Navidad en San José, Costa Rica By Greer Borowczyk

Foods that are traditionally eaten during your city’s Christmas season. The special Costa Rican tamales that are served take many hours to prepare. Pupusas, tortillas made with many ingredients, grilled pork or chicken, as well as empanadas are served. This feast is topped off with fresh grapes and apples that are imported for the holiday season.

Foods that are traditionally eaten during your city’s Christmas season. Tamales are a traditional fare made from fine-ground cornmeal, vegetables, potatoes, and a selection of pork, beef or chicken, all formed into packed rectangles and wrapped up like a gift in fresh plantain leaves. Recipes are unique to each family, and many rely on culinary secrets passed down from generation to generation.

Decorations or crafts that are sold or displayed. During Christmas in Costa Rica, people like to decorate their houses with beautiful tropical flowers. A model of the nativity scene, called the Pasito or Portal, is the center of the display. It's also decorated with flowers and sometimes fruit.

Decorations or crafts that are sold or displayed. Christmas wreaths are made of cypress branches and are decorated with red coffee berries and ribbons. Most homes, shops and important buildings are decorated with Christmas lights. In Costa Rica, the gift bringer is often 'Niño dios' (Child God, meaning Jesus) or 'Colacho' (another name for St. Nicholas).

Parades or town gatherings. 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.

Parades or town gatherings. San Jose Carnival: A huge carnival with large floats, live music and a very happy atmosphere in San Jose. December 27

How families typically celebrate together. A few days before Christmas, the Christmas tree is placed in the home. It is painted white and may be a small Cyprus tree or dried branches from the coffee plant. It is decorated in a homemade fashion with small figurines, lace ornaments and brightly colored strips of paper. The gold star of Bethlehem crowns the tree.

How families typically celebrate together. The night before Christmas some Tico children will place their shoes out for the Christ child to fill with treats and small gifts. On Christmas morning, those children are asked, "What did the Baby bring you."

Religious services or celebrations that take place. Costa Rica is a Catholic country, and many of its festivals and public holidays are based on religious events and celebrations. During the public holidays, all businesses, services, banks, post offices, and government offices are closed.

Religious services or celebrations that take place. Festival de la Luz (early December): San José’s week-long festival of lights is marked by lighting displays, concerts, and late-night fireworks.