Costa Rica in December: Christmas and New Year Celebrations in Santa Teresa

Key Takeaways:

• In Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, December marks the start of the dry season on the Pacific coast, making it the perfect choice for a winter beach holiday. 
• Booking early is important for a December Costa Rica vacation, particularly around Christmas and the New Year. 
• December is one of the best months in Costa Rica for warm weather, surf, and festivities. 

What could be better for escaping December’s chilly weather than a vacation at the beach?

And what could be better than a vacation spent in Costa Rica? 

It’s certainly high on the list of gorgeous vacation destinations. As you start planning your vacation to Costa Rica in December, consider Santa Teresa for beach time, surf, private dinners, New Year celebrations, and endless activities. 

In this guide, we’ll take a look at why Santa Teresa could be the perfect place for your time off, and why choosing Casa Teresa Luxury Villas as your “base” for an extended family holiday is the idyllic choice for those seeking the perfect blend of luxury, exclusivity, and adventure.

Why Spend the Holidays in Santa Teresa?

By December, the Pacific Coast is much clearer and drier. And while December weather in Costa Rica can vary by region, Santa Teresa is typically easier to plan around as the months move closer to the holidays. 

With gorgeous green rainforests to explore, gorgeous beaches, and wildlife galore, it’s the kind of nature-filled vacation you won’t forget anytime soon. 

At Casa Teresa Grande, guests also have access to private chef dinners, yoga, day tours, and more. 

Planning a December Costa Rica Vacation in Santa Teresa

For an unforgettable vacation, you’ll want to plan ahead of time. The period of Christmas and New Year’s Eve/Day is peak season here in Santa Teresa, so villa dates and reservations can fill up early. 

To help you hit the mark with your December getaway, here are some helpful Santa Teresa local tips to keep in mind:

Book Early

Visiting Costa Rica in December means peak season, especially when traveling during the latter part of the month. 

To book Casa Teresa’s beachfront villas in Costa Rica, we advise connecting with our concierge as soon as you’re even thinking of planning your trip! We can help you arrange travel, suggest the best times to arrive or depart, and help arrange transportation to/from and around the villa during your stay.

Enjoy the Local Holiday Energy

If you’re looking for things to do in Costa Rica in December, Santa Teresa gives you plenty. The town has beach bars, restaurants, surf culture, live music, and New Year’s events to make the holidays a bit livelier.  

Know the Weather

One of the best reasons to visit Costa Rica in December is that the weather is amazing. Highs rarely get past 79 degrees, and because the wet season has already passed, you’ll find plenty of dry days to enjoy the great outdoors. 

Because Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is full of natural wonders, you’ll want to spend time outside, so planning a trip for December is perfect. 

Be Realistic With Travel Days

Holiday travel means airport delays and heavier demand for private transfers. Give your group more time than you might think you need, especially if you’re arriving through San José or Liberia and continuing to Santa Teresa that same day. 

Casa Teresa’s concierge team can help arrange transportation to the villa and advise on timing. For larger groups, families with children, or guests arriving on different flights, having concierge coordination can make the first day of your December Costa Rica vacation all the more enjoyable. 

Things to Do in Santa Teresa for Christmas and New Year Celebrations

You’ll want to make a list before heading to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, in December so you can be sure to see all the best things to enjoy in this amazing place. When visiting Santa Teresa, you’ll find nearby nature reserves, unique local shopping experiences, amazing food, and, of course, endless stunning beaches to explore. 

When traveling with friends and family, book these activities in advance so you can all have an incredible time together. To help you plan, here are some of the most popular things to do in the area. Note that some may be more than a few hours’ drive from our vacation villas, and so may be best for an overnight stay in addition to your holiday stay with us. 

Tabacon Hot Springs

If you’re planning on road-tripping a bit during your stay at our luxury Santa Teresa villas, Tabacon Hot Springs is a perfect destination, and there are nearby accommodations that can host you for a night or two. Naturally warm from the Arenal volcano, these hot springs are becoming increasingly popular with Costa Rica visitors in December. Surrounded by rainforest beauty, it’s a unique experience for those looking to relax while on vacation. 

Note that this is approximately a 5–6.5-hour drive from the town of Santa Teresa and is best visited with a 1–2-night stay so you can fully enjoy the experience before returning to town.

Montezuma Waterfalls

About 36 minutes from Santa Teresa, you’ll find what many consider one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations, Montezuma Waterfalls. If you’re a photo lover, this is the perfect backdrop. 

This attraction requires a bit of a hike, but the experience is well worth it, particularly when you know there are five-star amenities and a plunge pool waiting for you back at Casa Teresa!

Curu Wildlife Refuge

Curu Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful option for guests who want to enjoy wildlife on their December Costa Rica vacation. This day trip from Santa Teresa is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from the town. If you love animals, you’ll want to stop by Puntarenas to visit this refuge, where you’ll find everything from monkeys to jaguars and more. 

Tortuga Island

This is one of the most popular boat-based tours from Santa Teresa. With gorgeous clear waters and white sand beaches, it’s the type of paradise you will want to spend time in. 

December can be a busy month for tours, so this is another plan to arrange before arrival. Our concierge team can help you book it in advance.

Festive Dining and Private Chef Meals

Holiday dining in Santa Teresa is lively, but you’ll want to have reservations ahead of time if you’re booking a restaurant in town. 

Guests who want to enjoy a more private evening while getting the best of Costa Rica’s food culture can book private chef services at Casa Teresa. It’s perfect for families or large groups for whom coordinating a dinner out would be difficult.

Surfing and Beach Time

December is a great month for beach days in Santa Teresa. Guests can plan surf lessons, take long evening walks, explore local tide pools, and grab drinks at Sunset without ever having to leave town. 

Ask the concierge about current surf conditions and local instructors if you’re interested in getting out in the water.

A Few More Tips…

Before you finalize your holiday travel plans, here are a few more tips to ensure you have the best possible visit:

Make Time for Wildlife Watching

Mornings are best for catching a glimpse of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife around the peninsula. You can also book one of our wildlife tours to experience the best of nature that Santa Teresa has to offer. 

Discover the Beauty of the Local Flowers 

Do you have a green thumb or like to explore local flowers and plants while traveling? Maybe you want custom floral arrangements during your stay? If you’re planning a Christmas dinner, birthday, anniversary, or New Year’s celebration and want some Costa Rican flowers to go along with it, ask our team about floral arrangements. 

Be Adventurous

There’s no better time to explore Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, than in December, and the area offers endless ways to get in touch with the local adventurous spirit, from ziplining and skydiving to snorkeling and fishing.

Book Your Luxury Costa Rica December Vacation at Casa Teresa Luxury Villas

Hotels and restaurants can get especially busy here in Santa Teresa around Christmas and the New Year. With a private villa, your group gets more time to enjoy meals and downtime without the commotion.

Whether booking the entire property for your whole family to celebrate the holidays together or opting for Casa Teresa Grande or Casa Teresa Villa individually, you and your guests can pamper yourselves with a range of five-star services tailored to whatever it is you’re seeking from a December vacation in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. 

Contact us to book your luxury villa for your Christmas vacation or to learn more about our luxury vacation packages.

Frequently Asked Questions