Christmas Day in Costa Rica

A fixed-date public holiday

Costa Rica’s Ministry of Labour lists December 25 as a mandatory paid holiday. Workers generally have the right to enjoy the day and cannot be required to work, subject to statutory exceptions. If they do work, holiday pay depends on the employer’s pay schedule and the rules provide for double pay in the covered cases.[1][2]

The holiday remains on December 25 when it falls on a weekend; the Ministry says it is not transferred to another day. The holiday rules do not by themselves give a complete schedule for every public service or business, so check specific opening hours if you need to visit an office or travel.[2]

The portal and the Nativity

The name used in Costa Rica’s official holiday guidance connects the day with the Nativity of Jesus Christ. In Costa Rica, a nativity scene is commonly called a portal; the University of Costa Rica’s museum describes it as a household representation of the birth of Jesus, made with figures of the Holy Family and other Nativity characters.[1][3]

The museum account describes portals displayed at home and visited by family or community members. It also notes that families have used materials such as clay, dried corn husks and local plants to make distinctive scenes, and that communities have held portal-making contests.[3]

Tamales made and shared

Tamales are closely associated with Costa Rica’s Christmas season. A University of Costa Rica account describes the tamal navideño as corn masa with a filling that includes pork, and notes the use of banana leaves. Family recipes vary, including in the ingredients added to the filling.[4]

Making tamales together is known as a tamaleada. The University’s account describes families preparing tamales in groups and sharing or exchanging them with relatives and friends. These are seasonal family customs; they are not followed by every household or held specifically on December 25.[4]

Planning around the holiday

For workers, the practical effect is a protected holiday with pay rules that vary by pay schedule and whether the day is worked. For visitors, confirm opening hours with the particular business or operator before making plans.[1][2]