Costa Rica Christmas Vacations: Celebrate New Year’s in Jaco Beach
Short version: Sun, beaches, rainforest adventure tours and unforgettable holiday parties.
Jaco Beach (and nearby areas such as Los Sueños Resort & Playa Hermosa) is one of the easiest, most fun tropical escapes for U.S. families and party groups over Christmas and New Year’s.
Book a luxury villa, private airport transfers and tour transportation, hire a private chef, concierge and every detail. Read on for planning, top experiences, where to stay, sample itineraries and FAQs.
Why Costa Rica for the holidays and Why Jaco Beach? Quick wins for U.S. travelers
- Short flights from many U.S. gateways and straightforward customs, ideal for families and party groups wanting a true tropical holiday without an extreme travel day.
- From tropical beaches and jungle adventure tours to fishing charters, family excursions, luxury vacation rentals, and happy Christmas vibes. Jacó Beach has it all, just a few hours from the U.S.
- Reliable warm beach weather in December–January, making beach time, pools and outdoor tours a safe bet. (avg. highs ≈ 85–92°F). Weather Spark
Holiday Planning Tips: Crowds, Availability & What to Bring
- Crowds & availability: Peak holiday demand, book villas, private chefs, party boats and fishing charters early (60–120 days recommended for top properties).
- What to pack: light layers for evenings, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, water shoes for waterfalls and a light rain shell for a surprise shower.
Where to stay: quick comparison (what fits your group)
Jaco Beach (town & beachfront condos)
- Why: walkable nightlife, restaurants and beach parties, ideal for groups who want to mix town nightlife with beach time.
Los Sueños Resort & Marina (Luxury + Marina access)
- Why: full-service resort atmosphere, golf course, beach access, and one of the best marinas for boarding sportfishing charters and NYE events. Great for multi-family groups wanting amenities and concierge services.
Playa Hermosa (calmer, upscale retreats)
- Why: less crowded beaches, surf breaks, and luxury villas, perfect for families or groups focused on relaxation and private villa celebrations.
Browse luxury vacation villas or contact with JacoTourDesk.com for a custom quote.
Top holiday experiences: choose by group mood
Private celebrations & chefs, the holiday heart of a villa stay
- Book a private chef for Christmas dinner or NYE tasting menus, this is a top requested service for villa guests. Add poolside family brunches, DJ setups or professional bartenders for a private party vibe. JacoTourDesk arranges vetted private chefs, menu planning (allergies/children-friendly) and full-service event support.
- Escape to Tortuga Island, a postcard-perfect paradise of white sand, turquoise water, and marine life. Enjoy snorkeling, banana boat rides, and fresh seafood lunches. A favorite day trip for families spending the holidays in Jacó or Los Sueños.
Sportfishing charters, big-game holiday action
- Late November through early spring is excellent for offshore species in the Central Pacific; many anglers target marlin, sailfish and seasonal migratory runs. Book a half- or full-day charter from Los Sueños Marina for family-friendly trips or trophy hunts. Peak months vary by species, but November–January are active for migrating billfish in the Los Sueños region.
Adventure tours (zipline, ATV, waterfall hikes)
- Popular holiday combos: zipline canopy and ATV + waterfall hike with a rainforest lunch. These Jaco tours run year-round and are highly popular over the holidays, book morning departure slots to avoid afternoon heat and crowds.
Wellness & relaxation: Spa, massages and mild excursions
- In-villa masseuses, spa days at resort spas, and poolside therapists are common add-ons. Combine a spa morning with an afternoon private chef lunch for ultimate relaxation.
Parties, celebrations & local culture
- Hotel & Restaurants NYE events: Hotels (including Los Sueños properties) host gala NYE dinners, live music, DJs and after-parties, options with open bar and entertainment are common and sell out.
- Beach & town vibe: Jaco’s restaurants and disco clubs venues often host themed parties and “countdown” gatherings. Private villa pool parties are a popular alternative for families/groups who want privacy and a controlled environment.
Christmas Vacations in Jaco, Costa Rica (Sample Itineraries)
3-Day Family (quick festive escape)
Day 1: Arrival, private transfer → villa, welcome chef dinner.
Day 2: Morning (ATV + zipline combo tour), afternoon (crocodile tour, evening pool party).
Day 3: Morning (beach + surf lesson) + departure after lunch.
5-Day Luxury (family or friends)
Day 1: Arrive, welcome cocktails. Day 2: Sportfishing half-day from Los Sueños Marina. Day 3: Private chef Christmas lunch + spa. Day 4: ATV + canopy combo tour. Day 5: Relax, brunch, depart.
Want us to build this for you? Request your custom Jaco vacation itinerary.
Why book an all-inclusive package with JacoTourDesk
One point of contact for lodging, private transport, private chefs, charters, and concierge means zero surprises. We bundle logistics (airport transfers, grocery stocking, chef menus, reservations) so your group can focus on celebration. That convenience is why many U.S. travelers prefer booking packages for peak holiday weeks.
Popular holiday add-ons & practical tips
Is it safe to travel to Jaco for Christmas & NYE?
Yes, Jaco is a busy tourist area with resort security at Los Sueños, guided tours and reliable transport. Use standard travel safety practices (secure valuables, use Jaco licensed transportation services).
Can you arrange a private chef for Christmas dinner?
Yes, JacoTourDesk coordinates vetted private chefs, menus, grocery shopping and full service for villa events. (CTA) Contact us to reserve a chef. Custom packages
Will there be fireworks on New Year’s Eve?
Many private events, hotels and marina parties include fireworks; town beach gatherings often have local displays and bar/club parties. Confirm with your vacation planner or villa host.
When is sportfishing best?
Central Pacific fisheries are active Nov–Apr for many species; November–January often feature migrations and strong offshore action from Los Sueños Marina. Book a reputable charter via your package. Jaco VIP Vacations
Final tips: book early, plan the celebrations, relax
Christmas and New Year’s in Jaco combine easy tropical weather, big-water adventures and flexible private celebrations (chefs, parties, charters). For U.S. families and groups who want to avoid holiday stress, booking a full-service package through JacoTourDesk is the easiest way to ensure a memorable, hassle-free trip.
Ready to plan?
Book a holiday villa, private chef or fishing charter now, Need help choosing rentals for a big group? Ask us for a personalized villa shortlist. Start your booking or request a custom quote.