![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile Christmas in Mexico City can be vastly different from, say, Christmas in Cabo<\/a>, you’re pretty much guaranteed to fall in love with the city at this time of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From colorful decorations adorning the streets to lively holiday markets offering an array of seasonal treats, the city comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this blog post, you’ll get to know everything you need to know about celebrating Christmas in Mexico City, including unique traditions, delicious cuisine, and all the events you’ve got to check out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christmas in Mexico City isn’t just a holiday; it’s a colorful, bustling experience you’ll fall head over heels in love with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll find everything from uber traditional celebrations to modern, even high-end events and everything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll find processions moving through the streets, with people holding candles and singing villancicos<\/em> (Christmas carols). <\/p>\n\n\n\n With that said, a lot of people in Mexico City aren’t religious, but they still call their Christmas parties “posadas”. It’s pretty much an excuse to drink and eat December away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though some families and neighborhoods still follow the traditional script for the posadas, many people use this 9-day period to host less traditional Christmas-themed parties and dinners they call \u201cposadas\u201d, with lots of merry hugging, gift-giving, eating, and drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fun fact: <\/strong>There’s a joke in Mexico City where we say “It’s Guadalupe-Reyes”! This “season” runs from December 12 (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe) till King’s Day (D\u00eda de Reyes) on January 6th. It’s considered “socially acceptable” to drink day and night, because, well… It’s Guadalupe-Reyes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pastorelas are theater-like plays reenacting the shepherds’ journey to see the Christ Child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These performances are produced throughout the Christmas season, sometimes with a comic twist at the antics between angels and devils vying for the shepherds’ souls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Notable for their humorous and satirical undertones, Pastorelas remain a favorite Christmas activity in Mexico City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve is the main event in the Mexican holiday season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a family-focused celebration where you savor a late-night feast. The table might be laden with roast turkey, bacalao (dried salted cod), and romeritos (a dish made of edible herbs with shrimp cakes and potatoes simmered in mole). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Religious families interrupt the feast to attend\u00a0 midnight Mass, known as Misa de Gallo, and then return to continue the party, while the younger crowd usually goes out to party with their friends after dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n December 25th is Christmas Day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Contrary to how it’s done in the US, Europe, and other parts of the world, in Mexico City, the 25th is a relaxed day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nochebuena dinner lasts until way after midnight, so Christmas Day is for unwinding at home or gathering to eat the recalentado<\/em> (leftovers) from the previous night’s feast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though some Mexican children eagerly await Santa Claus to bring them toys, especially in the upper classes and the northern states that border with the US, the Three Kings predominate with most families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n King’s Day or D\u00eda de Reyes on January 6th marks the end of the Christmas season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Christmas in Mexico City experience is made vibrant with traditional decorations that tell a story and create a festive atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From Nativity scenes to Poinsettias, each symbol carries a significant meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nativity scenes, or nacimientos, are a centerpiece in Mexican Christmas decor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll find these intricate representations of the birth of Jesus in homes, churches, and public spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Often, they are elaborate setups with not just the Holy Family, but an entire village, including angels, shepherds, animals, and even some lakes and rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The poinsettia, Nochebuena in Spanish, is an iconic Christmas flower that originated in Mexico. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your holiday decorations wouldn’t be complete without this vibrant red and green plant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s more than just a pretty flower; it symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and is a vital part of the Christmas landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Natural poinsettias adorn many homes, businesses, and iconic Paseo de la Reforma Avenue boasts a display of hundreds of them during the holiday season so make sure you include walking along Reforma on your Christmas in Mexico City itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luminarias, also known as farolitos, are beautiful light displays that illuminate pathways, homes, and plazas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These small paper lanterns, often a DIY project, are not just for looks; they serve as guideposts, leading the way to Christmas gatherings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n December 12th marks the official start of the Christmas season in what is commonly known as the Guadalupe-Reyes marathon, ending on Three Kings Day January 7th. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Religious people observe El D\u00eda de la Virgen de Guadalupe. This day commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Expect a blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions, with churches decked in flowers and pilgrims arriving from all corners of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Masses are held throughout the day, special sermons are given, and the air is filled with both spirituality and festivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: This date can get pretty chaotic (traffic-wise) in Mexico City because pilgrims arrive to the city from nearby villages. I’d suggest avoiding Reforma and Centro Historico on this date. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gift-giving often revolves around the Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), but it also happens previously on Christmas gatherings among friends (Secret Santa is a thing here too!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pi\u00f1atas are a staple at Mexican posadas, the parties leading up to Christmas Eve, and they are a hit\u2014literally\u2014with both children and adults. Your traditional pi\u00f1ata will be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can expect daytime temperatures to hover around 20\u00b0C (68\u00b0F). This is the dry season in Mexico City so days are usually sunny!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nights, however, call for a light jacket as lows can dip to 5-10\u00b0C (41-50\u00b0F). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The city does experience less daylight during this period, with the sun setting earlier, but you’ll find plenty of night-time illuminations to make up for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warm sunshine during the day means you can enjoy outdoor festivities comfortably, but once the sun dips, the chill sets in, so carry a sweater if you’re out exploring the Christmas lights or markets at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to see snow, you may find it in nearby mountains like Popocatepetl, Iztacc\u00edhuatl, and the Nevado de Toluca. Sometimes, light snow is seen in the southern part of Mexico City like Ajusco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many families in Mexico City have added turkey, gravy, and other dishes from the US traditional Christmas feast, dishes with Spanish and indigenous roots are also served, resulting in a unique and delicious mix you won’t find anywhere else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bacalao a la Vizcaina is your go-to fish dish during the festive season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It blends salted cod with tomatoes, olives, g\u00fcero peppers, and capers in a way that’ll keep you coming back for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tamales are served in many celebrations, and Christmas is no exception. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The are made of corn dough filled with chicken or pork dishes, then Wrapped in corn leaves and steamed in corn husks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other fillings are sweet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romeritos are about as traditional as it gets when it comes to Christmas dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are \u201cromerito\u201d herbs with shrimp cakes and potatoes drenched in a mole sauce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bu\u00f1uelos are your crispy dessert fix similar to fried dough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, they\u2019re drizzled with syrup or sprinkled with sugar, perfect for a post-dinner treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can try them in pasadas<\/em>, or find vendors selling them in the Zocalo and streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This fruit-laden beverage spiced with cinnamon and sugarcane is the perfect beverage to ward off the cold during the evenings in Mexico City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hearty soup with hominy and meat, garnished with lettuce, radish, onion, lime, and chili.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christmas in Mexico City is huge and there’s a ton of things going on throughout December!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few of the best things to do for Christmas in Mexico City:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re feeling a little lost and want to see the best Christmas spots in Mexico City and learn all the traditions alongside a local, this tour should be your starting point for Christmas in Mexico City.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll get to experience the best Christmas in Mexico City as well as explore a wide variety of Mexican traditions and seasonal cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll visit beautifully decorated places and immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of the festive streets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n BOOK HERE.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This tour<\/a><\/strong> is similar to the one above but it focuses on the Xochimilco area, which is a very traditional neighborhood in Mexico City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Mexican traditions and enjoy seasonal cuisine while visiting beautifully decorated places around the famous lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, you’ll also immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the streets and discover Christmas decorations, artisan products, and traditional ponche at craft markets. BOOK HERE.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Christmas in Mexico City is a magical time not only because of the festive celebrations, but because it’s also when monarch butterflies start to arrive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This wonderful tour<\/a><\/strong> mixes the best of both worlds. You’ll embark on an adventure to the Biosphere Reserve to witness the stunning spectacle of colorful monarch butterflies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Afterward, you’ll make a stop in Tlalpujahua, a small village known as the Christmas Village because locals here spend the year producing Christmas ornaments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from that, you’ll get to indulge in the irresistible flavors of Michoac\u00e1n’s gastronomy, including local snacks such as corundas, uchepos, and carnitas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All in all, this tour<\/a><\/strong> offers an extraordinary natural show, a festive town atmosphere, and an authentic culinary experience. BOOK HERE.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n From December 5, 2024 to January 5, 2025, the Four Seasons’ 4th floor terrace, which has an unbeatable view of Reforma and the city, becomes a Christmas oasis with a sustainable skating rink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to the skating rink, you’ll find a beautiful Christmas garden with a huge decorated pine tree, Christmas market-style food and drink stalls, lots of lights and seasonal music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a beautiful Christmas parade organized for the whole family by the department stores Liverpool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the characters that parade by land and air, the favorite is Bolo, exclusive to Liverpool. Bolo is a beloved Mexican character, pretty much all of us had at least one Bolo plush toy growing up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The route begins at the Glorieta de la Diana Cazadora (map here<\/a>) and ends at the Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend arriving early, as the event is quite crowded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This ballet production recreates scenes from the Three Wise Men wrapped in music and dances from different states of the Mexican Republic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The work consists of three acts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first recreates the moment of the announcement and a living nativity scene is recreated with animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the second, the arrival of the Three Wise Men with gifts to baby Jesus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And finally, a traditional inn is represented with folk dances and Christmas carols performed by a choir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although technically it is not within the limits of Mexico City, it is within the metropolitan area, so we have included it in the list because it’s an absolute must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Enter the magical world of Brilla Fest where you will find 4 Christmas villages, illuminated figures, a circus show, mechanical games, elves, the Christmas Express train, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, there will be a little market and a gastronomic exhibition full of snacks and seasonal delights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every year, the Six Flags Mexico amusement park dresses up for Christmas to celebrate the season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The entire place gets filled with lights and “snow” so that you can enjoy Christmas shows and activities among the mechanical rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get into the holiday mood with the parade, the Christmas village, and other surprises that await you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChristmas in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-decor.jpg\")
Traditional Festivities and Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Posadas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pastorelas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNoche Buena<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Christmas Day Celebrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-carolina.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKing’s Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/christmas-in-mexico-city-reforma-avenue.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDecorations and Symbols You’ll See During Christmas in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nativity Scenes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-escena.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPoinsettias<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-noche-buenas.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLuminarias<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-luminarias.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay of the Virgin of Guadalupe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Family Traditions and Customs During Christmas in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gift Giving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-gifts.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPi\u00f1atas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-pinatas.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWeather during Christmas in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-snow.jpg\")
You may also like:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Christmas Food in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bacalao a la Vizcaina<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-vacalao.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTamales<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-tamales.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRomeritos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-romeritos.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBu\u00f1uelos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-bunuelos.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPunch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-ponche.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPozole<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-pozole.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEvents for Christmas in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Magic Christmas Tour of Mexico City<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-city-tour.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Magic Christmas Tour in Xochimilco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-xhochimilco.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Monarch Butterfly: Biosphere Reserve & Christmas Tour in Mexico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-monarch-butterflies.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Four Seasons Ice Skating Rink<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/christmas-in-mexico-city-ice-skating.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Desfile Bolo Fest (Bolo Fest Parade)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-bolo-fest.jpeg\")
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6. Ballet \u201cNavidades en M\u00e9xico\u201d at Chapultepec Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Brilla Fest 2024: Christmas in the Forest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-brilla-fest.jpeg\")
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9. Christmas in the Park at Six Flags Mexico City<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-christmas-in-the-park-six-flags.jpeg\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-flowers-reforma-avenue.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-christmas-market.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-santa-run.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas-in-mexico-city-cafe-y-chocolate-fest.jpg\")
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