December’s Flavors of Costa Rica: Holiday Foods, Drinks and Festival Street Eats

How Food Brings the Holiday Season to Life

December in Costa Rica is a month of celebrations filled with family gatherings, festivals and cultural events. Food plays a major role throughout the season. From traditional Christmas dishes to New Year’s feasts and street food at local fairs, December offers a delicious look at Costa Rican culture. Travelers visiting during this time can taste both long standing traditions and festive specialties that only appear during the holidays.

The Essential Christmas Foods of Costa Rica

To see the mouth-watering tamales and the art of its creation, take a look at this video showcasing Costa Rica’s December culinary tradition:

Tamales at the Heart of the Season

Tamales are the most iconic Christmas dish in Costa Rica. Made from corn dough mixed with seasonings and filled with pork, chicken or vegetables, each tamal is wrapped in a plantain leaf and boiled until firm. The preparation is a family ritual that can take an entire day. Relatives gather to chop ingredients, assemble the fillings and wrap dozens of tamales to share throughout the month of December.

Pork Leg as a Festive Favorite

Roasted pork leg is another centerpiece of many Christmas meals. It is marinated with spices, citrus and herbs, then slowly roasted until tender. The dish pairs well with holiday salads and rice, creating a flavorful spread that feels both traditional and celebratory.

Holiday Salads that Complement Every Meal

Christmas dinners often include cold salads. Potato salad is especially popular, followed by apple salad or garden salads with fresh vegetables. These dishes balance the richness of the main meal and suit Costa Rica’s warm holiday weather.

New Year’s Foods that Welcome Prosperity and Good Luck

Chicken Rice as a Comforting Classic

Chicken rice often appears on New Year’s Eve tables and continues into the first days of January. It is a hearty and comforting dish that families serve alongside other holiday favorites.

Chicken with Chickpeas and Other Traditional Dishes

Some households prepare chicken with chickpeas or other stews that symbolize abundance. These meals vary by region and family tradition, adding depth to the country’s New Year’s culinary customs.

Barbecues and Chicharronadas for Festive Gatherings

December is also a popular month for outdoor cooking. Barbecues and chicharronadas are social events where families and friends gather to enjoy grilled meats, music and conversation.

Seasonal Fruits that Mark the Holiday Months

Apples, Pears and Grapes

These fruits are part of Costa Rica’s seasonal identity in December. Vendors sell apples and pears in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and grapes become essential for New Year’s Eve rituals, especially the tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight.

Holiday Drinks that Define the Season

Guaro Cocktails for Celebratory Nights

Guaro, the country’s traditional sugarcane spirit, is widely used in December drinks. Families and bars prepare cocktails, punches or mixed drinks made with guaro and tropical fruits. Its clean flavor pairs well with citrus, cas fruit or pineapple.

Eggnog and Rum Punch

Costa Rican families often prepare holiday eggnog with spices or serve rum punch mixed with tropical flavors. These beverages add warmth and nostalgia to family celebrations.

Cas Fruit Drink for a Refreshing Twist

Cas, a tart and aromatic fruit, becomes a favorite during December. Cas juice or cas cocktails offer a refreshing companion to holiday meals and festival foods.

Street Food and Festival Treats Found in December

Churros for a Sweet Holiday Snack

Churros are popular throughout December, especially at fairs and carnival events like Fiestas de Zapote. Crispy, warm and dusted with sugar, they are an irresistible treat during evening celebrations.

Casado and Festival Plates

At events or festive markets, travelers can find casado plates featuring rice, beans, salad and a choice of meat. These simple and flavorful meals are perfect between rides, games or performances.

Where Travelers Can Taste December’s Dishes

The best places to sample Costa Rica’s December flavors include family-owned sodas, festival food stalls, local Christmas fairs and holiday dinners offered at some hotels or restaurants. Travelers exploring both urban and rural areas will discover different interpretations of the same traditions, making December one of the most flavorful months to experience Costa Rican cuisine.