Top 10 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Mexico

Christmas in Mexico has vibrant celebrations, delicious food, and traditional traditions. Many people prefer to spend the holidays in Mexico, where they can enjoy amazing feasts, midnight masses, and beautiful posadas. This article will explain to you how Christmas is celebrated in Mexico and how to get in on the fun if you’re looking for some guidance on how to celebrate properly in this country.

Have you considered spending Christmas in Mexico? It’s a different kind of celebration or a vacation from the activities. Mexico is also a perfect destination to go for winter sun. This is our guide to Mexican Christmas.

10 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Mexico

Guerrero Negro, Baja California
Mexico City
Oaxaca
San Miguel de Allende
Puerto Vallarta
Cabo San Lucas
Chiapas Highlands
Playa del Carmen
Mayan ruins
Coahuila, Dunas de Yeso

1. Guerrero Negro, Baja California

Experience the beauty of mountains, desert, and sea in Baja, starting with a trip to Guerrero Negro in December. This town played a key role in ending whaling in 1972, and by 1993, El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve became the world’s first whale sanctuary. Every December, gray whales travel an incredible 9,500 km from Alaska’s Bering Sea to Baja’s Pacific coast to mate and give birth.

The best times to spot these magnificent 15-meter-long whales are early morning or late afternoon. You can watch them from shore with binoculars, climb the Scammon’s Lagoon observation tower, or book a whale-watching cruise for a close-up view. These tours offer the chance to see whales breaching and other amazing behaviors.

If you’re planning to visit at Christmas, consider staying at Hotel Los Caracoles in Guerrero Negro. Other top whale-watching spots include San Ignacio or Bahia Magdalena, where you’ll find incredible opportunities to witness these gentle giants.

Location: Guerrero Negro, Baja California

How to reach: Fly to Loreto or Tijuana International Airport, then drive or take a bus to Guerrero Negro.

2. Mexico City

Spend Christmas in Mexico City, a vibrant, diverse, and exciting destination that comes alive during the holidays. It’s the perfect time to explore museums, restaurants, monuments, and the lively atmosphere of plazas, markets, and bustling streets.

Start at the Zócalo, the city’s main square, and use it as a base to visit top attractions like the Templo Mayor Museum with its fascinating Aztec artifacts and the National Palace, home to Diego Rivera’s famous murals. Don’t miss the stunning stained-glass windows of Catedral Metropolitana.

A visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum is another must, and guided tours make the experience even more memorable. Want a hassle-free holiday? Check out customizable Mexico itineraries and let local experts plan everything for you.

Location: Guerrero Negro, Baja California

How to reach: Fly to Loreto or Tijuana International Airport, then drive or take a bus to Guerrero Negro.

3. Oaxaca

Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s top places to visit at Christmas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning architecture, nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains. Its archaeological sites and colonial buildings exude a magical charm.

During Christmas, Oaxaca offers unique traditions like breaking plates and playing festive games. The best time to visit is between December 16th and 31st when the city is alive with holiday spirit and excitement.

Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

How to reach:
Oaxaca is accessible by air through Oaxaca International Airport (Xoxocotlán), with flights connecting from major cities in Mexico and limited international destinations. You can also reach Oaxaca by bus from major cities like Mexico City (around 6-7 hours), or by car via highways connecting it to other parts of the country.

4. San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a vibrant destination for Christmas in Mexico. Located in the central highlands, it’s a mix of celebration and tradition with posadas, piñatas, and ponche adding to the festive spirit.

While it’s winter, the joyful atmosphere brings plenty of warmth to your experience. The charm of the season and the lively festivities make it unforgettable.

Location: Central Mexico

How to reach: Fly to Mexico City airport, then take a bus to San Miguel de Allende.

5. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit for Christmas in Mexico. Located on the Bay of Banderas along the Pacific Ocean, it boasts 40 miles of stunning coastline and is a favorite tourist destination.

During Christmas, enjoy shopping at festive markets, exploring 20th-century churches and buildings, and indulging in holiday-themed piñatas, food, and drinks. The vibrant celebrations make it a perfect holiday spot.

Location: Jalisco

How to reach: Fly to the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, the main airport

6. Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas, in Baja Sur, is also a perfect destination to visit called “paradise on earth.” With miles of beautiful beaches, it’s perfect for water activities and holiday fun.

During Christmas, enjoy the special events and festive activities hosted by local restaurants and hotels throughout the season. It’s an ideal spot for a tropical holiday celebration.

Location: Baja Sur

How to reach: Fly to Los Cabos International Airport, which serves flights from around the world.

7. Chiapas Highlands

Experience authentic Maya culture this Christmas with a trip to San Cristóbal de las Casas, the capital of Los Altos de Chiapas. At 2,100 meters above sea level, this colonial city offers cool mountain air, charming red-roofed houses, and a relaxed vibe. Its mix of restaurants, hotels, and chic cafés adds to its charm.

Don’t miss the stunning cathedral at the Zócalo or the vibrant Mercado Indígena, where you can shop for traditional crafts, clothing, and pottery. Take time to explore nearby Maya villages like San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán for a deeper cultural experience.

For a memorable stay, consider Sombra del Agua during your Christmas visit.

Location: Chiapas Highlands

How to reach: Fly to Tuxtla Gutiérrez Airport, then drive or take a bus to San Cristóbal de las Casas.

8. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya is the best location to celebrate Christmas in Mexico. Its white-sand beaches, turquoise seas, and coral reefs provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and holiday cheer.

Unlike bustling Cancun, Playa del Carmen offers a more laid-back vibe with luxury hotels and a lively, cool nightlife. For adventure, enjoy snorkeling or diving in the clear, warm waters. For something unique, consider a day at Xcaret, an eco-adventure park set in the stunning natural landscape of the ancient Maya port of Polé.

Location: Riviera Maya

How to reach: Fly to Cancun International Airport, then drive or take a bus to Playa del Carmen.

9. Mayan ruins

Guatemala, Belize, parts of Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula are all home to Mayan people. Hence, plan to visit Tulum, Palenque, and Chichén Itzá if you want to explore the Mayan Trail during Christmastime.

As well as to being pioneers in the arts and mathematics, the Maya built amazing urban architecture. Palenque takes place in the rainforest of Chiapas, where the majority of its stunning ruins are hidden by the dramatic jungle, while Tulum is home to the magnificent Maya pyramids set against the bright Caribbean seas.

Of all the Mayan cities, Chichén Itzá is possibly the most famous. It was established in 300 AD, peaked in power around 900 AD, and is still remarkably intact today. This is where you can see the famous Mayan architecture, like ball game courts and stone carvings depicting ritual human sacrifice.

However, the El Castillo step pyramid, an outstanding example of Maya engineering that reaches a height of 30 meters (98 feet), is probably the most famous of all the Chichén Itzá monuments.

Location:
Tulum, Palenque, Chichén Itzá (Mexico), Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador

How to reach:

Tulum: You can fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) and take a 1.5 to 2-hour drive south to Tulum.
Palenque: The nearest airport is in Villahermosa (about 2 hours away), or you can reach Palenque by bus from various cities in Mexico, including Merida and Villahermosa.
Chichén Itzá: The closest major airport is in Cancun (2-3 hours by car). Alternatively, you can reach it by bus from Cancun, Merida, or Playa del Carmen.

10. Coahuila, Dunas de Yeso

One of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes, the Gypsum Dunes (Dunas de Yeso), can be found in the Cuatro Ciénegas Nature Preserve in the state of Coahuila. It’s an amazing and unique vacation spot. This part of the white sand formation came about from the gypsum crystals that continued to be after the water evaporated millions of years ago when it was submerged in Tethys Sea waters.

Absolutely a unique choice for spending the Christmas season in Mexico, the Gypsum Dunes will enchant you with their odd charm and welcome you to an evolving environment that looks to be from another planet.

The Gypsum Dunes and the Cuatro Ciénegas natural locations are easily reached from Monclova, Saltillo, Torreón, and Monterrey, as they are just 14 kilometers southwest of the preserve. The Gypsum Dunes are located at km 102, toward Torreón, and are easily accessible by car from Federal Highway 30.

NASA has used the Dunes location as a model of Mars’ environment to study the planet’s potential evolution because it is so rich in endemic species and is such an essential biotope. The site is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the fall and winter, and it could be an excellent way to spend your Christmas vacation in Coahuila.

Location:
Dunas de Yeso, Cuatro Ciénegas Nature Preserve, Coahuila, Mexico

How to reach:
The Gypsum Dunes are located about 14 kilometers southwest of the Cuatro Ciénegas Preserve. The nearest cities are Monclova, Saltillo, Torreón, and Monterrey. You can drive to the dunes via Federal Highway 30, with the location situated at km 102, towards Torreón. The site is accessible by car and is always to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fall and winter months.

Conclusion:

Christmas in Mexico includes colorful celebrations, tasty food, and ancient traditions. For many people, celebrating the holidays in Mexico is a break from tradition, due to the colorful posadas, midnight masses, and lavish feasts.