In Costa Rica, the run-up to the holidays starts early and lingers into the New Year. From the smallest town to the capital, Ticos celebrate the holidays with vibrant festivals, fireworks, and parades.
If you’ve timed your arrival to coincide with San José’s weeklong Festival de la Luz that begins Dec. 16, expect light displays everywhere, with concerts and fireworks in the park. The light parade begins at National Gymnasium and travels via Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda to Plaza de la Democracia.
Local celebrations of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, are marked by religious processions, masses, and costumed dancing throughout Costa Rica. Most Costa Ricans attend Christmas Eve mass, known as Misa de Gallo, and Christmas Day mass. Although these are religious occasions, they are also important cultural traditions in Costa Rica that are more than worth the effort to attend.
Bullfights (Costa Rican-style and bloodless), street fairs and carnivals are also popular activities everywhere in Costa Rica. Tico homes are usually covered in Christmas lights and decorations, as well as elaborate nativity scenes; everyone will enjoy the spectacle as you travel past homes around Los Sueños Resort.
At Los Sueños, the Marriott is hosting a Christmas Eve dinner, as well as a traditional Christmas Day meal and a New Year’s Eve gala celebration. Los Sueños’ Beach Club is also hosting a New Year’s Eve party from 10 p.m. – 2 p.m., as well as a dance party on Dec. 29. HRG’s concierge staff can help you book reservations. If you prefer a stay-at-home Christmas in your holiday vacation rental, staff can help you stock up on food, groceries and other supplies or book a personal chef to prepare the meal for you.
The Tope Caballos, Dec. 26, is a spectacular horse parade in downtown San José that shows off Costa Rica’s equine traditions and Criollo horse breed. Like Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade, you can watch it on television from Los Sueños Resort.
If you want a special holiday outing, consider traveling to nearby Puntarenas between Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 for la Fiesta de Los Diablitos on the Boruca Indian Reservation. The festival is a 4-day celebration honoring Costa Rica’s indigenous people with battle reenactments, traditional masked dances and foods.
The concierge team at Los Sueños can help make it a Christmas to remember for you and your family.