Costa Rica

San José

The capital, close to the main international airport. Most travellers stay a night on the way in or out.

La Nación reported on 15 September 2026 that Festival de la Luz is set for Saturday 12 December 2026 in San José. There will be no floats this time. Giant inflatable balloons will replace them, and bands will still march. On 6 October the mayor gave no date and said the city is still building its own program. Check the city's pages in late November.

The Ministry of Culture plans a free Christmas concert in La Sabana park on 25 December. The Tope Nacional horse parade is on 26 December. The Ministry plans it in San José for 2026, from Plaza Víquez to Paseo Colón. The Zapote fair ran from 25 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with free concerts and bullfights at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Bullfight tickets were ₡17,000. The 2026 Zapote dates and prices are not confirmed.

Costa Rica's tourism board says the dry season runs from mid-December to late April. It also says hotels, restaurants and park tours get busy, so book rooms early. If you live in the US but are not a US citizen, check your passport's visa group. India and China need a visa unless you hold a multiple-entry US visa or US residence. The Philippines needs none.