Are you dreaming of swapping snowflakes for the sand this Christmas? Imagine unwrapping your presents to the sound of crashing waves, with a tropical breeze rustling through palm trees.
Maybe there’s a Christmas morning of golf ahead at our 18-hole championship golf course or an afternoon of sport fishing with your Santa hat on? Welcome to Playa Herradura, Costa Rica - a hidden coastal gem that transforms the traditional holiday season into an unforgettable tropical escape.
With its luxurious resorts, exotic wildlife, rich culture, and endless outdoor adventures, it's no wonder Playa Herradura has become a Christmas paradise for those looking to trade their winter boots for flip flops. So, pack your bags because we're about to dive into why there's no better place to spend Christmas than Los Sueños Resort in Playa Herradura!
Holiday Activities Around Playa Herradura
In Costa Rica, the festive spirit kicks off early and extends into the New Year. From quaint towns to the bustling capital, Ticos usher in the holiday season with lively festivals, spectacular fireworks, and colorful parades.
Tee Off at the La Iguana Golf Course
Photo Credit: Joel Hensler
Grab your family and your matching Santa hats and tee off at the rainforest adjacent Iguana Golf Course. This Ted Robinson designed championship course boasts 18 holes of not just excellent golf greens surrounded by orchids and banana trees but also monkeys, macaws, and over 150 species of native birds. Let our Los Sueños concierge help you book a holiday tee time!
Live Music at Marina Village
Photo Credit: nevodka
For live music enthusiasts, Marina Village is the place to be over the Playa Herradura holiday season. The festively adorned Marina Village Boardwalk features live music in December between the Lanterna Italian Steakhouse and Bambu Sushi.
Dine on a Catered Christmas Feast
- Order: By December 22nd
- Delivery: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Phone Number: (011-506) 2630-4252
- Email: restaurants@lossuenos.com
Christmas in Costa Rica is all about tamales, Christmas cake, roasted pork, and “rompope,” but if you would rather revel in the season than wash the dishes, Los Sueños Resort will do the work!
The Pork Leg Package can be ordered ahead for delivery on Christmas Eve and includes a mouthwatering 20-pound pork leg along with traditional sides and a variety of desserts. Additionally, Los Sueños is serving up a full Turkey Dinner on Christmas Day alongside a spread of sides and desserts to feed 12 to 16 people.
Have a Holiday Meal at the Marina Village
Photo Credit: Ground Picture
If you would rather dine out for the holidays, look no further than the festive Marina Village, just a few minute's drive from Los Sueños Resort.
The Lanterna Italian Steakhouse features a selection of classics like Salumi E Formaggio, Tris Di Bruschettas, and Smoked Salmon Carpaccio. For those who prefer lighter fare, salads like the Lobster Salad are on offer. They also have a festive set menu featuring turkey and fixings around Christmas.
Dolce Vita is the place to be for world fare fused with local flavors. You’ll find artisan burgers and Tuscany inspired pizzas alongside Garlic Roasted Fish Casdo and Ceviche. Around the holidays, they serve a traditional Christmas menu as well. Book ahead to reserve over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
Spend the Day at the Beach
Photo Credit: vered shutzman
While the beaches are calling year round, Christmas Day sees locals and visitors alike grabbing their Rompope (Costa Rican Eggnog) and towels to revel in the sun.
The beach at Playa Herradura is known as one of the few really swimmable beaches on the Pacific side due to its relatively calm waters. The bay protects the beach from major swells, making it perfect for swimming and popular among families.
Jaco Beach, a 15 minute drive south of Los Sueños Resort, is known for its dark pebbled sands that stretch for over 2 miles. The surrounding landscape stays lush and green all year long, adding to the town's tropical charm. Jaco Beach is especially famous among surfers – the perfect way to kick off Christmas festivities!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Los Sueños Beach Club
Photo Credit: Yaorusheng
Should you find yourself at Los Sueños Resort in Herradura Bay during New Year's Eve, anticipate a sophisticated celebration featuring an impressive fireworks display at the Los Sueños Beach Club.
Our resort is renowned for its grand festive gatherings, ensuring a memorable start to the new year. The Beach Club, with its scenic views of Herradura Bay, serves as the perfect backdrop for the festivities and the spectacular fireworks show.
The Beach Club invites their guests to celebrate with guest DJs, dancing, drinks, and fireworks at midnight. You can preorder drink tickets and champagne at the liquor store in Marina Villa.
La Misa De Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) at Templo de Herradura
One of the most important traditions for the holidays in Costa Rica is the "La Misa de Gallo," or “Mass of the Rooster,” a midnight mass service on Christmas Eve.
For this holiday event, families dress up and gather with traditional Christmas carols, known as "villancicos," filling the air during this midnight mass. Templo de Herradura is less than a 10 minute drive from Los Sueños Resort.
Things to Know Before You Go
Winter Weather in Costa Rica
Forget about snow and cold temperatures during your Costa Rica vacation– here, you'll be greeted with sunny skies, warm breezes, and average temperatures in areas like Herradura Bay ranging from 70°F to 90°F – the sweet spot for beach time.
Everything is Open During the Christmas Holidays
Christmas is a major holiday in Costa Rica, and it's customary for families and friends to spend time outdoors on December 25th. As such, most businesses, including restaurants and tour services, operate as usual. However, public services will be closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.
On December 24th, when families gather, and churches conduct evening services, many establishments close early. Tourist hotspots, on the other hand, tend to remain open throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
Book Early
To ensure a memorable Christmas experience, book your Christmas accommodations, dining plans, and excursions early to avoid missing out! It’s recommended to make these plans 3 to 4 months out to ensure your bookings!
Dreaming of a Costa Rican Christmas
Christmas officially ends in Costa Rica on January 6th, making it a pretty lengthy holiday season! Once you spend Christmas along the beaches of Costa Rica, drinking rum punch and dining on tamales wrapped in banana leaves, you might not want to return!
Enjoy an authentic Costa Rican Christmas at Los Sueños Resort, where you can experience the culture of Costa Rica with the resort decked out in magnificent Christmas decorations that bring the holiday to life!