So you decided to spend the holidays in Costa Rica? What a great idea! In fact, we can’t think of a better idea than to escape the rush of the season for pure relaxation. At this point, you’re likely anticipating your trip and planning how to spend this special time with your significant other, family or friends. Fortunately, Costa Rica offers so many amazing things to do. Let our local travel experts share with you our favorite ways to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in Costa Rica.

4 Ways to Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in Costa Rica

1. With tradition.

Get back to basics and live a little, too, when you follow our Costa Rican traditions this year. For example, forgo the Christmas ham and serve up some of our amazing tamales, followed by the ever-festive eggnog or a cup of our fresh Arabica coffee. Observe our religious practices, deeply rooted in the Catholic church, when your family builds its own Nativity scene. Then, on Christmas Eve, place Baby Jesus in the manger and join our locals for Midnight Mass. Together, we’ll celebrate the real reason for the season.

When the New Year rolls around, choose whether you’d prefer love or luck, and wear your underwear accordingly. The color red will deliver you a special someone, while yellow will bring you good fortune. For more of the latter, be sure to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each month of the year. If you wish to do this all over again next holiday season, take a stroll down the street with your suitcase on New Year’s Eve to guarantee your 2018 travel.

2. On an adventure.

Have you ever dreamt of soaring over the lush treetops of a Costa Rican rainforest? Do you dare to step foot on an active volcano? How does driving a boat around a tropical paradise sound? End 2017 with a check off your bucket list, or kick off the New Year by fulfilling a resolution to be more daring. No matter the level of thrill you seek, Costa Rica has an amazing adventure for you.

Read our post, “5 Incredible Tours You Need to Do in Costa Rica,” for more ideas and inspiration!

3. At a festival.

Special events are easy to find year-round in our country, but we go big with festivals during the holiday season. This is especially true in our capital of San Jose. Travel to its quiet district of Zapote, the last week of December and the first week of January, and watch it come alive for the Festejos Populares. There, you’ll find something for everyone, including bullfighting, fireworks, dancing, food and carnival rides. On December 26th, the city will host its grand Tope Nacional and allow beautiful horses to fill its streets.

For those staying in the ever-popular Manuel Antonio area, you’ll want to know that the nearby town of Quepos will host a street party in its downtown district on New Year’s Eve. Locals and tourists of all ages are invited to enjoy fireworks, live music and dancing. In fact, don’t be surprised to see children and their grandparents getting down right in the streets. It’s an authentic experience and one you won’t want to miss. Just ask your Costa Rica First Class Villas concierge for details!

4. In peace.

You took the first step to tranquility by booking your Costa Rica vacation. Now, let the peace and joy of this wondrous season and our relaxing environment really help you to escape life’s demands.

If you’re staying in a luxury holiday villa, you’ll have the space and amenities you need to make this happen. You can even take it a step further and have a personal chef come to you to prepare fabulous meals. Just know people are available to relieve some of your travel-related or daily burdens and allow you to focus on what matters most – your loved ones, your downtime and your holiday celebration.

Contact our local vacation rental managers for help in making this Christmas and New Year’s in Costa Rica the most wonderful time of the year, if not of a lifetime. On behalf of our team, happy holidays to you and yours!