Published on Wednesday, December 24, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Christmas time is here and this weekend is stacked with fun ways to celebrate. From classic holiday theater to high-energy shows, lights, rides, and longtime Costa Rican traditions.

The Espressivo Theater in San José is bringing the holiday spirit to the stage with its production of "A Christmas Carol," inspired by the classic Charles Dickens story. The show runs Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. It’s a solid pick if you’re in the mood for a timeless Christmas story with a theatrical twist. Tickets are available through the theater’s website.

Over at the National Stadium in San José, the Fuentes-Gasca Circus is packing the entire weekend with nonstop action. Expect flying trapeze acts, sharp juggling, live music, dancers, genuinely funny clowns, and just enough magic to keep things moving at full speed. Shows run daily at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the circus box office or through the Publitickets website.

 

Downtown San José’s Triciclo Theater is hosting "The Grinch," based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved 1957 classic, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The show starts at 2 p.m. and is a fun, family-friendly option that leans into holiday humor and heart. Tickets are available at the theater box office.

The Children's Museum in San José is turning up the holiday magic with its "Santa Claus Village," Christmas carols, and plenty of hands-on activities for kids starting at 9 a.m. Later in the day, the Christmas Lights Show runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., lighting up the evening with festive color. Tickets are available at the museum box office.

At Zapote Fairland in San José, "the Bullfighting Games" at the Plaza de Toros are part of one of the country’s most recognizable December traditions. Organized by the Municipality of San José, this year’s event features nearly 300 bulls and more than 250 enthusiastic amateur bullfighters competing in a variety of games and activities. Tickets are available at the fair’s box office.

The Parque de Diversiones Christmas Festival in San José delivers full-on holiday fun with an amusement park twist. The park is hosting parades, live music, dance shows, a Santa performance, and a fireworks display, along with more than 17 rides, including roller coasters, carousels, twists, and bumper cars. Visitors can also enjoy the food court and picnic areas. The park opens at 9 a.m., and tickets are available at the park box office.

"The Zapote Fair Amusement Rides" in Zapote Fairland in San José offer another dose of classic holiday fun, featuring spinning rides, roller coasters, carousels, twists, and bumper cars. The fair also brings all the comfort food you expect this time of year, from caramelized apples and cotton candy to burgers, hot dogs, and beer. Tickets are available at the fair’s box office.

Meanwhile, in Heredia, "the Pedregal Bullfighting Show" takes over the Pedregal Events Center with an action-packed lineup that includes tie-down roping, bareback bull riding, barrel racing, and bull chasing. Food trucks and games add to the festive atmosphere. Shows are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., with tickets available at the venue box office.

From all of us at A.M. Costa Rica, we wish our readers a "Pura Vida" Christmas weekend.  

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