Spending time with family is so important, especially around the holidays. The hustle and bustle of everyday life, though, can often get in the way of quality time with loved ones. We focus on laundry, cooking, cleaning, and work, and often don’t take the time to detach from our life’s obligations and connect with the ones we love.
Make a change this holiday season. Get away for an exciting destination family reunion in one of the most picturesque places on earth, Costa Rica!
Costa Rica is a wonderful place to enjoy a family gathering, and while many people may not think of this as a traditional Christmas destination, it may be the perfect place to spend the holidays. Costa Rica offers a tropical respite to unwind, unplug, and make lasting memories with your family.
Costa Rica has endless options for families, including rustic beaches, lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, rivers and valleys, wildlife, as well as swanky hotels and upscale dining, offering a variety of activities for each member of the family.
One of the best of Costa Rica’s exciting offerings is Vista Hermosa, home of the world-famous luxury villa rentals. This private beachfront villa is fully staffed so you won’t have to lift a finger.
This guide will explore the many reasons Costa Rica is quickly becoming the #1 destination for family gatherings, plus tips for planning your Christmas in Costa Rica and fun family reunion ideas that will help you make the most of your vacation.
We’ll also discover festive Costa Rica Christmas traditions to get you and your family in the holiday spirit this season, so you can share priceless memories in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Discovering All That Costa Rica Has to Offer
Costa Rica has been known as the happiest country in the world, and for good reason. The landscape, climate, cuisine, and accommodations are a vacationer’s dream. A few reasons families flock to Costa Rica during the holidays for a satisfying vacation escape, whether you are looking to relax or want to spend your holidays being active, include:
Gorgeous Year-Round Weather
The December weather generally ranges between 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect temperature to enjoy the many outdoor activities Costa Rica has to offer, such as swimming, hiking, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, zip lining through the jungle. Not many places offer this near-perfect climate during the winter months, making Costa Rica a wonderful choice when looking for a holiday destination for your family reunion.
Lush Scenery and Wide Variety of Activities
Costa Rica is home to many biodiverse ecological marvels, including rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos, wildlife reserves, and some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. These natural attractions offer a wide variety of activities for your family to enjoy, including hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and more.
Luxury Accommodations
Costa Rica offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in South and Central America, offering a range of incredible hotels and luxury villas to accommodate couples, small groups, or large families.
These year-round perks are enough to make most people opt for a holiday vacation to Costa Rica, but that’s not all this destination has to offer. Costa Rica has its own festive Christmas traditions so you can celebrate the holidays with a tropical twist.
Enjoy These Costa Rica Christmas Traditions
Spending your Christmas holiday in Costa Rica is a fun way to enjoy a truly relaxing tropical vacation. It’s also a perfect opportunity to introduce your family to the cultural experience of Christmas in another country. Costa Rica participates in rich Christmas traditions sure to get your whole family into the holiday spirit.
1. Midnight Mass
It’s quite common for many Costa Ricans to attend midnight mass, or Misa de Gallo (Spanish for Rooster’s Mass, named for the early hours crowing of roosters), on Christmas Eve to celebrate the coming holiday.
2. Christmas Eve Dinner
The evening before Christmas is commonly known in Costa Rica as “Noche Buena,” a time for families to gather and feast on traditional dishes including roast pork with all the fixings, tres leches, and rum punch.
3. Leaving Shoes out for Niño Dios
Children in the U.S. leave milk and cookies out for Santa. The children in Costa Rica, though, leave their shoes out for Niño Dios, and on Christmas morning, the children awake to presents under the tree from Niño Dios.
4. Parades, Street Fairs, and Dance Festivals
Costa Rica celebrates Christmas in a big way all month long, with holiday street fairs, parades, and festivals complete with colorful Christmas lights, decorations, and vibrant music to celebrate the holiday season.
Costa Rica, with all it has to offer, makes it the clear destination vacation choice for your next Christmas family gathering. The year-round activities and fun Costa Rican Christmas traditions may even keep you coming back for more!
Book a Luxury Villa for Your Family Christmas in Costa Rica
For some families, traveling around the holidays can seem daunting, and the idea of staying in a hotel for Christmas is less than ideal, but Costa Rica is home to some of the most luxurious villa rentals in South America, providing your family with first-class amenities plus the comforts of home. In Costa Rica, you can enjoy sprawling and spacious villa rentals that feel like home, with the world-class service of a five-star hotel, so you can experience the best of both worlds. Here are just a few of the amenities offered at a typical Costa Rica villa rental:
- Security
- Personal Concierge
- Private Chefs
- Cleaning Staff
- Private Pools
- Beach Access
Booking a luxury villa for your Costa Rica family gathering is the best way to enjoy each other company while taking a much-needed break from the chores of everyday life.
Plan Your Next Christmas Family Reunion Today
You’ve discovered the perfect destination for a family gathering. Now all that’s left to do is find the perfect accommodations for your Christmas in Costa Rica. The answer is simple: Vista Hermosa Estate.
Vista Hermosa Estate is a Costa Rican all-inclusive resort offering world-class amenities in the heart of paradise. Contact us today to learn more, check availability, and book your family’s stay. We can’t wait to become part of your holiday memories!
