The holiday season in Costa Rica is nothing short of spectacular: picture sunlit days, balmy beach evenings, and nights lit by fireworks over the Pacific. Whether you’re dreaming of a warm-weather Christmas Day in Costa Rica or ringing in a festive New Year’s in the tropics, Tamarindo knows how to celebrate the holidays with style, energy, and a much-needed holiday dose of pura vida.
From family gatherings and beachside barbecues to lively parties and cultural traditions, Tamarindo offers a unique blend of vacation relaxation and holidays celebration. And with that in mind, here’s how to embrace the palm-trees-and-beach-days holiday spirit in one of our holiday rentals Costa Rica.
Christmas Day in Costa Rica: A Week of Celebration
Christmas is more than a day in Costa Rica; it’s an entire week – or even an entire month, if you care to stretch it out! – of fun and festivity, in a town always buzzing with life. In-and-around-town celebrations are a cozy blend of traditional Costa Rican customs and modern beach-town flair. So let’s take a closer look at how the celebrations unfold:
December 1-24: Enjoy the Lights, Posadas & Christmas Markets
Christmas in Costa Rica starts long before Christmas Day in Costa Rica; after all, without an official Halloween or Thanksgiving holiday to mark the transition to the Christmas season, you’ll notice lights start to sparkle any time after September 15 (the last Costa Rican holiday prior to Christmas).
So, make the most of the season and get out onto the streets to enjoy a town full of seasonal joy – from twinkle lights and town Christmas trees to giant nativity scenes and fire dancers on the beach, there’s always something to fill your heart with joy and spirit!
Be sure to also watch for Christmas markets and pop-ups, which sprinkle downtown with artisanal treats, handmade crafts, and the sounds of holiday music. If you’re lucky, a posada (caroling group) may just be passing through as you shop!
December 24–25: Christmas in Costa Rica
Christmas in Costa Rica is a family-centric holiday, filled with joy, tradition, and delicious food. Expect feasts of banana-wrapped tamales, roasted pork, and festive desserts, often shared around the family’s nativity scene, known as the portal.
On Christmas Eve, families gather for Midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo) before heading home to exchange gifts and indulge in a late-night meal. Christmas Day is more relaxed, often spent on the beach or enjoying a BBQ with friends.
Notably, as traditions grow and change, families are pushing their traditions either forward or backward, often feasting earlier in the day, either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas day in Costa Rica. And if you really want to get into the local holiday spirit, then ask us to schedule a private chef, tamale-making session!
December 26: El Tope Parade
The holidays transition from Christmas into New Year’s with El Tope, Costa Rica’s iconic horse parade. While the main event takes place in San José, you can catch smaller versions in local towns or enjoy the national broadcast on TV: a colorful spectacle of beautifully adorned horses and skilled riders, showcasing Costa Rica’s proud cowboy culture.
December 26–31: Beach Days & Festivities
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is prime beach time in Costa Rica. Tamarindo buzzes with activity as locals and visitors alike head to the beach for barbecues, water sports, and outdoor celebrations. It’s a week-long celebration filled with sun, sand, and smiles – your perfect invitation to embrace the laid-back, joyful spirit of our pura vida.
New Year’s Eve in Tamarindo: Celebrate in Style
Tamarindo truly comes alive on New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family gathering or a wild night out, our sandy beach town has something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of it:
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Host a Beachside BBQ
Nothing says “Costa Rican holiday” like a barbecue by the beach! Gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy a feast of chorizo, fresh fish, marinated chicken, and veggies. Many vacation rentals in Tamarindo come equipped with outdoor kitchens or BBQ pits, perfect for creating your own holiday feast.
Want to skip the cooking? Book a private chef and enjoy a gourmet meal without the hassle. Our holiday rentals Costa Rica often include chef services, so you can focus on the fun.
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Find Your Party
In Tamarindo, you’ll find options for every celebration style:
- Family Gatherings: Many locals celebrate at home, enjoying good food, music, and conversation.
- Night Out: Head to Tamarindo’s bars and beach clubs for live music, DJs, and champagne toasts. Venues are decked out in holiday lights, and the party lasts well into the early hours of New Year’s Day.
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Fireworks & Fire Dancers
No New Year’s celebration is complete without fireworks. At midnight, the sky over Tamarindo lights up with dazzling displays. Many families set off their own fireworks, while beach clubs (be sure to check out Pangas, a local favorite!) host more elaborate shows.
And don’t miss the fire dancers who perform on the beach – an enchanting, fiery spectacle that adds a touch of magic to the night.
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Embrace Local Traditions
Add a bit of Costa Rican flair to your holiday with these fun traditions:
- 12 Grapes at Midnight: Eat a grape for each stroke of midnight, making a wish for each month of the coming year.
- Colorful Underwear: Wear red for love, yellow for happiness, or green for prosperity. Choose wisely!
- Suitcase Walk: Take an empty suitcase for a walk around the block or beach to invite travel and adventure into your life in the new year.
January 6: Epiphany & Rezo del Niño
The holiday season in Costa Rica officially ends with Epiphany (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6. Many families celebrate with El Rezo del Niño – a gathering to honor the nativity, pray, and share delicious treats. It’s a meaningful way to close out the holiday season and welcome the new year with gratitude.
Where to Stay
The hard truth is that holiday rentals Costa Rica typically book up well in advance – often, as early as the year before! But you’re in luck: As of publication, we still have availability for Christmas Day in Costa Rica at a few of our prime rentals:
Casa Florecer
Tamarindo | 5 Beds | 5 Baths | Sleeps 16
Welcome to Casa Florecer, your modern sanctuary in Tamarindo Park. This eco-luxury retreat features a private pool, surrounded by a lush tropical garden that invites peaceful moments and stargazing nights. The property includes a main house and two detached suites, offering the perfect blend of comfort and privacy – especially when traveling as an extended family or group for Christmas Day in Costa Rica!
Each suite is designed for relaxation, featuring stylish interiors and tranquil garden views. Located just a 10-minute walk from Tamarindo Beach and downtown, you’re close to everything while still feeling blissfully secluded. Rent a golf cart and effortlessly explore the area’s shops, restaurants, and scenic spots.
Your stay at Casa Florecer is elevated with Elite Service, including daily housekeeping and laundry. Our dedicated concierge, Adriana, can also arrange breakfast and snack preparation (you provide the groceries), leaving you free to savor every moment of your Costa Rican getaway.
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Casa Amuga
Playa Grande | 6 Beds | 6 Baths | 14 Guests
Welcome to Casa Amuga, your serene haven just steps from Playa Grande and a quick drive to Playa Ventana. Located in a laid-back surf town known for its consistent waves, this stunning property features amain house, a poolside casita, and a cozy two-bedroom guest house, perfect for when you’re traveling with multiple generations or an extended group.
Enjoy the luxury of your own private pool, perfect for energizing morning dips or lazy afternoons. Surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife, Casa Amuga offers a peaceful retreat where nature takes center stage.
At Casa Amuga, your experience goes beyond a stay – it’s an invitation to relax, explore, and embrace the good life.
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Villa Estrella Azul
Playa Langosta | 8 Beds | 6 Baths | Sleeps 18
Situated just minutes south of downtown Tamarindo, Villa Estrella Azul offers the ideal balance: accessibility to all amenities paired with just enough distance from bustling crowds. This gem among Tamarindo villa rentals exudes the exclusivity of a private boutique hotel rather than a mere residence.
With its eight opulent bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen fit for a gourmet chef, and an exquisite infinity pool, Villa Estrella Azul promises more than just luxury. Nestled a stone’s throw away from Tamarindo Beach, this property boasts one of the most enviable entertainment spaces around. Your private backyard features a pool with a gradual depth transition, surrounded by ample shaded verandahs and an intimate yoga pavilion.
Amplifying the outdoor experience, the estate offers a ping-pong table and alfresco dining amenities, complemented by a gas grill and a brick pizza oven. Engage in a spirited ping-pong round while the day’s fresh catch grills to perfection. Relish your meal, and afterward, indulge in a languid swim or a rejuvenating nap under the canopy. Every choice promises delight, even if choosing is a delightful challenge.
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Planning to Spend Christmas Day in Costa Rica? Make Holiday Memories in Tamarindo
Whether you’re visiting for Christmas, New Year’s, or both, Tamarindo is a Christmas-to-New-Year’s experience like no other. From festive beach days to lively celebrations, let us welcome you to a holiday full of joy, relaxation, and a sense of community.
We’re here to share all our planning know-how and to help you jump onto last-minute holiday travel. Whether you’re looking to narrow down your options for Tamarindo rentals or are looking for a few yes-they-still-have-availability suggestions, we’re here and we’re ready.
So please, get in touch! We love to chat about Tamarindo, getaways, and vacation rentals. We readily share our experiences and advice. And we promise, we’re friendly, to boot. We look forward to hearing from you!
