Get ready for an exciting weekend packed with fun! From live concerts and captivating plays to vibrant festivals, cultural celebrations, and dazzling shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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On Friday

The National Music Network Orchestra is hitting the Guanacaste Museum in Liberia Canton with a full Christmas concert. The show kicks off at 4 p.m. Grab your tickets at the museum box office.

On Saturday

 

Catch the National Music Network Orchestra bringing a holiday music concert to Vida Abundante Church in Coto Brus Canton, Puntarenas. The concert starts at 6 p.m., and tickets are available at the church box office.

The National Music Network Orchestra keeps the Christmas tour going with a stop at El Tucano Hotel in San Carlos Canton, Alajuela. Showtime is at 7 p.m., and admission is free.

The National Music Network Orchestra offers another Christmas concert at Frailes Church in Desamparados Canton, San José. The music starts at 7 p.m., and it’s free to attend.

On Friday and Sunday

The National Theater in San José presents “Where the Light Is Born,” a Christmas play following Lucia’s magical journey across Costa Rica as she discovers her own meaning of the season. The performance begins at 5 p.m., and tickets are available at the theater box office and online.

The Triciclo Theater in downtown San José stages “The Grinch,” based on the beloved 1957 Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The show begins at 2 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at the theater box office.

The 4x4 Challenge mud-track competition hits Parque Valle Escondido in Santa Ana Canton, San José. Off-road fans can catch professional 4x4 racing teams tearing up the course. The event starts at 8:30 a.m., and tickets are available at the venue’s box office.

This Weekend

The Espressivo Theater in San José is rolling out its production of “A Christmas Carol,” inspired by the classic Charles Dickens story.  On Friday, the show starts at 8 p.m. Saturday features two performances at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. On Sunday, the curtain rises at 2 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through the theater’s website.

The Melico Salazar Theater in San José presents “The Nutcracker,” inspired by Tchaikovsky’s 1892 classic, with showtimes on Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater’s box office and on the Eticket website.

The Fuentes-Gasca Circus at Campo Ayala Club in Cartago is packing the whole weekend with high-energy action, think trapeze stunts, sharp-as-ever jugglers, live music, dancers, clowns that genuinely get you laughing, and plenty of magic to keep the show moving. Performances run daily at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available right at the venue’s box office.

The Roble Community Fair takes over Fair Land in the El Roble community in Puntarenas, with live music, dance shows, bullfights, a horse parade, food stands, sports activities, and a kids’ playground. Everything kicks off at noon, and admission is free.

The Coffee Fair fills the Sabanilla District fairgrounds in Alajuela, with more than 50 booths featuring national and international coffee brands, plus a kids’ area, traditional food stands, bullfights, concerts, and live-music dance events. The fair opens at noon and is free to enter.

Santa Ana’s Community Fair is taking over the Santa Ana Canton fairgrounds in San José. Expect cultural activities, souvenir booths, dance shows, live music, tons of food stands, and a full kids’ playground. Gates open at noon, and admission is free.

La Cruz's Community Fair in  La Cruz Canton fairgrounds in Guanacaste, with all the classics: cultural activities, souvenirs, dance shows, live music, food stands, and a playground for kids. Doors open at noon, free entry.

"Crazy Lucky" at the Máscara Theater in San José. The comedy follows the hilarious chaos that unfolds when a group of friends gets together. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater’s box office.

The Torres Theater in San José is featuring the comedy play "Orgasms."  The show takes a funny and honest look at the complexities of modern relationships. Showtimes: on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at the theater box office. Please note, the show is for audiences 15 years old and older.

The Moliere Theater in San José shows the comedy play "Papichulo" (Handsome Daddy). The story follows a thief who ends up in all kinds of crazy trouble while trying to rob a house full of women. Showtimes:  Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the theater box office.

Head to the Lucho Barahona Theater in San José is serving up laughs with "Rent An Aunt," a comedy set in the 18th century. The story follows the Count of Villalpando’s family and all the wild chaos that breaks out when everyone’s chasing a big inheritance. Showtimes: Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office.

Get ready for laughs at the Triciclo Theater in San José with "Suegras Bárbaras" (Crazy Mothers-in-Law). This hilarious comedy follows a couple on vacation who, thanks to an unexpected twist, find themselves having to bring their mother-in-law along for the ride. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the theater box office.

 

Embark on an unforgettable journey at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Barrio San José, Alajuela. Take a guided tour through the animal sanctuary and wildlife conservation center, where you’ll explore beautiful botanical gardens and meet over 125 species of rescued animals including sloths, monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, birds, and reptiles. These incredible animals cannot be returned to their natural habitat, but they are lovingly cared for at the center. Tickets are available at the venue box office or on the center's website. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and support wildlife conservation!

A fun-filled day of activities designed just for teenagers at Libertad Park Club in San José. From painting and dance to music, sports, and arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, the event is free and pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the fun. The event kicks off at 9 a.m.

Dive into an unforgettable adventure at the Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary in Quepos Beach, Puntarenas! This amazing non-profit is home to nearly 50 incredible animals that can't be released back into the wild, and you can meet them all on one of their fascinating tours. Reserve your spot today by emailing Chip@kstr.org or calling 8827-8243. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and support a wonderful cause!

Get ready to witness the incredible arrival of sea turtles at Ostional National Park in Guanacaste. Starting at 6:30 a.m., you'll be guided by an expert from the Ostional Tourist Guides Association for an unforgettable experience.

Kick off an exciting day at Punta Pirata Beach Club in Puntarenas City, Puntarenas! With games, playgrounds, and pools, it's the ultimate spot for kids to have a blast. The doors open at 8 a.m., and tickets are available at the park box office.

Jump into endless fun at Ojo de Agua Water Park in San Antonio Belen, Heredia. Enjoy free swimming, Zumba, aerobics, sports games, fitness, diving, and so much more. This amazing club also features a parking area, a restaurant, multiple swimming pools for adults and kids, a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and even a soccer field! Doors open at 7:30 a.m.Tickets are available on-site.

Visit Lankester Botanical Gardens in Dulce Nombre, Cartago, for a day surrounded by stunning nature! The gardens open at 9 a.m. and feature lagoons, forests, and beautiful landscapes. Tickets are available on-site. It’s a perfect spot to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty!

 

Get ready for a day of fun and discovery at the Children's Museum in downtown San José! Packed with exciting activities for kids, this is the perfect spot for family adventures. Doors open bright and early at 9 a.m., and tickets are available on-site or on the museum's website.




Head over to Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park in La Fortuna, Alajuela, for a day full of fun and relaxation! With over 10 aquatic activities and hot spring pools to enjoy, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. The park opens at 10 a.m. Tickets are available on the venue box office. Plus, kids under 4 get in for free.

Go ride hopping at the Parque de Diversiones in La Uruca, San José. The amusement park has more than 17 rides such as roller coasters, carousels, twists and bumper cars among many others. Enjoy their food court zone and picnic area. The park opens at 9 a.m. Ticket is $20. For more information visit the park's website.

The System of Conservation Areas invites visitors to explore some of Costa Rica's most beautiful national parks, including Chirripó in Cartago and Limón, Poás Volcano in Alajuela, Tortuguero in Limón, San Lucas Island in Puntarenas, Irazú Volcano in Cartago, and Manuel Antonio Beach in Puntarenas.  You can make reservations directly on the organization's website.

The Guanacaste Conservation Area invites visitors to explore both Santa Rosa and the Horizon Experimental Forest Station in Guanacaste. Tickets can be purchased on
organization's website.

The Diquis Museum in Palmar Sur, Osa, Puntarenas offers walking tours through the archaeological zone of Finca Sitio 6. Tours are available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are available on-site.

The Art Museum in downtown La Sabana, San José, presents private collections of Latin American artists. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket is $15.

 

The Gold Museum in downtown San José presents an exhibition of Costa Rican bills and coins since 1850. Also, in the exhibit are the 700 pieces of handcrafted gold made by the first population in Costa Rica. The museum opens at 9 a.m.

The National Museum in downtown San José, presents an exhibition of Costa Rica's history and handmade artifacts, including some more than 12,000 years old, made by the first peoples of the region. Museum hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.