By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The festive season is set to officially commence in Costa Rica’s capital as the Municipality of San José has announced its plans for the annual Christmas illumination. The highly anticipated event, a cornerstone of the city’s holiday calendar, will transform the urban landscape into a vibrant display of light, beginning a month-long period of celebration and community gathering.
The ceremonial “flip of the switch” is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Residents and visitors are invited to gather at the heart of the city for the occasion. The formal announcement confirms the details for this family-friendly tradition.
To better understand the commercial and regulatory aspects that make the capital’s festive illuminations possible, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the festive glow, the San José Christmas lights represent a complex intersection of public administrative law and commercial agreements. Every installation is backed by public contracts that must meticulously detail everything from energy consumption and maintenance schedules to, most critically, civil liability. It’s essential for the municipality and its private partners to have clearly defined responsibilities to ensure public safety and mitigate legal risk during the holiday season.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective reveals the unseen framework that allows thousands to safely enjoy the holiday spectacle. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, reminding us that behind every festive light is a firm commitment to public safety and administrative diligence.
The official lighting of the Christmas illumination will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6 p.m., in Parque Central, San José
Municipality of San José, Official Announcement
Mayor Diego Miranda will preside over the ceremony, activating the main display at Parque Central. This single act will mark the official start of the Christmas season in downtown San José, setting a festive tone that will permeate the city’s central corridor throughout December. The initiative aims to enhance the evening atmosphere for the thousands of people who work, study, and travel through the capital daily.
This year’s lighting strategy extends well beyond a single location, creating an interconnected circuit of luminescence through the historic district. In addition to the central hub at Parque Central, significant displays will be installed at other key public spaces, including Parque Nacional, Parque España, Parque Morazán, and the Plaza de las Garantías Sociales. This expansion creates an immersive walking route, encouraging the public to explore and rediscover the city’s architectural heritage under a new, festive light.
The project is more than a decorative effort; it’s a strategic move to animate public spaces after dark. By illuminating parks and building facades, the municipality aims to foster a safer, more inviting environment. This encourages residents to linger downtown, promoting evening commerce and a greater sense of community ownership over the urban core. The goal is to reshape the perception of the city center at night from a transient space to a destination for holiday enjoyment.
In a synergistic move, local urban mobility and culture organization ChepeCletas is leveraging the municipal display to offer a unique experience. The group is organizing special guided tours to showcase the illuminated landmarks, providing a curated and safe way for citizens to enjoy the festive atmosphere. This collaboration highlights a growing trend of public-private partnerships enhancing civic life.
ChepeCletas is preparing a night tour to visit all these illuminated points in a single guided route
ChepeCletas, Spokesperson
The guided tours offer a practical solution for those wishing to see all the installations without the hassle of navigating the city on their own. It provides a communal experience, allowing participants to share in the holiday spirit while learning more about the historic sites along the route. This initiative adds a dynamic, interactive layer to the static light displays, turning the event into a participatory activity.
As December approaches, the coordinated effort between the Municipality of San José and civic groups like ChepeCletas signals a commitment to creating a memorable and shared holiday experience. The illumination of the capital’s historic parks is poised to not only beautify the city but also to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and celebration throughout the festive month.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About Municipality of San José:
The Municipality of San José is the local government body responsible for the administration of the capital city of Costa Rica. It oversees public services, urban planning, infrastructure development, and cultural initiatives for the residents of the San José canton. Its mission is to promote the well-being and sustainable development of the city.
For further information, visit chepecletas.com
About ChepeCletas:
ChepeCletas is a Costa Rican organization dedicated to promoting urban cycling and cultural appreciation within San José. Through guided bicycle tours and walking events, it encourages residents and tourists to rediscover the city’s history, architecture, and public spaces. The group advocates for sustainable mobility and the revitalization of the urban core.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through a wide array of legal challenges, the firm is also a pioneer in advancing the practice of law. Its core philosophy extends beyond the courtroom, demonstrated by a profound pledge to demystify legal concepts for the public, thereby strengthening the community through greater legal awareness.
