Spend even one December day in Costa Rica, and you immediately understand why so many families trade cold weather in the north for balmy beach life in the south. While much of the world is wrapped in jackets and running between holiday errands, life in Costa Rica continues to move at a slower, softer, and much more enjoyable pace.
Mornings here begin with sunlight pouring through the windows and the delicious smell of fresh coffee wafting through from the kitchen. The ocean is warm enough for a swim before breakfast, so instead of putting on three layers of clothing and scraping ice off the car, you’re wandering down to the beach with a sarong around your waist and sand between your toes.
Christmas in Costa Rica is not about escaping the holidays. It’s about experiencing them in a way that actually feels like a rewarding break.
WHY CHRISTMAS IN COSTA RICA FEELS SO EASY
December is one of the most beautiful times to be on the Pacific coast. The dry season has just begun, which means crystal clear skies, golden sunsets, and warm evenings perfect for al fresco dinners. Tamarindo gets into the festive mood without ever feeling frantic. Mind you, Costa Rica simply doesn’t do hectic, no matter how hard one tries! Restaurants decorate their terraces with lights, and as work commitments slow down, you’ll see more local families gathering on the beach for picnics. Surfers catch their holiday waves, and everywhere you look, people are outdoors enjoying the sunshine.
If you’re heading to our shores in early December, you might like to visit the Christmas tree-lighting festival in Lagunilla, about a half-hour drive from Tamarindo. It’s always full of food stalls, live music and amazing art installations. The Flamingo Marina is set to host its yearly Christmas Boat Parade and the moonlight markets in the week before Christmas are the spot to pick up locally made festive souvenirs. Local churches also hold midnight mass on Christmas Eve – we are always happy to arrange private transport to any of these events.
Whatever you do, don’t miss trying traditional tamales when attending a local festival. Costa Rica’s own Christmas delight, tamales are a holiday staple and one of the best ways to taste the season, Tico style. They are often served with a glass of rompope, the local version of brandy-infused eggnog, which is absolutely delectable.
Spending Christmas in Costa Rica in a luxury villa rental means there’s no mammoth cooking to juggle, no snow to shovel, and no pressure to host big gatherings. Just you, your loved ones, and a dedicated villa team that takes care of your every wish.
WHY THE POINT MAKES AN UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS ESCAPE
If you’ve never spent Christmas week away from home, or have not yet been to Costa Rica, it helps to picture what that kind of experience actually feels like. At The Point Luxury Villa in Tamarindo, you can wake up to the sound of the ocean at whatever time your body decides, every single day of your stay. First tick! The aroma of a sumptuous breakfast fills the house and, the best part, you don’t need to lift a finger as it is all prepared for you. Double-tick! As you walk into the living room, you’ll find the patio doors are open wide, and it feels as if you are floating in the Pacific.
It’s the kind of Christmas week magic no material gift could ever deliver.
Afternoons can play out as you wish. Usually, an early afternoon siesta time means someone will be reading in the shade, while others might take the paddleboards out. You’ll probably have a hard time getting the kids out of the pool, although you could always entice them with a private surf lesson down the beach.
Holidays with us are always effortless, and Christmas can feel even more special. Although many guests come to Costa Rica for the sunshine and the slower pace, they still want to hold onto a few familiar traditions. We understand this all too well.
Christmas Day at The Point often starts with breakfast on the terrace, followed by a slow morning by the pool or a walk along the beach. We set up a beautiful Christmas tree every year and make sure the villa is set up to feel magical and festive, but if you have small and meaningful trinkets you’d love to bring along to make the decorations feel even more personal, feel free to do so.
Lunch usually includes fresh seafood from local fishmongers, and our private chef can prepare a festive dinner that will tickle everyone’s taste buds. Yes, even that picky tween! If you’d prefer a traditional Christmas dinner, then rest assured we can arrange that too. By late evening, everyone’s usually barefoot, relaxed, and watching the sky turn gold over the water.
> Find out more about the Experience at The Point
NEED MORE HOLIDAY INSPIRATION? WE’VE GOT YOU!
Christmas at The Point fills early each year, and many families book their next visit before they even leave. If the idea of warm mornings, slow days, and easy holiday traditions has you daydreaming a little, or a lot, we do have a simple way to plan ahead.
If there’s one thing we hear from guests time and again, it’s that the experiences they have in Costa Rica stay with them far longer than any material gift. That’s why we are introducing our new Gift Card option. It lets you reserve a future stay for yourself or someone you love, with flexible dates that can be used any time of year..
FAQS
Is Christmas a good time to visit Costa Rica?
December is one of the nicest times of the year to visit Guanacaste and right at the heart of dry season. The weather is reliably sunny and warm, the ocean feels like bathwater, and the festive atmosphere in Tamarindo is super relaxed and happy.
Is Costa Rica safe for a holiday stay?
Absolutely. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries you could visit anywhere in Latin America. Tamarindo is a particularly friendly coastal town, one that’s used to foreign tourists, so it boasts perhaps the best tourist infrastructure in the entire country which makes it easy to stay safe. What’s more, our Concierge team knows the area well and can arrange private transfers, activities, excursions, and anything else you might need for a comfortable and secure stay.
What activities can we enjoy in Tamarindo over Christmas?
Where should we start?! Sunset catamaran sailing, surf lessons, wildlife tours, ziplining excursions, snorkeling trips, helicopter sightseeing flights, ATV tours, beach walks, as well as private yoga sessions and massages by the gazebo in your luxury villa. And that’s just for starters! You name it, and we can (almost) book it all.
Do restaurants and shops stay open in Costa Rica on Christmas Day?
Most restaurants in Tamarindo stay open throughout the holidays, and many offer special Christmas menus. Shops and supermarkets usually have shorter opening hours on the 24th and 25th, but you will still find what you need. Our team can help you plan ahead so nothing feels rushed.
How far is Tamarindo from the airport?
If you fly into the Liberia International Airport, it will take just an hour to reach Tamarindo, and our villa. We can arrange a private transfer, by road or helicopter, so you arrive relaxed and ready to settle in. Learn more about How to Reach Costa Rica from the USA.
Beautiful objects come and go, but treating someone special to an unforgettable experience together in paradise is the ultimate luxury. If you’re thinking about spending Christmas in Costa Rica, or would love to give someone you love the ultimate luxury Gift Card for a stay in our luxury villa, Contact our Concierge today and let us help you plan the perfect stay at The Point.
