Christmas in Costa Rica

Moving from one country to another and from one culture to another means a double set of traditions to consider. Accepting new customs doesn’t mean...

What is it that makes us follow old customs year after year, even with so many new appealing ideas in the market? Why do...

A visit to Costa during the Christmas holidays can you tell you a lot about Costa Rican culture and people.

There is no Festival of Lights in 2020, so we hold onto memories of years past with the hope that we may celebrate again in 2021. 

Thousands of Ticos gathered to watch lively performers, synchronized marching bands and decorative floats parade down the city's main avenue.

A rundown of the hours of banks and other key services over the holidays.

Our guide to the definitive Costa Rican Christmas.

A few of our favorite holiday events and eats this year.

A few of our favorite images from this year's holiday season in Costa Rica. Merry Christmas!

Despite all of the marketing efforts to make Santa Claus the star of Christmas in Costa Rica, 39 percent of Tico parents polled in a survey last month said they tell their children that Baby Jesus, known in Spanish as El Niño or El Niñito, is the one who brings gifts on Christmas Eve.