New Year’s Eve is perhaps the most festive night of the entire year, and what better way to ring in the New Year than by celebrating on vacation in Costa Rica?
Set the tone for a remarkable year with New Year’s in Costa Rica: a celebration you’ll never forget. We’ll help you plan your Costa Rican New Year’s vacation so you can be sure to have the best experience possible.
First Things First: Does Costa Rica Celebrate New Year’s?
Costa Rica most certainly celebrates New Year’s. Costa Ricans love a reason to party, and when you spend New Year’s in Costa Rica, you’ll feel like the entire country is celebrating with you.
How Does Costa Rica Celebrate New Year’s Eve?
Fireworks… Like, Lots of Fireworks!
It’s legal to sell, buy, and use fireworks in Costa Rica, so almost every New Year’s Eve party will have a display to light up as the night progresses, with a master display waiting to impress right after the clock marks the zero hour. After hugs and cheers are finished, an array of fireworks can be seen from what feels like every corner of the country.
Most municipalities host their own New Year’s Eve party, some big and wildly impressive, others quaint and cute, but all of them, no matter where you are, have fireworks. Because individuals can buy them and fireworks go on sale at the beginning of December, expect to hear them all month long, leading up to the big displays at midnight.
If you are into fireworks, spend New Year’s Eve at a mountain lodge in the Central Valley that overlooks the entire valley. It’s just a fantastic show!
BBQ All Night Long!
New Year’s Eve celebrations can take two forms. Some families enjoy a sit-down dinner with good food and conversation at the table and then peacefully wait for the start of the new year.
Most homes turn into a big family and friends party! They’ll fire up the grill and cook thin cuts of beef (cooked perfectly, of course), chicken, sausages, vegetables, and more. Then, during the entire night and until the new year starts, they will serve the cooked meat on a tortilla as it comes off the grill.
For those who live in popular destinations and beach towns, or who visit for the big night, it’s an all-night party with DJs, dancing, drinking, and laughing. Some of Costa Rica’s wildest parties of the entire year take place on New Year’s Eve, so if you’re looking for a party, you’re in the right place.
What Are Costa Rica’s New Year’s Traditions?
Costa Rica’s New Year celebrations are filled with superstitions. Here are a couple of traditions you’ll want to partake in to get into the spirit!
Eating 12 Grapes
This tradition is that you need to eat 12 grapes, one grape for each month of the coming year, and make 12 wishes at precisely the change of year to make sure you will be prosperous every month of the new year.
Carrying a Maleta Around the Block (Suitcase)
Grab your luggage and run around the block right after midnight; this will make sure that you will travel in the coming year!
What Color Underwear You Wear Is Important
Yes, your underwear! What do you think yellow, green, or red underwear represents?
If you wear yellow underwear, then it means that you will attract good luck in the new year. Green underwear, of course, attracts an abundance of money. And red underwear is all about love in the New Year!
Find a Santa Lucía Flower
Costa Ricans love to give and, even better, receive a bouquet of the pastel blue wild flower, Santa Lucía, on New Year’s Eve. This flower is said to bring prosperity for the coming year, and if you dry a flower and keep it in your wallet, you’ll have spending money all year long! But you can’t pick the flowers for yourself; it only works when someone hands the flowers to you.
Tossing Water Over the Shoulder
A quirky tradition you just might take home with you is to toss some water over your shoulder (be sure to do this one outside!) to wash away the struggles and challenges of the past year.
Singing “El Año Viejo”
One song you’ll hear on repeat in the days leading up to and the night of the New Year is “El Año Viejo” by Mexican singer Tony Camargo. The song, from the 1950s, is well-known throughout all of Latin America, and Ticos love to sing it to commemorate the holiday season and to say goodbye to the year.
Is New Year’s a Good Time to Visit Costa Rica?
New Year’s can be a great time to visit Costa Rica. The festive spirit is contagious, and the national and international tourism brings a certain buzz of excitement to every town you visit.
The weather is also great this time of year, as much of the country is experiencing the peak of the dry season. The Caribbean coast is on an opposite schedule, with rain coming randomly throughout the days and nights, whereas the rest of the country is sunny and dry.
Up and down the Pacific coast, New Year’s weather ranges from the mid-80s to mid-90s, with hot, dry, and sunny days, and warm nights, perfect for all-night celebrating.
The Central Valley and highlands are crisp and clear most January days, thanks to the trade winds breezing through the region. The weather is just one of the reasons that makes visiting Costa Rica for New Year’s a great idea.
What Do They Eat on New Year’s Day in Costa Rica
While many Costa Ricans spend December 31st at home with their families, enjoying a big feast, on January 1st, the cooking is usually done on the beach. Most Costa Ricans will always take the chance to head to the beach on New Year’s Day if they can and grill all day long.
The BBQ Spread: Carne Asada, Pork, Chicken
With all kinds of inventive BBQs, you’ll find Costa Ricans grilling at the beach, by the river, in their front yard, anywhere they can on New Year’s Day. Chicken, pork, carne asada, fish, chorizo, ribs- you name it, they’ll grill it!
Ceviche & Other Dishes
If you’re by the beach, you’ll likely be eating fresh ceviche, made with fresh-caught fish. There are likely still Christmas tamales being passed around as well, and of course, no Costa Rican meal is complete without some kind of rice dish… arroz con pollo, arroz con mariscos, or just plain arroz.
What Clothes Do People Wear on New Year’s in Costa Rica
If you’re a woman who loves her clothes and loves to dress up, you can leave those heels and fancy dresses at home if you are coming to Costa Rica.
If you’re attending a party by the beach, for women, a lovely dress (long or short) is excellent, along with beautiful sandals, because if you are on the sand, you aren’t wearing any shoes at all. For men, on the beach, a nice pair of shorts, a T-shirt, or a polo, but if you are comfortable in your skin, you may be popping a top at midnight and jumping in the ocean to celebrate the new year.
If you are attending a party in a city like San José or Liberia, ladies, you may want to bring a pair of comfortable wedges and a cute dress. Since some roads are not the best for walking in heels, wedges may be your best bet, BUT sometimes that can even be tricky. You certainly don’t want a rolled ankle on your vacation. For the men in Costa Rica, a nice pair of shorts or jeans with a nice top will do the trick. We highly suggest checking the dress code requirements if you are going to a club or fancy restaurant.
Where to Spend New Year’s in Costa Rica
There are numerous places to stay in Costa Rica on New Year’s; it just depends on what you are looking for. Are you looking for a relaxing time on the beach? Are you looking for dancing and clubs? Or are you looking forward to hiking and exploring? Let’s break down a couple of towns for you.
Celebrating New Year’s with a Party on the Beach
In Costa Rica, there are miles and miles of beaches for you to celebrate the New Year, but here are a couple of towns we suggest as ideas for your beach adventures.
Playa Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo has a Cancun-like feel, so if that is something you enjoy, then we think it’s a great place to go! And here’s the thing: Tamarindo is a party destination any time of the year. Just to let you know that it can get very crowded, and driving can be pretty tough. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking. And don’t forget to check out the fireworks from the beach at midnight!
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is another option, as there are miles of beaches and many hotels. One of the most popular hotels with an incredible New Year’s Eve party is Ranchos Itauna. This hotel will throw a fantastic celebration. You will not be disappointed.
Nosara
Nosara is one of the most famous surf towns in Guanacaste, but there is a lot of nightlife filled with North Americans if this is your jam. Check out the local Facebook groups or Instagram hashtags for #nosara, and you will see your phone lighting up. One recommendation is Norte, as it has a beautiful pool and dancing area, and even people will dance in the shallow part of the pool.
Other spots to consider for the New Year’s Eve spot would be Hermosa and Playas del Coco.
Celebrating New Year in the City
San Jose is known for the nightclub life, and the most well-known nightclub for New Year’s is Antik Restaurant & Bar. There are multiple DJs here, so make sure you grab the ticket ahead of time, as it will sell out!
Another happening place is the Wyndham San Jose-Herradura, and you can dress up (bring those heels and those party dresses, ladies) and get ready to dance the night away. Food, drinks, a photo booth, breakfast for the day after, and a pool after-party. Yep, you read that right. So, bring those heels, dress, AND swimsuits!
Another city to consider for the New Year’s Eve spot would be Liberia.
Celebrating New Year’s Exploring
If you don’t want to put on those dancing shoes and prefer to lace up your hiking boots, here are a few places we suggest:
Monteverde
Monteverde is all about the cloud forest, hiking, birdwatching, and ziplining. So, if you are looking for that downtime before the start of a new year, Monteverde is the place to be.
La Fortuna & Arenal
La Fortuna is also a great place to stay, especially if you want to do some hiking at Arenal and the surroundings. La Fortuna has many activities such as fireworks, dancing, games for kids, and more. Make sure you research before you head that way to find out what is going on during that time.
What to Expect: Pricing, Crowds & Booking Timeline
Because New Year’s is such a popular time to visit Costa Rica, it’s best to be prepared for high-season crowds, travel times, and pricing. Planning ahead and making sure that certain details of your trip are locked in well before you arrive will ensure you have the best New Year’s possible. It’s also important to keep a relaxed attitude because despite the crowds, the excitement, and all of the planning, it is still Costa Rica, and the vibe is still pura vida.
Peak-Season Pricing
Prices over New Year’s are the highest you will see all year-round, with pricing for hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals up to double the normal price point. Many places take reservations up to nine months to a year in advance, so if you want to visit over New Year’s, it’s best to book as far out as possible. The further out you book, the better price you’ll likely get, as last-minute bookings can see an even bigger price increase.
How Far in Advance to Book
While it’s possible to book things last minute, it’s not ideal or recommended. Ideally, all of your New Year’s Eve reservations, like where you’re staying, a rental car or shuttles, and flights, are booked at least three months in advance. If possible, try to book these major details six to nine months in advance to get the best deals.
You can wait until a few weeks in advance to book your dinner reservation or your entry tickets to New Year’s Eve parties. If you’re not sure what to do on New Year’s Eve, all the more reason to work with a vacation planner who can help guide your trip and make reservations on your behalf.
New Year’s in Costa Rica: FAQ
- Does Costa Rica celebrate New Year’s?
- Yes, Costa Rica definitely celebrates New Year’s, and it’s a major event for Costa Ricans and tourists
- How does Costa Rica celebrate New Year’s?
- Costa Rica celebrates New Year’s much like people in the US and Canada, with a special dinner with friends and family, either at home or out. Many people take to the streets after dinner to dance, listen to music or DJs, drink with friends, and watch fireworks at midnight.
- What are Costa Rica’s New Year’s traditions?
- Costa Rica has some quirky and fun New Year’s traditions like eating 12 grapes at midnight, taking your empty suitcase for a walk around the block, and tossing water over your shoulder to wash away the past year’s struggles.
- What’s closed on New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica?
- December 31st isn’t an official holiday, so banks, government institutions, and all grocery stores and most restaurants are open on New Year’s Eve. January 1st is an official holiday, so banks and other government services are closed, while grocery stores stay open. Many restaurants are closed on January 1st for the holiday, so it can be spent with family.
Planning Your Trip to Celebrate New Year’s in Costa Rica
We know where we’ll be this New Year’s Eve! Do you?
How can we help you prepare for your New Year’s Eve plans? It’s pretty simple. Go ahead and fill out the form below. Make sure you give us details on what you are looking for, whether it is you, a spouse/partner/friend, your family, or a group. We’ll plan your Costa Rican trip with so much ease and make sure your plans match with your type of trip, whether that’s romantic, family, or solo!
And don’t forget to prepare that suitcase, as you will need to carry it around the block at midnight!
John Rabenau has been working in the eco-tourism & adventure travel industry in Costa Rica since 2002. He has worked in a variety of capacities from Outdoor Educator & Principle Guide to Itinerary Design Manager & Business Owner for numerous organizations. He has grown Costa Rica Escapes into one of the most reputable Costa Rica travel agencies since its creation in 2006, hosting more than 5,000 people with custom vacation itineraries.