Costa Rica is a country rich in traditions and full of festive cheer throughout December.
At Sendero Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica, we embrace the spirit of the season, bringing together our guests and the local community in celebration. Let’s explore the unique holiday traditions that make this time of year so special. While Costa Rica is a predominantly Catholic country with many traditions centered around Christmas, the holiday spirit here transcends religion, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to join in the joy.
Festival de la Luz: Festival of Lights
December in Costa Rica is illuminated by tree lighting ceremonies, street parades, fireworks, and dazzling Christmas lights. The highlight is the annual Festival de la Luz in San José, where traditional live music, marching bands, dancing, and elaborate illuminated floats create a vibrant showcase of culture and community. Can’t make it to the capital? Many towns and cities host their own festive parades and we have many in towns around the Nosara area.
Gordo Navideño: The Big Christmas Lottery
With its origins dating back to 1892, the first El Gordo Navideño lottery draw was held and has since become a tradition in Costa Rican culture. Each year, families, friends, and entire communities come together in anticipation of the annual event, which is broadcast live nationwide, with a live audience joining in the excitement. The prizes are life-changing in the milliones of colones with people thoughtfully choosing their ticket numbers, with sentimental value and meaningful dates.
Traditional Christmas Dishes
Costa Rica’s holiday season is filled with delicious traditions.
- Queque Navideño: A Christmas fruitcake bursting with tropical dried fruits soaked in rum and spices, often accompanied by almond cookies and pastries.
- Rompope: A creamy twist on eggnog, made with milk, egg yolks, cinnamon, sugar, and spirits.
- Tamales: The heart of Costa Rican Christmas cuisine. Preparing tamales is a labor of love, with families gathering to assemble large batches filled with rice, vegetables, braised meat, potatoes, and spices—all wrapped in banana leaves. Each family adds its own unique touch to this iconic dish.
Misa de Gallo: Midnight Mass
Costa Rica is a country deeply rooted in faith, with Catholicism playing a central role in many homes. On December 24th, the traditional Midnight Mass, Misa de Gallo has churches overflowing with attendees. Families and the community come together during this cherished tradition in song, connection, and worship for the evening. Pews are often packed to capacity, leaving only standing room at the back, so for those planning on attending during your Christmas vacation in Costa Rica it is important to plan to arrive early.
A Day at The Beach
As Christmas day rolls around, the beaches become the place to be and one of the biggest holiday traditions of them all in Costa Rica. Sendero, our luxury boutique surf hotel, is loocated just a few steps away from Playa Guiones, our secluded slice of paradise gifts you an intimate tropical setting for your Christmas vacation in Costa Rica.
The holiday time in Nosara offers a refreshing departure from the normal holidays, connecting you to the area’s natural beauty and the traditions of the community. If you are planning to trade the snow for the sand, you will find a truly memorable time in Costa Rica at the best boutique surf hotel in Nosara, Sendero. Reach out to book your stay today!
