New Year’s Eve is synonymous with celebration. From the best paradisiacal beaches to traditional spectacles, Costa Rica offers the perfect plan as a good omen for the next 365 days.
Costa Rica has everything one seeks when celebrating the end of the year: a wide range of options that cater to all desires, whether one wants to connect with nature or prefers more cultural activities characteristic of this destination.
Top Favorite Beaches
In a list considering bidding farewell to the year in a Costa Rican style, the best beaches to enjoy with friends and/or family are a must. While it boasts countless beautiful and exotic locations, four stand among the favorites. Tamarindo, located in the province of Guanacaste, is one of the most popular. Its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and festive atmosphere make it the ideal setting to welcome the new year with fireworks shows, live music, and dancing. Jaco, in the province of Puntarenas, also holds a place in the top tier and is a favorite among surfers due to its ideal waves for the sport. New Year’s becomes the perfect excuse to enjoy the parties organized on the beach. For those seeking tranquility, a relaxed atmosphere, and natural beauty, the beaches of Montezuma and Santa Teresa, located in Puntarenas near the Marino Ballena National Park, are the ones to visit.
Traditions and Rituals: The Classic Parade “El Tope”
For those looking to enjoy traditional spectacles as another way to explore the chosen destination, one of the typical celebrations during this time of year is the Day of the Horseman, featuring the parade “El Tope” in San José. This classic celebration, turned ritual, is characterized by the presence of hundreds of riders with their horses—a tribute to these animals that have been an emblem of the country and its people since colonial times.
This celebration includes veterinarians to ensure the horses’ protection: they check that the animals are in good physical condition, have proper horseshoes, and are well-prepared to face the entire route.
Bullfighting, Another Highly Anticipated Spectacle
From December 25th to January 3rd, bullfights take place, another classic year-end spectacle and an integral part of Costa Rican culture. The event is broadcasted on television from Zapote, San José, from December 25th to January 7th, bringing this unforgettable experience to viewers alongside a team of presenters, analysts, comedians, among others. Among the main attractions are the riding championship with 36 riders competing for the top 4 positions and the barrel racing for a show filled with adrenaline and excitement. Additionally, there are surprises and prizes for those attending the event.
Festival of Lights: The Magic of Christmas
Thinking of the Christmas celebration brings to mind the Festival of Lights held since 1996, every second Saturday of December. Its history makes it the first parade of floats and the best bands in the country. Starting at six in the evening, light becomes the absolute protagonist of San José, extending to the rooftops of the National Bank, Agricultural Credit Bank of Cartago, Bank of Costa Rica, and La Sabana Park. The fireworks show starts from the National Gymnasium, goes through Paseo Colón and Second Avenue, and concludes at Democracy Plaza.
Undoubtedly, this is the most popular and anticipated event of the year, attended by nearly 1 million people. It’s an ode to color, joy, creativity, and diversity—an spectacle that equally attracts everyone.
As every New Year’s Eve, Costa Rica gets ready to celebrate with its residents and tourists from around the world, who choose it for its perfect balance between exotic natural beauty and cultural activities for all tastes and ages.
