It’s quite charming to listen to carolers in their hoodies asking for fig pudding on your doorstep. But, have you ever experienced a mariachi band in sombreros remixing “Silent Night”? It’s something else.
For those vacationing in Mexico, Fairmont Mayakoba offers a unique “Feliz Navidad” experience. This Playa del Carmen destination stands out as a fantastic spot, especially during December, when vibrant traditions and coastal celebrations come alive.
Interestingly, for many Mexicans, Christmas isn’t the pinnacle of December celebrations. Instead, December 12th shines as the feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe, the nation’s patron saint.
This day marks the last apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1531 in Mexico. Each year, around 18 million dedicated pilgrims embark on a journey to Mexico City, many making the trek on foot. They form a lively, candlelit procession that leads to the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Guadalupe, often overflowing with attendees.
Even if you’re not particularly religious, witnessing this extraordinary event might give you chills. You can join in, just remember to dress modestly and respect the solemnity of the occasion.
And be sure to do some people-watching in the bustling square, where many pilgrims set up tents and countless street vendors and musicians await the crowds.
Meanwhile, in Oaxaca City, located about five hours south, farmers are eagerly anticipating radishes. Applications need to be in by December 23rd for Noche de Labanos (Night of Radishes), which draws thousands of onlookers each year. Both young and old gather to admire detailed scenes, often with Christmas themes, carved from radishes that weigh as much as the baby Jesus.
If you’re interested, Constitution Square is the place to be. You can take part in a sculpture workshop, find a radish-themed souvenir, and vote for your favorite display.
Travelers can also engage in the traditional Mexican Las Posadas. It lasts nine nights, starting December 16th, showcasing reenactments of Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay (the Spanish word for inn is “posada”). Expect lively singing, plenty of tamales, and a lot of piñata breaking.
Las Posadas has grown so popular that many hotels and resorts host their own versions. At Hilton Los Cabos, for instance, you’ll find themed live food stations. One of the standout moments is Santa arriving by helicopter on the final night—why come down a chimney when you can land right in the middle of the fun?
On Christmas Eve, things get busy for Santa, or “Papa Noel” as he’s known in Mexico. He makes a surprise parachute entrance at Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort in Punta Mita.
“After greeting the guests, Santa will pose for photos next to the towering 23-foot Christmas tree in the main plaza and hand out gifts,” says Eduardo Pinto, the resort’s sales and marketing director. The festivities wrap up with an entertaining dance show.
The following morning, at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Papa Noel emerges from a unique “private resort tunnel” to share cookies and hot chocolate with guests.
Fun fact: Mexico is where hot cocoa was invented. This resort also features a beachside mini-carnival with performers on stilts, adding an amusing twist to the holiday spirit.
From wreath-making workshops to tree lighting ceremonies, and even fruitcake blending at The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, there are countless ways to celebrate Christmas in Mexico.
But, if you lean more toward the Scrooge side, you can still enjoy the warm, sunny weather. December marks the onset of the dry season on the Caribbean coast, with ideal conditions for exploring. Plus, it’s the start of whale-watching season along the Pacific Coast, where numerous gray whales flock to Baja’s tranquil lagoons. If these massive creatures can make the journey south, surely you can too.
