Looking for the best destination in Mexico to visit this Christmas? Travel Off Path has gathered six of the best places to go in Mexico during the month of December for a memorable Christmas getaway.
When many people think of going to Mexico at Christmas, they envision a warm-weather escape where they can sip a piña colada on the beach.
And it’s certainly true that Mexico is the perfect destination for escaping the cold and celebrating Christmas at the beach. But Mexico is also a great destination if you’re looking for a more traditional “Christmasy” vacation.
You’ll find that Christmas trees, holiday lights, and unique Mexican holiday traditions like candlelight professionals and elaborate nativity scenes await you in some of the destinations on this list.
Whether you’re looking for a sunny beach vacation or a festive vacation where you can experience Mexico’s unique culture and holiday traditions, here are the best places to go.
1. Mexico City
Mexico City turns into a Christmas wonderland during the month of December, with so many exciting festivities and celebrations.
From a giant Christmas tree and ice skating rink in the Zocalo to Las Posadas, a traditional celebration held from December 16th to December 24th, there’s plenty going on during the holidays in Mexico City.
It’s a very festive atmosphere, with lots of music, fireworks, processionals, holiday food, and traditions.
2. Cancun
If you want to celebrate Christmas in Mexico at the beach, Cancun is one of the top destinations to visit.
This popular city on the Yucatán Peninsula boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, with white sandy shores and crystal-clear blue waters.
At Christmas, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate in Cancun, with tons of resorts, shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. You can also see more traditional Christmas celebrations in Cancun, like nacimientos, which are elaborate nativity scenes.
3. San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a small city in Mexico’s central highlands that is known for its beautiful colonial-era architecture, thriving art scene, and cultural festivals.
This city goes all out for Christmas, with lights, decorations, candlelight processionals, and other festivities. Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve, is one of the biggest celebration days of the Christmas season.
For Christmas Eve dinner, the custom is to have bacalao (salted cod), although since San Miguel de Allende is an American expat hub, you’ll find many restaurants and hotels serving an American-style Christmas dinner too.
4. Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a great destination in Mexico for stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and great dining. Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, this is one of the most popular beach destinations in the country.
There are few better places to spend Christmas in Mexico than Puerto Vallarta if you’re looking for a place to unwind, relax, and enjoy the holidays.
5. Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a city in Mexico that is best known for its elaborate Day of the Dead festivities at the beginning of November.
So it’s no surprise that this city also gets decked out for Christmas, with lights, decorations, and celebrations all month long. You’ll see lots of calendas and posadas in Oaxaca, which are traditional Christmas processionals the whole city participates in.
6. Los Cabos
Los Cabos is one of the most beautiful beach destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
This is the perfect place to spend Christmas if you’re looking for great beaches, fabulous resorts, and water sports and activities like boating, diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and more.
With temperatures “cooling down” to a comfortable 70 to 75 degrees in December, this is the perfect warm-weather getaway for Christmas.
