t worry because you can! At Blue River Resort and Hot Springs, you can hike, relax in the rejuvenating natural mud baths, or go zip-lining all from the comfort of your resort. 

On the coast, Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula beaches are excellent for those who want to relax or try their hand at surfing. The warm sands and clear waters make it easy to forget the snow back home, and the sunsets here provide the perfect backdrop for a Christmas you’ll never forget.

For thrill-seekers, Costa Rica is packed with adventure activities that make for an exhilarating holiday season. From zip-lining through the rainforest to whitewater rafting, Costa Rica offers plenty of ways to add excitement to your Christmas holiday.

In Monteverde, you can experience one of Costa Rica’s famed cloud forests from above with a zip-lining tour. These tours allow you to soar through the treetops, taking in panoramic views of the lush green forests. Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River is another popular activity, giving you a close look at Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes while navigating thrilling rapids. The 3-hour drive from Blue River Resort and Hot Springs to Monteverde is absolutely worth it. 

Water sports are also widely available, with surfing hotspots along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. If you’re a beginner, consider trying out lessons in Tamarindo, a town known for its friendly surfing culture. For snorkeling enthusiasts, Costa Rica's protected marine areas, such as Caño Island, offer incredible underwater experiences, where you might encounter coral reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles.

Christmas in Costa Rica is the best chance for you to connect with nature in a truly special way. The country’s commitment to conservation has made it a haven for wildlife, and its national parks and reserves are teeming with animals that you’re unlikely to see elsewhere.

In Corcovado National Park, you’ll find a rich variety of wildlife, from howler monkeys and scarlet macaws to endangered tapirs. The Caribbean coast is also a nesting ground for sea turtles, making December a great time to witness these creatures as they return to the beach to lay their eggs. Marino Ballena National Park is known for humpback whale sightings, so keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures if you’re visiting the Pacific coast. Short day trips from Blue River Resort and Hot Springs to these national parks open you to a world of stunning wildlife in their natural habitats, so if you’re a nature enthusiast, then making these day trips would bring joy and wonder to your soul. 

A guided wildlife tour, which can be done with Blue River Resort and Hot Springs, is highly recommended, as local guides have an incredible eye for spotting animals that might otherwise go unnoticed. Costa Rica’s commitment to eco-tourism ensures that visitors can experience these animals in their natural habitat while helping to protect the country’s precious ecosystems.

From its stunning beaches and beautiful Christmas traditions to adrenaline-pumping adventures and rich wildlife, Costa Rica lets you take a holiday unlike any other. If you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed holiday, Christmas in Costa Rica combines festive warmth with unmatched natural beauty, bringing you everything needed for a perfect Christmas adventure. So, if you're searching for an unforgettable destination for this holiday season, Costa Rica is the one for you.

Blue River Resort and Hot Springs might be the place to stay this December. It offers everything from comfortable rooms with fantastic amenities to awesome adventures that include hiking, zip-lining, and much more—all in one place—adventure and relaxation without having to travel far. Book your stay with us today!