December is one of the most vibrant and festive months in Costa Rica. It marks the start of the dry or “golden” season, bringing perfect weather, lively holiday traditions, and a sense of renewal as the year comes to an end. From Christmas celebrations infused with Costa Rican charm to New Year festivities in the tropical warmth, December is the ideal time to visit this beautiful country. Let’s explore eight unique characteristics of Costa Rica in December and how Enchanting Hotels can make your stay unforgettable.
Enchanting Hotels: Expanding Its Collection in time for December
As you explore the magic of Costa Rica in December, Enchanting Hotels invites you to experience its unparalleled hospitality in extraordinary destinations. Known for its unique blend of luxury, sustainability, and authenticity, Enchanting Hotels offers a diverse collection of boutique properties across the country, each showcasing Costa Rica’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. This December, the collection grows even more exciting with the addition of two stunning new properties: Almonds and Corals Boutique Hotel near Puerto Viejo and Tocu Tent Camp in Caño Negro.
Almonds and Corals provides an immersive experience on the Caribbean coast, blending jungle serenity with beachfront bliss in Puerto Viejo. Meanwhile, Tocu Tent Camp offers an eco-glamping adventure in the heart of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With these new additions, Enchanting Hotels now provides even more opportunities to discover Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and create unforgettable memories during your December getaway.
1. The Start of the Golden Season
December ushers in the dry season, known locally as the “summer” or Verano. Expect clear blue skies, warm temperatures averaging 80–85°F (27–29°C), and lush landscapes that are the result of the recent rainy season. This is the perfect time to explore Costa Rica’s breathtaking beaches, national parks, and cloud forests. Whether you’re visiting the South Pacific, Guanacaste, or the Caribbean coast, Enchanting Hotels’ collection offers luxurious and strategically located accommodations to make the most of the golden season.
2. Festive Christmas Traditions
Costa Rica’s Christmas celebrations are steeped in warmth, family, and joy. The season begins with Las Posadas, a traditional procession reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Cities and towns are adorned with colorful lights and nativity scenes, and locals attend midnight Mass, or Misa del Gallo, on Christmas Eve.
At Enchanting Hotels’ properties, you can immerse yourself in these traditions while enjoying the ultimate comfort. Imagine celebrating Christmas with beachfront views at Nammbu Bungalows in Guanacaste or amidst the lush rainforests of Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Golfo Dulce.
4. Unique Costa Rican Gastronomy
Food is at the heart of every Costa Rican celebration, and December is no exception. Tamales, a quintessential holiday dish, are a must-try. These corn dough pockets filled with pork or chicken, vegetables, and spices are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. They are often made in large batches by families, turning the process into a festive tradition.
Pair tamales with rompope, Costa Rica’s version of eggnog, or indulge in festive desserts like tres leches cake. Many of Enchanting Hotels’ bistros and restaurants incorporate these seasonal delights into their menus, offering a taste of authentic Costa Rican holiday flavors.
5. Vibrant Festivals and Celebrations
December in Costa Rica is full of energy, with festivals that bring locals and visitors together. The Festival de la Luz (Festival of Lights) in San José is a highlight, featuring month-long activities filling the streets of the Central Valley with colors, flavors, and fun.
Enchanting Hotels’ central locations make it easy to enjoy these events. Stay at Hotel Studio Boutique in San José to experience the heart of these festivities or use it as a base to explore the bustling capital during the holidays.
6. New Year’s Eve: A Tropical Celebration
Say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025 in true Costa Rican style. New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica is a lively celebration filled with beach parties, fireworks, and unique traditions like wearing yellow underwear for good luck or eating 12 grapes at midnight for prosperity.
Whether you want to dance the night away or enjoy a quiet, luxurious dinner with stunning views, Enchanting Hotels has the perfect setting. Celebrate with sophistication at Tilajari Eco Resort with views of the Arenal Volcano or with serenity at El Establo Hotel in the cloud forest of Monteverde.
7. Adventurous Activities in Perfect Weather
With the dry season in full swing, December is the perfect time to explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders. Go zip-lining through the canopy, hike to majestic waterfalls, or surf world-class waves along the Pacific coast. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds in national parks like Manuel Antonio or Corcovado.
Enchanting Hotels provide easy access to these adventures. Hacienda Guachipelin on the slopes of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, is ideal for those seeking a sustainable tropical forest escape, while Manatus Hotel Tortuguero or Lirio Lodge on the Caribbean coast offers a vibrant mix of culture and nature.
8. Stunning Beaches for Relaxation
Costa Rica’s beaches are a year-round draw, but December’s sunny skies and warm waters make them particularly inviting. From the golden sands of Guanacaste to the secluded coves of the South Pacific, there’s a stretch of coastline for everyone.
Enchanting Hotels boasts properties along some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you’re sipping cocktails overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Cristal Ballena in Uvita or exploring the Guanacaste coastline from Bosque del Mar Hotel, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind.
9. Sustainable Travel with Enchanting Hotels
December is also a time for reflection and giving back, and Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainable tourism. Enchanting Hotels shares this commitment, with eco-friendly practices that protect the environment and support local communities.
By staying at properties like Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, which holds the prestigious Elite status for Costa Rica’s Sustainable Tourism Certificate, or Xandari Resort and Spa, known for its conservation initiatives, you contribute to preserving Costa Rica’s natural beauty while enjoying world-class hospitality.
Experience the Magic of December in Costa Rica with Enchanting Hotels
December is a time of joy, renewal, and celebration, and Costa Rica offers a magical setting to embrace it all. Whether you’re exploring holiday traditions, basking in the dry season’s sunshine, or starting the new year with a sense of adventure, Enchanting Hotels provides the perfect accommodation across the country to enhance your experience.
Plan your December getaway with Enchanting Hotels and discover why Costa Rica is the ultimate destination to celebrate the season and make unforgettable memories. From luxurious beach resorts to tranquil rainforest lodges, your dream vacation awaits.
