Christmas lights reach La Fortuna Waterfall on 15 November
Published on 11/07/2026 at 09:09 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael MĂĽller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSChristmas programme reaches the waterfall
- ADIFORT will extend the Christmas-light circuit to La Fortuna Waterfall on 15 November 2026.
- The programme includes four tunnels, more than 22 figures and music in La Fortuna.
- ADIFORT has managed the 70-metre waterfall since the association was founded in 1969.
- The route to the viewing point includes approximately 530 steps through a biological reserve.
ADIFORT's Christmas-light circuit will reach La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata RĂo Fortuna) in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, on 15 November 2026. The seasonal programme begins in the town's Central Park and extends to the waterfall complex, linking a local celebration with one of the region's principal natural attractions.
Christmas lights reach La Fortuna Waterfall on 15 November
The opening takes place on Sunday 15 November 2026 from 6pm in La Fortuna's Central Park. The AsociaciĂłn de Desarrollo Integral de La Fortuna, known as ADIFORT, is organising the programme, which marks the start of the town's Christmas season.
The Central Park display will contain more than 100,000 lights, four illuminated tunnels, large trees, shooting stars and more than 22 decorative figures. A carriage, angel wings, a dome and other structures will accompany decorations connected with Arenal Volcano and the local church. The announced Christmas programme also includes a nativity scene, Las Posadas and the Rezo del Niño.
ADIFORT links the town programme with the waterfall
The event is not confined to the Central Park. ADIFORT will extend the lighting circuit to Plaza ADIFORT, the sports centre and the tourist complex serving the waterfall. The waterfall is therefore included as a named destination within the wider seasonal route, although the opening ceremony itself is scheduled for the Central Park.
Music at the inauguration will come from the Banda Comunal de La Fortuna and the Coro Laus Deus. The organiser also plans family markets, children’s workshops and open-air concerts during November and December. A second local report describes the same 15 November programme and its extension towards the waterfall complex.
A 70-metre waterfall managed by the local association
ADIFORT manages the natural area, which is part of a biological reserve within Arenal Volcano National Park. The operator says the reserve covers 210 acres of premontane tropical wet forest and lies at 520 metres above sea level.
The waterfall drops 70 metres and is reached by a path of approximately 530 steps. The route passes through forest with native trees before arriving at a viewing point facing the cascade and the Fortuna River. The operator’s site identifies ADIFORT as the organisation responsible for the area and records the waterfall’s dimensions and route.
Why the November programme matters for the site
The lighting circuit places the waterfall complex within a public programme organised by the same community association that manages the natural attraction. That connection gives the 15 November announcement a direct link to the landmark rather than leaving it as a general town celebration.
For visitors, the practical distinction is important: the ceremony, music and main display are announced for Central Park, while the waterfall is named as a further point in the circuit. The available programme does not announce a separate ceremony at the cascade or a change to the natural site’s access arrangements.
Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Christmas-light programme begins on 15 November 2026 in Central Park from 6pm, with the circuit extending to the waterfall complex.
- The waterfall is included in the circuit, but the announced opening ceremony and performances take place in Central Park rather than at the cascade.
- ADIFORT manages the attraction in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, within a 210-acre biological reserve forming part of Arenal Volcano National Park.
- The approach to the viewing point involves approximately 530 steps through premontane tropical wet forest, so the route requires an ability to manage a substantial stair descent and ascent.
- The waterfall is 70 metres high and the reserve is located at 520 metres above sea level.
These links open searches for La Fortuna Waterfall on each platform.
Searching for La Fortuna Waterfall on social platforms
These links open searches for La Fortuna Waterfall on each platform.
Frequently asked questions about La Fortuna Waterfall
When does the Christmas programme take place at La Fortuna Waterfall?
The lighting programme begins on 15 November 2026 in Central Park and extends through a circuit that includes the waterfall complex.
What is La Fortuna Waterfall?
It is a 70-metre waterfall in a biological reserve within Arenal Volcano National Park, managed by ADIFORT.
Where is La Fortuna Waterfall and how do you get there?
The attraction is in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Its viewing point is reached by a path of approximately 530 steps through the reserve.
