villancicos<\/em> (Christmas carols). <\/p>\n\n\n\nWith 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\nPastorelas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Pastorelas<\/strong> are theater-like plays reenacting the shepherds’ journey to see the Christ Child. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThese 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 <\/figure>\n\n\n\nNoche Buena<\/h3>\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<\/em> (dried salted cod), and romeritos<\/em> (a dish made of edible herbs with shrimp cakes and potatoes simmered in mole). <\/p>\n\n\n\nReligious families interrupt the feast to attend midnight Mass, known as Misa de Gallo<\/em>, 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\nChristmas Day Celebrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n December 25th<\/em> is Christmas Day. <\/p>\n\n\n\nContrary to how it’s done in the US, Europe, and other parts of the world, here 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 <\/figure>\n\n\n\nKing’s Day<\/h3>\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<\/em> on January 6th marks the end of the Christmas season. <\/p>\n\n\n\nKids happily open the gifts left by the \u201cThree Kings\u201d, reminiscent of the Three Wise Men’s journey to take gifts to baby Jesus, then enjoy Rosca de Reyes<\/em>, a sweet bread ring with hidden figurines inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCulinary Journey Through Christmas in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n In Mexico City, you\u2019ll find a variety of traditional dishes and sweet delights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A unique combination of Christmas flavors with indigenous, Spanish, and US origins makes the culinary offer quite unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christmas Eve Dishes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n During Nochebuena, you’ll find tables bursting with tamales<\/em>, a staple made of masa steamed in a corn husk and stuffed with all sorts of fillings, from chicken to beef, peppered with rich sauces. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s impossible to miss out on the Romeritos<\/em> or Bacalao a la Vizca\u00edna<\/em>, a salt cod dish simmered with tomatoes, olives, and capers, bringing the flavors of Spain to Mexican shores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nHoliday Sweets and Treats<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSink your teeth into bu\u00f1uelos<\/em>, crispy fried dough, often drizzled with honey or dusted with sugar and cinnamon, paired with warm canela<\/em> (cinnamon) tea. <\/p>\n\n\n\nRevel in the rich, chocolatey goodness of champurrado<\/em>, a thick chocolate-based drink that’s essentially a hug in a mug, often sipped alongside sweet breads or tamales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nBu\u00f1uelos<\/strong>: Crispy fried dough sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon<\/li>\n\n\n\nChampurrado<\/strong>: A warm, thick, chocolate-based drink<\/li>\n\n\n\nRosca de Reyes<\/strong>: An oval-shaped bread eaten on Epiphany, adorned with candied fruits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nBu\u00f1uelos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDecorations and Symbols You’ll See During Christmas in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n A Christmas is 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<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNativity scenes, or nacimientos<\/em>, are a centerpiece in Mexican Christmas decor. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYou’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 <\/figure>\n\n\n\nPoinsettias<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The poinsettia, Nochebuena<\/em> in Spanish, is an iconic Christmas flower that originated in Mexico. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYour 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 <\/figure>\n\n\n\nLuminarias<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Luminarias, also known as farolitos<\/em>, are beautiful light displays that illuminate pathways, homes, and plazas. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThese 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
You’ll see the warm glow of candlelight flickering within these lanterns, creating a serene ambiance on crisp evenings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay of the Virgin of Guadalupe<\/h3>\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.<\/em> This day commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego. <\/p>\n\n\n\nExpect 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
Family Traditions and Customs During Christmas in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n In Mexico City, Christmas is a time when family traditions and customs shine, with each activity filled with joy, merriment, and a unique local flavor that embodies the spirit of the community and the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gift Giving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n You’ll notice that in Mexico City, gift-giving often revolves around the Noche Buena<\/strong> (Christmas Eve). <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the warm embrace of your family home, gifts are usually exchanged at midnight, following a late-night feast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nPi\u00f1atas<\/h3>\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
\nStar-shaped<\/strong>, with seven points representing the seven deadly sins<\/li>\n\n\n\nColorfully decorated<\/strong> with fringed paper and bright designs<\/li>\n\n\n\nFilled with fruits<\/strong> like guavas and oranges, candies, and nuts in traditional posadas, but you might also find small gifts and other less traditional goodies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nWeather during Christmas in Mexico City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Christmas in Mexico City embraces a mild, often pleasant climate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can expect daytime temperatures to hover around 20\u00b0C (68\u00b0F), giving you a comfortable environment to explore the festive decorations and markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWeather Factor<\/strong><\/td>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Daytime Highs<\/strong><\/td>~20\u00b0C (68\u00b0F)<\/td><\/tr> Nighttime Lows<\/strong><\/td>5-10\u00b0C (41-50\u00b0F)<\/td><\/tr> Rainfall<\/strong><\/td>Minimal; dry season<\/td><\/tr> Sunshine<\/strong><\/td>Moderate; occasional overcast<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNights, however, call for a light jacket as lows can dip to 5-10\u00b0C (41-50\u00b0F). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The season is often dry\u2014rain is minimal, so your plans are unlikely to be disrupted by a downpour. <\/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
You won’t need an umbrella very often since it’s the dry season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, always check the local forecast before making any outdoor plans\u2014Mexico City’s weather can sometimes surprise you. <\/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\nPopocatepetl<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n