Although it might not be the most popular destination in the country, the beautiful city of Guadalajara is an unconventional and interesting destination to celebrate Christmas in Mexico. The capital city of Jalisco is listed among the top Mexican destinations and embodies the authentic spirit of the country thanks to its cultural richness, historic value, traditions, and myths.

 

Guadalajara is the second most populated area in Mexico and among the largest cities in Latin America, with an abundance of festivals, cultural fairs, and food and wine events attracting visitors from all over the world. If you are planning to visit during this year’s Christmas break, you cannot miss the magical winter festival ‘’Ilusionante’’ held in Guadalajara for the whole month of December until the 6th of January. The kermess is hosting a variety of music events, interactive installations, and entertainment all around the city center enticing you to delve into the Jaliscan mariachi tradition while enjoying the Christmas atmosphere.

 

The city offers many opportunities for fun that will satisfy every traveler: during your stay make sure you visit its renowned neo-gothic cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks in Guadalajara, and the impressive Teatro Degollado, a majestic neoclassical theater home to Guadalajara Philharmonic.

 

If you want to celebrate Christmas in Mexico in a unique fashion, the Magical Town of Tequila, best known for being the birthplace of the famous eponymous liquor, is a great option for a day trip from Guadalajara. Here you can enjoy the best spirits produced in Jalisco joining one of the many tasting tours the city offers and savoring some traditional delicacies- to add a spicy twist to your culinary experience, try Guadalajara hallmark dish, the ‘’torta ahogada’’, a must you can enjoy on Christmas as well as the rest of the year.

 

One of the most modern and largest cities in the country, Monterrey remains among the favorite destinations to spend Christmas in Mexico. Like in many other nearby states, Nuevo León enjoys a dry and mild winter, which makes Monterrey an ideal option to enjoy different open-air activities during your Christmas break. Extreme sports lovers will find their heaven in the mountain landscape surrounding Monterrey, with illimited chances for climbing, hiking, zip-lining, and exploring incredible caves and caverns. The iconic peak Cerro de la Silla, part of Monterrey’s skyline, and the scenic nearby Garcia Caves (Grutas de Garcia) are among the most popular attractions in the area.

 

To make the most of your stay in Monterrey in the Christmas period, we suggest you take one city tour and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere permeating every street and alley. From the 18th of November 2021 until the 16th of January 2022, Monterrey is home to the fourth edition of the spectacular Luztopía Lights Festival, a 2 km path full of lights installations extending in the Fundidora Park. The event has become one of the biggest Christmas festivals in Mexico and hosts various attractions, including a Christmas market and live music.

 

Monterrey offers a wide array of museums and cultural attractions you will not get tired to browse, and represent a fantastic way to get to know more about the city’s history- the Museo del Palacio, the Museum of Mexican History, and the Museo del Noreste will give you a thorough picture of how the city and the country have developed through the years. El barrio Antiguo (The Old District) is probably Monterrey’s pulsating heart: its vibrant streets full of colonial allure are packed with chic cafes, boutiques, and art galleries that are even more charming during the Christmas celebrations.

 

An amazing, and somehow unconventional holiday destination, the Cuatro Ciénegas Nature Preserve, in the state of Coahuila, is home to one of the most incredible landscapes in the country: the Gypsum Dunes (Dunas de Yeso). Millions of years ago, this imponent white sand formation was submerged in the waters of the Tethys Sea and originated from the gypsum crystals left after the wáter evaporated. Surely a unique choice to spend the Christmas period in Mexico, the Gypsum Dunes will conquer you with their peculiar charm, welcoming you in a constantly-changing landscape that seems to belong to another world.

 

The Cuatro Ciénegas natural area and the Gypsum Dunes can be easily reached from Monclova, Saltillo, Torreón y Monterrey as they are only 14 kilometers southwest from the preserve. The Gypsum Dunes are accessible by car from the Federal Highway 30 and can be found at km 102 in direction Torreón.

 

The Dunes area is so rich in endemic species and is such an important biotope that NASA has used it as a prototype of Mars's environment to investigate the planet’s possible evolution. In fall and winter, the site is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and might be a nice excursion for your Christmas holiday in Coahuila.

If you want to escape the winter cold and start 2022 with renewed energy, then Mazatlán is the perfect destination for your Christmas break in Mexico. Best known for its trendy Golden Zone and enchanting beaches, the capital city of Sinaloa state is one of the most popular holiday locations in Mexico that any traveler will not fail to love.

 

Thanks to its mild and dry climate during wintertime, Mazatlán is an excellent option for beach and nature lovers even in December and January. Relax and indulge in the sun on the famous and lively Playa las Gaviotas or, if you prefer to enjoy Mazatlán’s sandy beaches without the massive tourists’ crowds, explore the more intimate Playa Olas Altas, ideal for both swimming and surfing.

 

If you look for fun and excitement for your Christmas vacation in Mexico, Mazatlán Golden Zone will surely not let you down. The sizzling nightlife of this renowned shopping and entertainment district is one of Mazatlán's hallmarks and a top attraction among tourists in search of exclusive nightclubs, restaurants, and luxury shopping venues. The Malecón, the amazing beachfront walkway, connects the Golden Zone with the Old Town, where you can admire some of the city’s best sights of interest, such as the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Teatro Angela Peralta opera house.

 

When you plan to spend Christmas in Mexico’s ‘’Pearl of the Pacific’’- as Mazatlán’s nicknamed- make sure you plan a day trip to the picturesque Deer Island (Isla de Venados), where you can enjoy many water sports and beach activities and enjoy breathtaking sea views.

 

Given that Christmas is one of the most important festivities in Mexico, it is no surprise that its capital city rejoices with colors, lights, living nativity scenes, and events during the whole winter break period. Mexico’s most vibrant and restless center is a great destination to celebrate the festive season and offers opportunities for fun and entertainment for everyone.

 

The Zocalo, one of Mexico City’s most famous squares, is the venue where most public celebrations happen; here you will admire spectacular Christmas lights decorations adorning every building and street. The Zocalo also features an outdoor rink where you can ice-skate. However, since keeping the temperature cold enough for the ice not to melt might be difficult, sometimes it is converted to a roller skating or rollerblading rink.

 

Another great activity for your Christmas in Mexico City is browsing the numerous markets that during the festivities sell Christmas decorations, gifts, souvenirs, and the famous Christmas Piñata. Piñatas started indeed as a Christmas tradition that was then extended to other private and public celebrations. Among the most interesting markets are the Mercado Artesanal de Coyoacán and the Xochimilco Market, where you can amaze at or buy beautiful and colorful poinsettias, or Noche Buenas.

 

Complete your Christmas celebration in Mexico City treating yourself to some traditional delicacies: the city’s rich dining and drinking scene will leave you with plenty of options. We especially recommend you try the traditional Mexico City’s Christmas ponche, a delicious hot punch made of apples, pears, tamarindo, guavas, raisins, and other fruits that you can find at any market or café from November to January.

 

Chiapas is among the most popular and enchanting destinations in Mexico all year round, thanks to its marvelous beaches on the Pacific Coast, the variety of its lush nature ranging from the rainforest to the mountainous highlands, and the warm climate. If this winter you are looking for an intimate escape or travel with friends, Chiapas is an ideal choice for celebrating Christmas in Mexico and recharging before the start of the new year.

 

In December, the capital city Tuxtla Gutiérrez is adorned with Christmas lights and decorations and attracts year tourists from all over the world. From Tuxtla Gutiérrez you can easily reach one of the favorite holiday destinations in the state, the fascinating Pueblo Mágico of San Cristobal de las Casas. The magical allure of its quaint streets and buildings will bring you back in time- the Christmas atmosphere will add an extra touch of mystery and charm to your experience.

 

Chiapas beaches are among the top holiday destinations for Christmas in Mexico, offering the chance to enjoy a variety of activities from swimming to diving and snorkeling or to simply enjoy the sun and the pleasant ocean’s breeze. The popular Puerto Arista, Boca del Cielo, Playa Linda, and Playa Grande beaches are some of the most impressive spots where to practice water sports as well as join eco-adventures into the surrounding nature.

 

If this Christmas you are up for adventures, Chiapas will offer you great chances to explore its numerous archeological sites- the famous Palenque ruins are an excellent choice for a day excursion from Tuxtla Gutiérrez- or its varied natural landscapes. December is an excellent period to visit Chiapas amazing natural parks; the Sumidero Canyon Natural park and the Montebello Lakes Natural Park are perfect destinations for outdoors enthusiasts celebrating Christmas in Mexico.