A Complete Guide to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica

December 10, 2025

New Year’s Eve is a time to gather with family and friends, share laughter, enjoy delicious food, and welcome new beginnings. If you’re looking for a fresh and exciting way to celebrate the holiday, spending Costa Rica New Years is one of the best choices you can make.

With its warm culture, festive atmosphere, and tropical landscapes, New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica goes beyond a simple celebration it’s a cultural experience full of joy and pura vida.
Many travelers even combine Christmas in Costa Rica with their New Year celebrations to enjoy the country’s full holiday season.

Start the year surrounded by fireworks, beaches, music, and Costa Rican traditions you’ll never forget.

Horses grazing in a green field with Arenal Volcano in the background in Costa Rica

Is New Year’s a Good Time to Visit Costa Rica?

Absolutely! New Year’s is one of the most exciting times to visit Costa Rica. The dry season begins in December, offering sunny weather, clear skies, and perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and festive events.

Whether you want to party on the beach, join a lively local celebration, or enjoy a relaxed evening with traditional Costa Rican customs, Costa Rica New Years offers memorable experiences for every type of traveler.

How Do People Celebrate New Year’s in Costa Rica?

New Year’s in Costa Rica is a family-oriented holiday filled with warmth, gratitude, and joyful traditions. Just like during Christmas in Costa Rica, families gather to enjoy special dinners, music, and fireworks as they welcome a fresh start.

Below are the traditions that make Costa Rican New Year unique:

Traditional New Year’s Eve Dinner

Food is the heart of Costa Rican celebrations. Families prepare generous holiday meals that often include:

Pork leg (pierna de cerdo)
Arroz con pollo
Chicken with chickpeas
Homemade chicharrones
Carne asada (BBQ)
Potato salad, garden salad, and Russian-style salad

Seasonal fruits such as grapes, apples, and pears are also common favorites.

Minutes before midnight, families gather for the countdown, ready to welcome the New Year with hugs, blessings, and fireworks.

Fireworks at Midnight

Fireworks are one of the most exciting elements of Costa Rica New Years celebrations. Beaches, towns, and cities light up the sky at midnight with colorful displays. Whether you’re celebrating at a hotel, on the beach, or at a family home, the festive atmosphere is unforgettable.

Attending Mass

In areas like Cartago and Liberia, many Costa Rican’s attend mass as a gesture of gratitude for the past year and hope for the year to come.

Fun and Symbolic Costa Rican New Year Traditions

Here are popular traditions that locals follow to attract good fortune:

Walking with a Suitcase

A favorite for travel lovers walk around the block at midnight with a suitcase to attract a year full of adventures.

Tossing Water Over the Shoulder

A symbolic gesture to “throw away” the troubles of the past year.

Wearing Lucky Underwear

Costa Ricans choose specific colors to manifest their wishes:

Yellow for good luck
Green for money
Red for love

This tradition also connects with similar beliefs seen during Christmas in Costa Rica.

Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight

Each grape represents a wish for each month of the upcoming year—12 wishes for 12 months of good fortune.

Santa Lucía Flowers

Placed inside a wallet on January 1st to attract prosperity. Some give bouquets as good-luck gifts.

Singing “El Año Viejo”

A beloved New Year’s Eve song that plays throughout Costa Rica during celebrations.

Aerial view of travelers crossing the Arenal hanging bridges surrounded by rainforest

Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers celebrations for every vibe from beach parties to cultural city events. These are the top destinations for Costa Rica New Years:

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is famous for its vibrant beach party scene, featuring bonfires, dancing, live music, and fireworks. Everything is walkable, making it perfect for a night out.

Popular activities nearby include:

Surfing
Horseback riding
Catamaran sailing
Arenal Volcano tours
Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Santa Teresa

This bohemian beach town hosts legendary New Year’s Eve parties, especially at Ranchos Itauna. Expect music, dancing, and crowds ready to celebrate under the stars.

During the day you can enjoy:

ATV riding
Wildlife sightings
Waterfalls and tide pools
Surfing

Surfers walking along a rocky beach in Costa Rica preparing to enter the water

San José

For nightlife lovers, San José offers high-energy venues and events:

Wyndham Hotel New Year’s Gala
Vertigo Nightclub all-night party
Fiesta Zapote (Dec 26–early January) with rides, food, music, and fireworks

La Fortuna

La Fortuna combines nature and celebration. You’ll find:

Fireworks in the town center
Family-friendly games and music
Special hotel dinners and events

Playas del Coco

A lively town perfect for beach celebrations. Streets and beaches fill with people as midnight approaches. You can also enjoy stunning fireworks visible from the Papagayo Peninsula.

Tips for Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica

Use these practical tips to enjoy your Costa Rica New Years celebration:

Make reservations early—this is peak season.
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing.
Carry some cash; not all places accept cards.
Try local traditions like eating 12 grapes or tossing water.
Stay hydrated and be aware of your surroundings.
Set a meeting point if attending large events.

Experience the Magic of Costa Rica New Years

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica is unforgettable—full of fireworks, heartfelt traditions, lively music, and the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality.

At Find My Costa Rica, we help you plan the perfect holiday trip, from choosing destinations to crafting personalized itineraries that match your travel style.

People swimming at the beach in Costa Rica during a colorful sunset

FAQ

What is the weather like in Costa Rica for New Year's?

Costa Rica enters its dry season in December. Expect warm, sunny days and mild nights. Some early-December showers are possible. Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a small umbrella.

Do tourists need to know Costa Rican New Year's Eve etiquette?

There’s no strict etiquette, but embracing traditions—like toasting at midnight or enjoying family-style dinners enhances the experience. Respect quiet hours and avoid early-morning noise.

The rainy season is genuinely wonderful for travelers who prepare for it. Crowds are smaller, forests are greener, and waterfalls are at their most dramatic. It rains hard, but usually in defined afternoon windows — mornings are often clear.

Want the full picture? Our guide to Costa Rica’s rainy season covers what to expect region by region.

What to pack by activity

Do not repeat your master checklist here these are the additions that matter for specific trip types. Grab what applies to your itinerary and leave the rest.

Beach and water sports

Rash guard sun protection in the water is more effective than sunscreen alone
Waterproof phone case or action cam housing
Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory in marine reserves; this is not a suggestion
Water shoes for rocky beaches and shallow reef walks

Hiking and national parks

Trekking poles especially useful on steep, wet trails in Corcovado or Chirripó
Gaiters for deep mud on rainy season trails
Extra headlamp batteries early morning wildlife walks start before dawn
Microfiber towel compact and dries fast between hikes

Wildlife watching

Binoculars note that most FMCR partner guides carry loaners, so check with your guide before packing yours
Zoom lens (200mm or more) for photographing birds and monkeys at distance
Early-morning layers wildlife is most active before 8am when temperatures are still low
Silent, dark-colored clothing neon colors startle wildlife

City and culture (San José and beyond)

Money belt or anti-theft bag pickpocketing exists in busy market areas
Light cardigan or blazer for nicer restaurants
Comfortable walking shoes cobblestones in Barrio Amón are tough on sandals

Traveler enjoying a Costa Rica sunset view from a scenic overlook

What NOT to pack for Costa Rica

This is the section most travelers wish they had read first. Overpacking is the number one complaint we hear from guests on their first day. Less really is more when you are moving between regions.

Jeans: They never fully dry in the humidity. Swap them for quick-dry pants or shorts and thank yourself on day two.

High heels or dress shoes: You will not need them. Even nice restaurants in Costa Rica are casual. One pair of clean trail sandals does the job.

Too many shoes: Three pairs maximum: waterproof sandals, trail shoes, and flip flops. Shoes are heavy and take space.

Non-reef-safe sunscreen: It is prohibited in several reserves and harmful to marine ecosystems. Bring reef-safe from home. Brands like Raw Elements and Badger are good options.

A hair dryer: Almost every hotel and lodge provides one. Leave yours at home.

Valuables you cannot afford to lose: Leave the expensive jewelry and the laptop you need for work. Use your trip as a proper break.

Cotton everything:Cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet all day. Pack synthetics or merino for everything except maybe one casual outfit.

Practical tips for packing smart: documents, money, and tech

Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your trip.

Customs also requires a tiquete de salida proof of onward travel out of Costa Rica. This can be a return flight or a bus ticket to a neighboring country. Have it printed or easily accessible on your phone. See Costa Rica national park regulations via SINAC for entry requirements at protected areas.

Money

Colones (CRC) are the local currency; USD is widely accepted but change is given in colones
ATMs are available in most towns withdraw colones there rather than exchanging at the airport, where rates are poor
Visa and Mastercard accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators; carry some cash for small sodas and local markets

Health prep

Check the CDC health recommendations for Costa Rica before your trip they cover vaccines, repellent, and food safety guidance. Travel insurance is not required by law, but we strongly recommend it for anyone doing adventure activities.

Tech

Costa Rica runs on 110V/60Hz US travelers need no adapter or converter
Cell coverage is solid in tourist areas; download offline maps before heading into remote zones
WhatsApp is the primary communication tool in Costa Rica make sure it is installed and working

Tropical hot springs surrounded by rainforest in Costa Rica

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?

US, Canadian, and UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your trip. You will need to show a return or onward ticket at customs.

Is tap water safe to drink in Costa Rica?

Yes in most areas. Tap water in San José, Guanacaste, La Fortuna, and other major tourist regions is safe to drink and often tastes good. In very remote or rural communities, confirm locally before drinking. Carry a reusable bottle and refill with confidence in most places.

What is the best luggage for a Costa Rica trip?

A soft-sided rolling suitcase works well if you are staying in one or two places. If you are moving between regions beach, rainforest, and volcano a mid-size backpack (40–50L) is far more practical. It fits in small boats, shuttles, and keeps your hands free on trails. We see guests arrive with giant hard-shell suitcases and spend the trip wishing they had packed a bag.

Do I need to bring bug spray to Costa Rica?

Yes. We recommend a picaridin-based repellent like Sawyer 20% over DEET it works just as well in tropical conditions, does not damage gear or plastics, and has no harsh smell. Apply it especially at dawn and dusk during the rainy season.

Ready to plan your trip? Let Find My Costa Rica handle the details from itinerary to insider tips. Contact us!