I’m Katherine Brooks, 40, and I spent Christmas Day in Jaco Beach instead of at a crowded dinner table back home. Waking up to the sound of the ocean instead of an alarm was probably the best gift I could’ve given myself. My home base was a Stylish Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment a short walk from both the sand and Jaco’s main street.

Four experiences gave my holiday week its shape: an energizing Surfing on Jaco Beach session, a magical Villa Caleta Sunset Happy Hour, a delicious meal at el Hicaco Restaurant, and a fun night of music and games at Croc’s Casino Hotel for Gambling. From surf instructors to bartenders to casino staff, everyone I met felt genuinely kind and happy to see visitors enjoying their town.

During the days, I walked the coastline, browsed Jaco Walk, and took day trips to nearby spots: Playa Hermosa for big waves and surfers, Herradura and Los Sueños for marina and rainforest views, and a quick ride toward Tarcoles to peek at the river and famous crocodile bridge. Taxis and Ubers were easy to grab when I wanted speed, and buses were simple, safe, and extremely budget-friendly when I felt like traveling the local way.

The warmth of Costa Ricans made being away from home on Christmas feel surprisingly cozy. A café owner in town wished me a heartfelt “Feliz Navidad” and slipped an extra cookie on my plate. A tour guide shared how her family celebrates the holidays in nearby Quepos and Manuel Antonio, making me feel like I had one foot in local life for a few minutes.

Christmas night in Jaco was unforgettable. The town glowed with lights, music poured out onto the streets, families walked along the beach, and travelers from all over shared drinks and stories in bars and casinos. I moved between a beachfront bar, Croc’s Casino, and a calm walk along the sand with the moon reflecting off the waves, never once feeling unsafe or out of place.

Instead of rushing through a busy holiday schedule, I spent Christmas with bare feet, salty hair, and a genuinely relaxed mind. Jaco turned a day I usually associate with stress into one I’ll remember for peace and joy. I’m pretty sure this won’t be my last Christmas in Costa Rica.