5 Reasons Why You Should Spend the Holidays in Jaco, Costa Rica
DECEMBER 2021 – COSTARICAELITE.COM
Google “holiday season,” and images of snow-covered streets with twinkling holiday lights are bound to come up. However, Jaco, Costa Rica, offers an entirely different version of the holidays. Instead of snowy streets, Christmas trees, and winter wonderlands, this destination celebrates distinct local traditions and has plenty of sunshine. If this is the type of holiday season you’re looking for, you’re in for a treat. By the end of this article, you’ll be packing your short-sleeve shirts and swimwear and booking a flight there.
Here are five reasons you should spend the holidays in Jaco, Costa Rica.
Enjoy pleasant winter weather
Don’t get us wrong, fresh powdery snow, hot cocoa, and ice skating are all wonderful. We love all those things about the holiday season! But, you could also be sunbathing by the beach, enjoying a sunny afternoon in the middle of December with a cool drink in hand. In Jaco, you won’t have to worry about winter weather’s negative impacts. There, snow doesn’t turn into ice, and you’ll be able to appreciate the fresh air, ocean, and surrounding natural wonders.
Experience Tico Christmas and holiday traditions
Another reason to visit Jaco during the holidays is to experience new holiday traditions. Ticos (Costa Ricans) have distinct ways of celebrating Christmas and the holiday season. In Costa Rica, the main holiday celebration is Christmas Eve. There are large gatherings complete with a traditional feast (more on that below). You’ll also see intriguing flower displays around town. For example, Ticos create nativity scenes using tropical flowers and local fruit to display outside their homes. Additionally, you’ll likely see carolers reenacting Mary and Josephs’ search for shelter.
Celebrate a more extended holiday season
Jaco is also an exciting place to visit during the holidays because the season is more extensive than in other areas. The celebrations extend after the new year. Costa Rica observes the Three Wise Men Day on January 6th. Additionally, many cities in the country have topes or parades following Christmas. Participating in these new celebrations is an exciting way to celebrate the holiday season and get the most out of it.
Explore new places
Not only can you celebrate new traditions, but you can explore the surrounding area while in Jaco for the holidays. You can spend time at the local beach, learning how to surf and soaking up the sunshine. Visitors during this time can also participate in fun outdoor activities like ATV tours, fishing, and golfing. Nature lovers can also take a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, just over an hour away. Finally, night owls can ring in the new year at one of the many bars and dance clubs located in Jaco.
Try new holiday foods
Most of us have traditional holiday foods we enjoy eating. Jaco and Costa Rica have many typical dishes to eat during the holidays that will make your mouth water. On Christmas Eve, many Ticos sit down to have a delicious feast. Typical foods include pork and chicken tamales or roasted pork with potatoes and rice. Queque navideños (rum steeped fruitcakes) and tres leches cake are typical dessert items, served with eggnog and punch. If you visit Jaco during the holiday season, you can sample some of these delicious delicacies.
