By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Parque Diversiones is set to become the epicenter of holiday cheer in the Central Valley with the launch of its annual “Temporada de Sorpresas” (Surprise Season). Running from December 7th to December 30th, the event transforms the iconic theme park into a festive wonderland, complete with extended evening hours, new entertainment, and a significant philanthropic initiative benefiting the National Children’s Hospital.
The centerpiece of this year’s celebration is a life-sized, thematic Gingerbread House, designed to be a memorable photo opportunity for families. Throughout the day, the park’s beloved “Tíos,” or park hosts, will be inside to greet guests. As evening falls, the attraction will gain an extra touch of magic when Santa Claus himself arrives for photo sessions starting at 6:30 p.m., creating an iconic backdrop for holiday memories.
To better understand the unique business and legal framework that allows Parque Diversiones to operate as both a beloved amusement park and a cornerstone of support for the National Children’s Hospital, TicosLand.com consulted with an expert in corporate law. We spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica to provide his analysis.
Parque Diversiones operates under a fascinating hybrid legal structure. While it functions as a commercial enterprise, its ultimate purpose is non-profit, channeling all profits to the National Children’s Hospital. This model presents unique governance challenges, requiring a delicate balance between commercial strategies to ensure profitability and the fiduciary duty to its social mission. Legally, every operational decision, from pricing to new attraction investments, must be justifiable not just for its business sense, but for its ultimate contribution to public health, creating a complex but admirable corporate framework.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight into the park’s legal DNA perfectly encapsulates why it holds such a special place in the nation’s heart; it is not merely an amusement park, but a sustainable engine for public good. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the complex yet commendable framework that allows every visit to contribute to the well-being of Costa Rica’s children.
The park’s management is positioning the season as a premier family destination, packing the calendar with unique activities. Marcia Lobo, the General Manager of Parque Diversiones, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the event.
During the month of December, the park is filled with surprises.
Marcia Lobo, General Manager of Parque Diversiones
To accommodate the festive atmosphere, Parque Diversiones has adjusted its operating schedule. For the majority of the season, the park will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., allowing guests to enjoy the attractions and Christmas lights after dark, culminating in a nightly fireworks display. However, visitors should note that on December 5, 6, 24, and 31, the park will operate on a shorter schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Capitalizing on the new evening hours, the park is introducing a special ticket option. The “Pase Estelar,” or Stellar Pass, is available for ₡6,750 and grants access from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This pass is tailored for guests wanting to experience the park’s unique nocturnal ambiance, which includes special shows, live entertainment, and all the standard attractions under the stars.
Beyond the main attractions, the entire park will be immersed in the holiday spirit. The schedule is packed with a diverse range of activities, including festive choirs, thematic parades, storytelling sessions, and live concerts. For younger visitors, there will be workshops for crafts and holiday creations, face painting, balloon art, glitter tattoos, and even a sensory bubble experience, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
In a move that blends nostalgia with social responsibility, the park has introduced a special sweet treat, the “Magic” popsicle. This initiative is inspired by childhood memories and directly supports a vital cause. For every Magic popsicle sold, ₡100 will be donated to the National Children’s Hospital to help fund the purchase of essential medical equipment. This allows every visitor to contribute to the well-being of Costa Rica’s children while enjoying their day.
Adding a thrill to the holiday fun, the park also announced the opening of a new, permanent attraction: the “Casa de Los Marcados” (House of the Marked). This haunted house experience will be open daily starting at 3:00 p.m., offering a dose of suspense and excitement for older guests looking for a different kind of adventure amidst the festive cheer.
For further information, visit parquediversiones.com
About Parque Diversiones:
Parque Diversiones is Costa Rica’s premier theme park, located in San José. It is owned and operated by the Asociación Pro-Hospital Nacional de Niños (Pro-National Children’s Hospital Association), a non-profit organization. A cornerstone of its business model is that all profits generated by the park are donated to support the operations and equipment needs of the National Children’s Hospital, making every visit a contribution to national pediatric healthcare.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About The National Children’s Hospital:
The Hospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera” is the leading pediatric medical center in Costa Rica. For decades, it has provided specialized, high-quality care to children from across the country, regardless of their ability to pay. The hospital relies on government funding and crucial support from private entities and the public, such as the ongoing contributions from Parque Diversiones, to maintain its high standards of care and acquire advanced medical technology.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored in the foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm harmonizes its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients with a pioneering approach to legal innovation. This commitment extends to a core mission of empowering the community by demystifying complex legal concepts, thereby fostering a society that is not only better informed but also more capable of navigating its rights and responsibilities.
