Christmas in Mexico City: Festive Events, Traditions & Tips

Mexico City is a great Christmas destination for those who want to escape the cold, experience a new culture, and still enjoy holiday festivities. 

It’s where I spent my first Christmas away from family while backpacking through Latin America for 6 months – and I’ve actually called Mexico City home ever since.

Christmas in Mexico City is filled with bright red poinsettias, colorful Christmas lights in the Zócalo, and plenty of warm and sweet treats like ponche, churros, and hot chocolate. 

I’ll help you plan your trip around the city’s holiday happenings and prepare for when the city turns into a ghost town on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day since most places are closed and people are home with their families.

You’ll find a blend of cultural insights like how Mexico celebrates this time of year and practical suggestions like things to do and what restaurants are open December 24th & 25th so your Christmas in Mexico City feels as close to home as you need it to be—and as excitingly new as you want.

How Does Mexico Celebrate Christmas?

Mexico does Christmas a little differently than the United States. 

Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena is the main event, not Christmas Day.

On the night of the 24th, people celebrate with a big family dinner and party that usually goes well past midnight (Mexicans love a late dinner with plenty of drinking and socializing). 

On the morning of the 25th, children open their presents, parents recover from their hangover, and in the afternoon, families gather again to enjoy leftovers from dinner the night before.

Since Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are all about being with family, most places like museums and restaurants are closed these days. 

Where to Eat on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Most restaurants close their doors Christmas Eve between 4-6pm and don’t reopen until December 26th, so it can be tricky finding a place to eat.

Below I’ve listed a few recommendations of places that will be open for most of Christmas, but I encourage you to walk around, ask, and see what is open around you. You never know, you might just find the next hidden gem. 

You can also check OpenTable to see what places are taking reservations these days, but be sure to do so as far in advance as possible. 

1. La Casa de Toño 

Cheap, fast, and full of staple Mexican dishes, this is the place to go if you’re craving a casual but typical meal. This beloved Mexican chain is known for their pozole (a soup with corn and shredded meat) which is what I always order unless I’m craving a sope con bistec (sliced beef on a corn dough base topped with cream and cheese.) Don’t forget to order their flan de la abuela, it’s the best!

Hours: December 24th: 8am-8pm, December 25th: 10am-11pm

9 Festive Events & Things to Do in Mexico City for Christmas

1. Ballet Folklorico

After years of living in Mexico City I finally saw the Ballet Folklorico because my friend had an extra ticket – and man, was I missing out. I was not expecting to like, no, love it as much as I did. 

It’s a beautiful and fun performance showcasing Meixcan culture through dance and costume. I can’t recommend it enough!

Every December, starting on Christmas Day they have a special Ballet Folklorico that takes place in the Chapultepec Castlel rather than the usual venue of Palacio de Bellas Artes. 

Reserve your tickets here. Prices are in Mexican Pesos, but they cost around $50 USD. 

When: December 25, 2024 – January 5th, 2025

Where: Castillo de Chapultepec

2.The Nut Cracker

If you’re a fan of the Nut Cracker then seeing it abroad can be a cool cultural experience!

Watch Mexico’s National Dance Company and Fine Arts Orchestra put on this Christmas classic in the National Auditorium. 

Prices range from $15 – $100 USD. Find them here.

When: December 17 – Decembember 23, 2024

Where: Audiotorio Nacional in Polanco

3. Verbena Navideña

Mexico City’s big Christmas festival, known as the Verbena Navideña is held in the Zócalo every year from December 17th – December 30th. 

There are concerts, games, food, and plenty of decorations to get you in the Christmas spirit. 

I love to go on a weeknight when it’s a little less crowded to see the Christmas lights and decorations in Latin America’s largest city square. 

When: December 17 – December 30, 2024

Where: Zócalo, Centro Historico

4. Christmas Shopping & Markets

For souvenirs or unique Christmas gifts, check out the artisan markets.

There are year-round markets like La Ciudadela, San Ángel Saturday Market (my personal favorite), and the Coyoacan Market. 

There are also several pop-up markets for Christmas time. You can find vendors in the Zócalo and along Paseo de la Reforma selling hand-made artesanías (crafts) from Oaxaca, Chiapas, and other states. 

Some of my favorite things to buy are ceramics, prints, and textiles.

Respect the prices and the artisans by not bargaining. 

5. Paseo de la Reforma 

Paseo de la Reforma is lined with beautiful, red nochebuenas (poinsettias) the whole month of December. 

You’ll also find artisans selling their crafts and festive decorations. 

This major avenue takes you from the shady, tree-lined Chapultepec Park, past the Angel of Independence, to the business district’s skyscrapers. 

Where: Paseo de la Reforma

6. Midnight Mass

Even if you aren’t religious, attending a midnight mass is a worthwhile cultural experience.

My family and I spent many Christmases in Mexico and Central America, and even though we aren’t religious, my mom always liked to take us to experience midnight mass.

Seeing Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral filled with people and music is enough to give you goosebumps. 

It’s a gorgeous cathedral and if you have the chance to experience it for one of the biggest masses’ of the year don’t miss it!

Where: Metropolitan Catherdral, Historic Center

When: December 24th at 8pm. See the schedule on their Instagram.

7. Christmas Bike Ride

Similar to the Sunday afternoon bike rides, the Paseo Nocturno Navideño is where the close Paseo de la Reforma to cars so pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy a relaxed walk, jog, or bike ride. 

The Christmas bike ride is after dark so you can see some holiday lights. 

Bike from the Angel of Independence to the Centro Historico for a scenic ride. 

Renting a bike is super easy and affordable with Ecobici, so be sure to create an account ahead of time so you can participate.

The Christmas bike ride is only one day so don’t miss it! 

Where: Paseo de la Reforma

When: December 28th, 2024 from 7-11pm

8. Piñatas in Mercado Jamaica

If you want to see Piñatas and poinsettias galore and roam a bustling Mexican market that has everything from produce, pet supplies, and handmade crafts, take a stroll through Mercado Jamaica. 

Where: Mercado Jamaica

9. Celebratory Drink Overlooking El Ángel

For sweeping views of Mexico City and El Ángel de Independencia, have a cocktail on the 38th floor at Cityzen.

They are one of the few places open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Get dressed up and enjoy a luxury dining experience with craft cocktails, refined appetizers, and killer views.

Where: Cityzen, Paseo de la Reforma

Traditional Christmas Foods in Mexico

No Mexican Christmas celebration is complete without sampling some of the country’s traditional holiday dishes. 

From savory stews to sweet fried treats, here are a few festive favorites to look out for – plus tips on where to find them.

Tamales
These classic corn-husk-wrapped treats are a must during the holiday season. Tamales can be made with a variety of fillings: pork in red sauce, chicken in green sauce, or even sweet raisin fillings. You’ll find them everywhere from family-run street stalls to local markets and sit-down restaurants. For my favorite tamales, head to Tamales Doña Emi early in the morning before the line getss too long and they run out.

Ponche Navideño
Mexico’s warm holiday punch is brimming with seasonal fruits like tejocotes (a small crabapple-like fruit), guavas, apples, prunes, and sometimes raisins or hibiscus flowers. Cinnamon sticks and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) add a sweet, spicy aroma. Ponche is commonly sold by street vendors in big steaming pots—perfect for warming up during cooler December evenings.

Buñuelos
Light, crispy, and dusted with sugar (sometimes drizzled with syrup), buñuelos are a festive favorite. Depending on the region, they come in various shapes—some are flat and plate-sized, others small and ball-shaped. You’ll likely spot vendors selling buñuelos on the street and in plazas like the Zócalo where locals often enjoy them alongside a cup of hot chocolate or atole.

Romeritos
A uniquely Mexican dish, romeritos are a type of green herb cooked with mole sauce and often served with shrimp cakes. While romeritos aren’t as ubiquitous as tamales, you’ll still find them on many holiday menus at traditional Mexican restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, browse your local markets like Mercado Medellin for fresh romeritos to cook at home, too.

Bacalao
Typically prepared with dried and salted cod, this Christmas classic is stewed with tomatoes, onions, olives, and spices. Bacalao a la Vizcaína is a common variation you’ll see on holiday tables. Many families prepare it from scratch at home, but it’s also served at fondas (small, casual restaurants) and more upscale eateries specializing in Mexican cuisine during the holidays.

From street stalls to high-end dining spots, Mexico’s Christmas dishes capture the spirit of the season in every bite. 

Don’t hesitate to explore bustling markets and local neighborhoods for the most authentic and memorable holiday food experience.

Weather in Mexico City for Christmas

Mexico City during Christmas means mild weather with sunny, warm days and colder nights. 

Daytime temperatures often reach the low-to-mid 70s°F (low 20s°C), making a light jacket or sweater optional when the sun is shining. 

However, once the sun sets, temperatures can drop dramatically – sometimes dipping into the 40s°F (single digits in °C). 

The variation in temperature means it’s important to dress in layers. A comfortable t-shirt or lightweight top might be enough for midday, but a cozy jacket, scarf, or sweater is a must to keep you warm during early mornings and nights. 

Knowing how to dress for both the warm afternoons and chilly evenings will help you stay comfortable throughout your trip.

Because the city sits at a high altitude, the air can also feel crisp and dry, so be sure to stay hydrated. 

If you want more details on weather, what to pack, and what events to attend, be sure to check out my blog post all about Mexico City in December.

Additional Tips for a Memorable Christmas in Mexico City

Plan for Christmas Closures: Count on restaurants and tourist sites to close their doors the afternoon of the 24th and not open again until the 26th. 

Crowds: Popular attractions like the Zócalo and nearby holiday markets can get extremely busy. Keep personal belongings secure in a zipped bag or front-facing backpack and don’t keep anything in your back pockets. 

Make New Friends: If you’re traveling solo for the holidays, meet other solo-travelers on tours, meet-ups or language exchanges, or at the hostel or B&B you’re staying at. 

There are plenty of fun and interactive tours that will get you talking to the person next to you like a mixology class, taco tour, or a Lucha Libre night out!

Public Transport & Rideshares: Mexico City’s Metro can be a convenient and affordable way to get around, but avoid rush hour (around 7-9 AM and 6-8 PM) to steer clear of crammed trains. Ridesharing apps like Uber or Didi are widely used. My favorite way to get around when traffic is killer is by using an Ecobici bike.

Traffic: Traffic in Mexico City can be intense, especially around holiday events. Explore efficiently and plan to stick to one neighborhood at a time so you don’t have to take 5 Ubers to 5 different parts of the city in one day.

Reservations: Popular restaurants and bars will fill up quickly during peak season. Reserve your table early so you aren’t scrambling last minute to find a table.

Mexican Christmas Traditions

Mexico’s holiday season is filled with colorful customs that blend Catholic traditions with indigenous heritage. From lively processions to sweet bread celebrations, these time-honored traditions make Christmas in Mexico a truly memorable experience.

Las Posadas and Processions

Las Posadas (meaning “the inns” in Spanish) are nine days of celebration leading up to Christmas Eve, commemorating Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. 

Each evening from December 16 to December 24, friends, families, and neighbors form candlelit processions, often accompanied by singing carols and carrying small statues of Mary and Joseph. 

They go from house to house symbolically asking for shelter. At the final stop, a “host” welcomes everyone in, and the evening concludes with prayers, music, food, and of course, piñatas.

Piñatas and Their Cultural Significance

Piñatas are an essential part of Mexican festivities, especially during Las Posadas. 

Traditionally, piñatas are made of paper-mâché and often shaped like a star with seven points – each point representing one of the seven deadly sins. 

They’ve become known as a fun birthday game across the world, but it’s the Christmas posadas where they earned their fame in Mexico.

Día de Reyes and the Rosca de Reyes

The holiday spirit continues well past December 25. In Mexico, January 6 marks Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day), celebrating the day the Three Wise Men brought gifts to the baby Jesus. On this day, families and friends gather to share a Rosca de Reyes—a ring-shaped sweet bread adorned with dried fruits and candied citrus peels. Inside the rosca is a small figurine representing baby Jesus. 

Whoever finds the figurine must host a tamales party on Día de la Candelaria on February 2, rounding out the extended holiday festivities.

Because the holiday festivities begin December 12th with Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe and continue until Dia de Reyes on January 6th, Mexicans jokingly refer to this festive time of year as El Guadalupe-Reyes as a marathon of non-stop celebrations.

Final Thoughts – Is Mexico City a Good Place to Spend Christmas?

If you’re looking to travel for Christmas but want to go someplace that still has that familiar holiday cheer, Mexico City is a great pick. 

With warmm sunny days and brisk nights, the weather is perfect for sightseeing during the day and cozying up for a drink or going to see holiday lights at night. 

As long as you plan ahead for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day closures, there are plenty of things to do and festive activities to attend.

If you’re looking for something to do Christmas Day when most places are closed, go explore one of Mexico City’s most beautiful neighborhoods, Roma Norte.

Some things may be open, but simply exploring the neighborhood on foot, visiting the plazas, and admiring the architecture are some of the best things you can do in Roma Norte.