Festival de las Luces: Fireworks displays and live concerts start this month-long Christmas celebration of lights, lights and even more lights; held in San Jose. First week of December.
Christmas Celebrations: Decorations have been up for months, but Costa Ricans really begin to celebrate in early December. This is the best time to begin making tamales – each family has its own recipe. The long preparation process produces one-of-a-kind treats that are distributed as gifts to friends and neighbors. Early December.
Los Negritos Fiestas: A festive combination of traditional indigenous celebrations and Catholic rituals, this day honors the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception held in Boruca. Week of December 8.
Fireworks Day: Fireworks help to honor the Lady of the Immaculate Conception in San Antonio de Belen, Heredia. December 8.
La Yeguita Fiesta: A parade to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe accompanied by dancing, food and fireworks. Nicoya (Guanacaste). December 12.
Beginning of Caroling Season: Christmas carolers begin to sing door-to-door; often to raise money for local charities held throughout the country. December 15.
Christmas Eve: Traditionally, families attend a large mass on Christmas Eve and open their gifts at midnight. December 24.
El Tope Nacional: An annual national horse parade that strolls through the center of San Jose where the well-trained animals perform amazing footwork. December 26.
San Jose Carnival: A huge carnival with large floats, live music and a very happy atmosphere in San Jose. December 27.
Zapote Fiestas: The Zapote fairgrounds in San Jose transform from tranquil farmers' market to a free-for-all party, offering amusement park rides, fair and street food, inflatable megabars, bullfighting and plenty of libations. December 25 - January 6.
Los Diablitos Festival: Fireside reenactment of Spanish-indigenous battles, using mood music and traditional masks; held in Boruca. December 30-January 2.