Christmas & New Year’s on the Beaches of Santa Teresa & Malpaís
If you’re new in town — or you’ve just arrived for a magical holiday week or two — you’ll be happy to know that Santa Teresa absolutely rocks both Christmas and New Year’s.
This time of year, our coastline comes alive with some of the best dinner, music, and celebration experiences in Costa Rica. Nearly all of our established beachfront restaurants and resorts host their own version of Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners, blending traditional flavors with tropical flair — from lively dance-into-the-night celebrations to intimate, candle-lit meals by the sea.
The oldest holiday tradition begins at Tropical Latino, where Shambala Restaurant serves a classic Costa Rican Christmas dinner that longtime locals and first-time visitors alike look forward to each year. From there, the celebrations roll north to Rancho Itaúna, famous for its relaxed beachfront dinners and its legendary late-night New Year’s Eve celebration.
Along the sand, UMA and Banana Beach continue the tradition with early evening holiday dinners by reservation only, followed on New Year’s Eve by hosted celebrations with DJs and dancing that carry the night into dawn.
For those seeking something more intimate and romantic, beachfront favorites like Rocamar, Blue Mist, Manzú, and Playa Carmen Restaurant offer reservation-only Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners in quieter settings — perfect for couples, families, and anyone wanting to celebrate with the sound of waves rather than a packed dance floor.
Looking toward Malpaís, Vista de Olas adds another layer to the holiday experience, hosting elevated Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners overlooking the coastline, while Brukas offers festive holiday menus high above Playa Carmen with sweeping sunset views.
These beachfront restaurants fill up fast, so advance reservations are essential. People travel from all over the world specifically to experience Santa Teresa’s holiday atmosphere — a place where young and old can walk the beach from one celebration to the next, feet in the sand, stars overhead, waves rolling in, and the glow of a bonfire nearby.
Some celebrations require advance ticket purchases, while others focus on reservation-only dining. Details change year to year, so check the listings below for the most up-to-date information on menus, reservations, and ticket links.
Beachfront Christmas & New Year’s Eve Restaurant Guide
Shambala Restaurant – Tropical Latino (Santa Teresa)
Christmas Eve:
• Traditional Costa Rican Christmas dinner
• Long-standing local holiday tradition
New Year’s Eve:
• Regular dinner service (confirm directly for specials)
Reservations & Contact:
• Phone / WhatsApp: +506 2640-0412
Rancho Itaúna – Playa Santa Teresa
Christmas Eve:
• Festive beachfront dinner
New Year’s Eve:
• Hosted NYE dinner and late-night celebration
• Music and dancing on site
Reservations & Contact:
• Phone / WhatsApp: +506 2640-0095
• Email: ranchoitauna@gmail.com
• Instagram / Facebook: Rancho Itaúna
Starticket https://share.google/V9PGxCknFgCH0mj0X
UMA Beachfront Restaurant – Santa Teresa
Christmas Eve:
• Early evening Christmas dinner
• Reservation-only
New Year’s Eve:
• Early dinner followed by hosted celebration with DJs
Reservations & Contact:
• Instagram: @umasantateresa
• Reservations required well in advance
Banana Beach – Playa Santa Teresa
Christmas Eve:
• Special Christmas dinner menu
• Reservation-only
New Year’s Eve:
• Ticketed NYE dinner and celebration
• DJs and dancing late into the night
Reservations & Tickets:
• Website: bananabeachcr.com
• Instagram: @bananabeach1
Rocamar – Santa Teresa
Intimate beachfront dining
Christmas & New Year’s Eve:
• Reservation-only holiday dinners
• Oceanfront setting, relaxed and romantic
Reservations & Contact:
• WhatsApp: +506 8862-8000
• Instagram / Facebook: Rocamar Beach
Blue Mist Hotel & Restaurant – Santa Teresa
Quiet beachfront atmosphere
Christmas & New Year’s Eve:
• Special holiday dinner service
• Limited seating, advance reservations recommended
Reservations & Contact:
• Instagram: @bluemistsantateresa
• Contact directly for menus and availability
Manzú Restaurant – Santa Teresa
Elegant beachfront dining
Christmas & New Year’s Eve:
• Special holiday menus
• Reservation-only seating
Reservations & Contact:
• Instagram / Facebook: Manzú Restaurant
Playa Carmen Restaurant – Playa Carmen
Classic oceanfront location
Christmas & New Year’s Eve:
• Special dinner service by reservation
• Sunset-focused, relaxed atmosphere
Reservations & Contact:
• Phone / WhatsApp: +506 8645-4668
• Instagram: Playa Carmen Restaurant
Vista de Olas – Malpaís
Elevated views over the coastline
Christmas & New Year’s Eve:
• Large holiday dinner celebrations
• Reservation-only
Reservations & Contact:
• Website: vistadeolas.com
• Advance booking required
Brukas – Playa Carmen
Clifftop views & festive menus
Christmas & New Year’s Eve:
• Special holiday menus
• Reservation-only dining
Reservations & Contact:
• Instagram: @brukasrestaurant
(@brukasrestaurant)
Beyond the Beach: Main-Road & In-Town Celebrations
In addition to the beachfront venues, several Santa Teresa main-road restaurants host Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations each year, often with live music, extended dinner service, or festive menus. These include Pronto’s and Kooks, both known for lively New Year’s Eve energy that often bursts out onto the street.
For a more low-key, intimate, and family-friendly holiday dinner, restaurants such as OSA, El Facón, and Somos Restaurant also offer special Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus, with advance reservations recommended.
Check out our Restaurant Directory for a full listing of restaurants in Santa Teresa, MalPais, Hermosa and Manzanillo.
