I’m Victoria Rivera, 33, and I spent the days leading up to Christmas in Jaco Beach instead of in crowded malls and freezing parking lots. Best decision I’ve made in a long time. I stayed in a Contemporary Airbnb Apartment near Jaco Beach that felt more like a little home than a hotel room, complete with a balcony where I could feel the ocean breeze.

Four experiences defined my holiday escape: a gorgeous Waterfall Tour in Bijagual, a tasty stop at TacoBar Restaurant, a fun evening at Jaco Blu Beach Club, and a relaxing visit to Serenity Spa in Herradura for some much-needed pampering. The guides were cheerful and kind, the restaurant staff were patient with my questions about local dishes, and the spa felt like a hidden sanctuary just a short ride away.

My days started with walks along Jaco Beach, watching the sky shift colors behind the waves. I took taxis and buses to explore Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and even down toward Quepos and Manuel Antonio for a quick glimpse of other parts of the Pacific coast. All the transportation felt safe and straightforward—Ubers and taxis when I wanted convenience, buses when I was in the mood to see more of everyday Costa Rican life.

The locals wrapped the whole trip in warmth. A woman at a bakery in town tucked an extra pastry into my bag “for Christmas,” a bus driver made sure I didn’t miss my stop near a viewpoint, and a shopkeeper in Jaco Walk helped me pick out small gifts to bring back for my family. Everyone seemed genuinely happy that I’d chosen their little corner of Costa Rica for my holiday escape.

At night, I let myself slip into the town’s festive energy—bars with live music, people dancing barefoot in the sand, casinos lit up like Christmas trees, and laughter everywhere. I went out late more than once and still felt perfectly safe walking back to my apartment with other couples, families, and travelers on the streets.

Instead of cold air and crowded stores, my holiday memories this year are palm trees wrapped in lights, warm waves on my ankles, and new friends from all over the world. Jaco turned what could have been a stressful season into something joyful and calm. I’m pretty sure this is the start of a new Christmas tradition for me.