50+ Special Mexico Christmas Traditions & Customs (That You Probably Don’t Know About)
want to know more about Mexican christmas traditions?
Christmas in Mexico is an amazing time, and in fact, the Christmas Season in Mexico lasts about two months!
During this time, there are many interesting Mexico winter holidays, festivals and traditions that offer a great glimpse into Mexican culture.
As someone who’s been living in Mexico since 2018, I’m here to shed light on those for you.
As with many countries, Christmas is one of the most magical holidays in Mexico.
Of all places, Christmas in Mexico City is especially beautiful with all the amazing decorations in the Zocalo (Historic Downtown Mexico City).
Beyond Christmas Day, there are many other Mexican Christmas celebrations taking place in other winter months.
Ready to discover the best Mexico winter holidays and traditions? Let’s get to it!
Christmas in Mexico Traditions: The Holidays
1. When is the Mexico Christmas Season?
December 12 to January 6 — In Mexico, it starts on December 12 each year with the Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe holiday, and doesn’t end until January 6 on Día de Reyes Magos.
Now, this is the most widely-accepted start and end date — however, there is some debate.
- Some consider December 8th, Day of Immaculate Conception (AKA Feast of the Immaculate Conception), as the start of the Christmas Season.
- Others also say the Mexico Christmas season actually ends on February 2 with Día de la Candelaria.
Regardless of the “official” start and end date, know that Christmas lasts well beyond December 25th in Mexico and many Latin American countries.
Between December 12 and February 2 (or January 6), there are a number of winter holidays in Mexico, including Christmas, one of the most important Mexico holidays and traditions.
Below, you’ll discover the Mexico winter holidays, their customs and their meanings, traditional foods, and popular decorations that make up the best Christmas in Mexico traditions 🎄
You’ll also learn about some Spanish Christmas traditions that came from Spain, but are now part of the most popular Mexican Christmas festivities.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
2. Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe: December 12
One of the central religious figures, images and statues of the Virgen de Guadalupe (Virgin of Guadalupe) can be seen all over Mexico.
There’s even the Guadalupanos, a religious sect that some might even describe as a cult.
They hold the Virgin of Guadalupe as their central idol, devoted to her above all other figures, including Jesus Christ.
The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is among the most important holidays for religious Mexicans and all Latin American Catholics throughout all Latin America, not just the various parts of Mexico.
It has been celebrated for centuries, and began after the Virgin herself appeared on December 12, 1531, to a Mexican man named Juan Diego (later Saint Juan Diego).
According to his story, The Virgen de Guadalupe ordered him to build her a temple.
As a way to prove she did appear to him, he brought the local clergy members a piece of fabric from her.
Eventually, one bishop saw an image of the Virgen appear on it. He ordered a church built on Tepeyac Hill, in the very spot she requested.
Located just outside of Mexico City, the Guadalupe Shrine still stands to this day.
💒 Keep scrolling to see an image of it — as it’s one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
What’s the best place to celebrate Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe in Mexico?
The best place to experience the Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe holiday in Mexico is on Tepeyac Hill, in the beautiful Basílica de Guadalupe in Mexico City.
On December 12 each year, millions of devout Catholics travel from every corner of Mexico to attend mass.
As a form of pilgrimage, some even make the trek on foot from hundreds of miles away.
In the days that lead up to December 12th, caravans of worshipers make their way into Mexico City for the Día de Guadalupe mass.
Those in their own cars will often decorate them with a giant cross, flashing lights, large speakers blasting music and colorful balloons, as they make the journey.
If you want to experience Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe in Mexico, but don’t want to brave the large crowd in Mexico City, you’ll easily find smaller-scale masses and celebrations in Catholic churches throughout the country.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
💒 Best Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe Tours
The church itself is a work of art, which any architecture lover will appreciate on any day of the year.
The most recent building on the church was built by famed Mexican architect, Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, who also built the National Anthropology Museum.
To see the beautiful Basílica de Guadalupe in Mexico City, it’s easiest to join a group tour.
Many tours combine a visit to the Guadalupe Church with the nearby Teotihuacan Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with prehispanic pyramids in Mexico — two top Mexico City sites.
Looking for the best Guadalupe Shrine tours?
Here are all the best tours to Basílica Guadalupe Mexico City, with options at all price points.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
3. Nochebuena in Mexico: December 24
After the last Pidiendo Posada song is sung, many head to late-night Mass or Midnight Mass at a local Catholic church. Following the service, they eat the Christmas meal.
Since it’s after midnight, the meal is technically eaten on December 25th. However, some people skip church services and eat the meal on December 24th.
🎄 Christmas in Mexico Fun Fact: What’s known as the Midnight Mass in the U.S. is called the Misa de Gallo, or Mass of the Rooster, in Spain, Mexico, Central America, and the Philippines.
As you now know, many Mexicans eat the main Christmas dinner on December 24. This is known as Noche Buena, which means “Good Night,” and is the equivalent of Christmas Eve.
While some Mexican families open presents at midnight (technically Christmas Day), others only eat the meal.
Note: Unlike in the U.S., most Mexican people don’t open presents on Christmas morning.
Some families, especially religious families, don’t allow the children to open presents until Three Kings Day on January 6th (more on this in a minute).
Christmas dinner in Mexico isn’t too dissimilar to the U.S.
Dishes vary from family to family, but you’ll often find roasted turkey or meat, traditional Mexican foods like tamales, ensalada nochebuena (AKA ensalada de noche buena, meaning Christmas salad), and romeritos con mole.
For dessert, there’s often Mexican Christmas cookies called hojarascas, and possibly volteado de piña, which is pineapple upside down cake. You can wash them down with Mexico Christmas punch, called ponche navideño.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
4. Christmas in Mexico: December 25
Though the main holiday in the Mexico Christmas Season, the actual holiday on December 25 is actually pretty low key.
Most Mexicans have the day off, and a lot of businesses close, so it’s a day to be with your family and relax at home.
🎄 Want to say Merry Christmas to a Mexican friend? To say Merry Christmas in Mexico and other Latin countries, the translation is feliz navidad (pronounced fell-lees nah-vee-daad).
More than just the day off, many take the week off during Christmas and New Years — a nice break from the long, festive season.
For those who do take the entire week off, they often head to the best Mexican beach towns. The beaches in Mexico get very crowded during this week.
This includes the top beach towns, like Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and even the more off the beaten path Mexico beaches like Sayulita, Huatulco and Zihuatanejo.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
5. Día de los Santos Inocentes: December 28
The Día de Santos Inocentes (Day of Innocent Saints or Day of Innocents), is often called Mexican April Fool’s Day because people throughout the country play pranks on one another — including large-scale pranks from news stations.
Though one of the most playful Christmas traditions Mexico has, this holiday actually has ominous origins.
This Feast of the Holy Innocents is a day when Catholics remember the innocent children killed at the hands of King Herod. These are known to be the first victims of Christianity.
Just like April Fool’s Day in the U.S. (and similar holidays in other countries, like Poisson d’Avril in France), this Mexican Christmas tradition includes hoaxes, pranks, and telling bold-faced lies in a playful manner.
While meant to be light-hearted, these practical jokes are said to harken back to the trickery of the innocent imposed by King Herod of Judea on the innocent children who he had killed.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
6. New Year’s Day in Mexico: January 1
For those looking to party in Mexico on New Year’s Eve and New Year — know this is NOT a party holiday in Mexico.
Rather, it’s celebrated with family and friends in low key get-togethers at home, and most people are fast asleep by midnight.
With many adults off work, and students on a school break, many simply head to the beaches.
The best time to go to the best Mexico beaches is from November to March during the dry season, so this is the perfect time for a tropical Christmas in Mexico.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
7. El Dia de los Reyes Magos: January 6
Dia de Reyes, also known as Día de los Reyes Magos, Día de los Santos Reyes, or even Epifanía (The Epiphany), is celebrated on January 6.
Regardless of what you call it, this important Catholic holiday commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem to worship the Baby Jesus.
They brought with them small gifts for the baby, and nowadays many Mexican children will not get their presents until the same day Jesus did.
That’s right, one of the main 3 Kings Day traditions in Mexico is that kids actually open their gifts on this day — not Christmas!
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
8. Día de la Candelaria: February 2
Dia de la Candelaria is a Mexican holiday that goes by many names in English.
These include Candlemass, Candlemas Day, Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Feast of the Holy Encounter — all the equivalent of the Mexican Candelaria holiday.
It is the last Mexico Christmas season holiday, and very important for religious Catholics in Mexico. In some cities, there are large festivals that might even include bullfighting.
While not a public holiday with a day off work and bank closures, Dia de la Candelaria is still important for many who observe the faith.
For non-religious people, they usually still eat a meal with families and friends. After all, whoever found a muñeco in their rosca de reyes on Dia de los Reyes Magos will have to bring the tamales to a Candalaria Tamale Party 🫔
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
9. Chanukah in Mexico
According to Wiki, “Catholic Christianity is the dominant religion in Mexico, representing about 82.7% of the total population as of 2010.”
Though Mexico is an overwhelmingly Catholic country, there are religious minority groups. The largest of these are Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Jewish people.
According to the World Jewish Congress (WJC), most Jews in Mexico live in Mexico City. The largest population is in the Polanco neighborhood.
If you’re there, you’ll see homes with Chanukah decorations instead of Christmas decorations during the Chanukah (Hanukkah) holiday in early-December, and you’ll also see some religious decorations in public spaces.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions: The Festivals & Parties
10. Las Posadas in Mexico: December 16-24
Beginning December 16th, Posadas, or nightly holiday celebrations, take place throughout Mexico
The Posadas symbolize the Biblical story where Joseph and Mary made a month-long journey from the city of Nazareth to the city of Bethlehem.
They were in search of a place to give birth to their baby (more on this in one second).
This is one of the oldest Mexican Christmas traditions. Posadas take place everywhere from private homes and rented halls, to public, citywide celebrations.
Some posadas also include pastorela performances that represent the journey of the shepherds to go worship the Niño Jesus (Baby Jesus).
Las Pastorelas are humorous plays, usually done by children, that retell Biblical stories with a touch of levity.
At a private party, you may end up joining in on the Pedir Posadas (posada songs).
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
11. Fiesta Negrohispana: December 16-24
Not everyone knows this, but Mexico has a sizable population of afro-hispanics in places like Islas de Chacahua on the coast of Oaxaca state, and the towns of Alvarado and Tlacotalpan in Guerrero state.
La Fiesta Negrohispana coincides with Las Posadas, taking place on the exact same dates. These parties blend contemporary Catholic traditions with ancient African religions, dancing and foods.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
12. Night of the Radishes: December 23
Looking for unusual things to do in Oaxaca City?
Look no further than the annual Night of the Radishes. On December 23rd each year, Oaxaca City hosts the world’s largest radish carving festival. Yes, this is a real thing!
This is actually a pretty big deal in Oaxaca, and there’s a lot of planning and prep that goes into this short event.
The artists and families carve their radishes the morning of the festival, but the event lasts just a few hours because the radishes turn brown pretty quickly.
🌱 BRIEF History of the Oaxaca Radish Festival
This radish carving festival dates back to 1897 when Oaxaca mayor, Francisco Vasconcelos, made it part of the Oaxaca Christmas market.
As radishes are an integral part of Oaxaca’s Christmas cuisine, the radish contest was a fun way to promote local agriculture.
If you’re traveling to Oaxaca in December for Christmas, make sure you visit the festival to see the radishes carved into nacimientos (Nativity scenes) and other designs.
Though the radishes can be carved into any design, many opt for religious imagery because the festival is so close to Christmas.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
13. Calenda Navidad: December 24
Throughout most of Mexico, Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena. However, in Oaxaca, they have Calenda.
The Oaxaca Calenda Navidad, or Christmas Calenda, is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, and parades will begin at midnight (December 25), and go on for hours.
🪅 What are Oaxaca Calendas?
A calenda is a vibrant parade with singing, dancing, marching bands and traditional dress that’s unique to Oaxaca.
Calendas bring the local community together to celebrate holidays, weddings, the birth of children, and more, and are an integral part of Oaxaca culture.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
14. Fiesta del Niñopan in Xochimilco: February 2
Xochimilco, located in southern Mexico City, is popular year-round with both chilangos (Mexico City locals) and tourists alike.
This festive area is known for its colorful boats (trajineras), elaborate Day of the Dead celebration, and a Mexican Christmas celebration called La Fiesta del Niñopan (AKA El Niñopa).
The Niñopa or (meaning “the pilgrim child”) is a depiction of the Christ-child, created more than 400 years ago. He moves from house to house throughout the year, and when El Niñopa makes it to your home, it’s said to be a blessing.
Each year, one particular family will have El Niñopa during some important holidays, like Día del Niño (Day of the Child) on April 30, and Día de Candelaria (Candlemas) on February 2.
El mayordomo, or the sponsor family that has the child during these holidays, is in charge of party-planning — sometimes for the whole town!
The Niñopan tradition dates back to pre-hispanic times with the Aztecs. Like many festivals and holidays in Mexico, its contemporary traditions include a fusion of modern Christianity and Mesoamerican religion.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
15. Mexican New Year’s Traditions
During a family dinner on Año Nuevo (New Year’s), some Mexican traditions include eating 12 grapes at midnight 🍇 as a way to make a wish or set an intention for each month of the year.
For this one, you must eat one grape with each gong of the clock at 12:00am — which is not easy to do!
Others will walk down the streets with luggage, which is said to bring lots of travel in the coming year.
One of the Mexican New Year traditions that’s not always discussed publicly, is that many people will wear a certain color of underwear to signify what they hope for in the New Year.
Each color has a different meaning, like yellow for abundance, green for good health and red for love.
☃️ best places to visit in mexico in Winter
You can’t go wrong with any beaches in Mexico in winter, because that’s the best time to visit to get perfect weather.
For the best beaches in Mexico, head to the Baja Peninsula, Pacific Coast or Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Coast, famed for white sand beaches and crystal clear water.
Here are some places to consider:
- Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
- Riviera Maya
- Playa del Carmen
- The island of Cozumel
- Puerto Vallarta
- The colonial town of San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico
- Cabo San Lucas
Wherever you choose, you’ll enjoy a mild tropical climate in winter. 🏝 If you’re adventurous, check out these Mexico hidden beaches!
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
16. Pastorelas (Funny Christmas Plays)
When Catholic missionaries arrived in Mexico, they used exaggerated, funny plays as a way to spread Catholicism and convert the local people.
These outdoor performances eventually became known as pastorelas, and they are still done to this day.
A mixture of theater, faith and fun, the pastorelas in Mexico offer a light-hearted re-telling of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Pastorelas in Mexico are usually performed by children.
The Adoration of the Magi by Fray Andrés de Olmos is said to have been the first pastorela performed in Mexico.
Today, two of the most popular are Los Peces en el Rio (The Fishes in the River) and Noche de Paz (Night of Peace).
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
17. Pedir Posadas (Mexican Christmas Carols)
The Pedir Posadas are specific songs and verses that you sing during Las Posadas in Mexico. There are several pedir posads songs, like the Pidiendo Posada and Letanía (or, Litany).
Some parties have half the guests remain inside, and half go outside, and they sing the songs in a call and response fashion.
Some families go door to door singing them, similar to Christmas carolers in the United States and Christmas carols in other parts of the world. With this, you would go to a different house with each song.
Going door to door in this way is said to symbolize the Biblical journey of Joseph and Mary going door to door while seeking shelter to give birth to the baby Jesus.
In fact, the word posada means “lodgings” or “accommodations.”
Christmas in Mexico Traditions: The Best Mexican Christmas Decorations
18. Flor de Nochebuena (Poinsettia Flowers)
Looking for the best Christmas in Mexico decorations? Not many know this, but la flor de la nochebuena, meaning “the flower of the holy night,” comes from Mexico.
That’s right, the bright red Christmas flower known as the poinsettia in much of the English-speaking world, is actually native to Mexico.
The Aztecs called this flower cuetlaxochitl, meaning ‘“’the flower of leather petals.”
For them, nochebuenas symbolized a new life earned by warriors who died in battle.
These war heroes were said to return to Earth as hummingbirds and butterflies, two animals that drink the nectar of poinsettia plants.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
19. Nacimientos (Nativity Scene)
A nacimiento in Mexico is a recreation of the Catholic Nativity, or manger scene. (🤔 In case you’re wondering, nacimiento is pronounced nah-see-me-ent-toe.)
You will see both small- and medium-sized mangers in peoples’ homes, and life-sized recreations in front of Mexico churches throughout the Christmas holidays.
For nacimientos at Mexican churches, it is considered a great honor to be chosen as one of the participants to make the scene come to life.
Some Nativity scenes are quite elaborate, and can include Holy Family, Magi, angels, an ox and donkey, King Herod, a figure of the Christ child or baby figurine, as well as shepherds and villagers.
There may be upwards of 15 live participants at some of the largest nacimientos in Mexico, as this is one of the most important Mexican holiday traditions.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
20. Mexico Christmas Ornaments
You’ll see lots of the same Christmas decorations during the holiday season in Mexico that you will in other parts of the world, like Christmas trees, lights, luminaries (paper lanterns), wrapped presents, ornaments, poinsettia flowers, etc.
When it comes to the most traditional Mexican Christmas ornaments, check out a few of our favorites below, and you can click on any ornament to buy it. (🎅 For me, this Mexico Santa Claus is a favorite).
🎄 Looking for the best Mexico Christmas ornaments? Check out this list.
As Christmas trees are more of a European and American Christmas tradition, they have merely been adopted in Mexico, so in a sense, all Mexican Christmas tree decorations are traditional.
Mexican Christmas tree decorations are fun gifts to give at Christmas — as they are “gifts that keep on giving” — because they get used again the following Christmas.
In fact, giving a new Mexico Christmas tree ornament as a gift each year could become one of your family’s Mexican Christmas traditions.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
21. Mexican Piñatas
Having a piñata is one of the most common Mexican birthday traditions, and one of the most prevalent Mexican winter holiday traditions.
Seemingly an innocuous party favor, the Mexican piñata holds deep religious symbolism and ties to the Seven Deadly Sins.
The piñata’s bright colors symbolize temptation, and the stick to hit it with represents the will to overcome sin. The blindfold person symbolizes faith.
Once the most “faithful” person cracks open the piñata, they get all the goodies inside as a reward for overcoming sin and evil.
These colorful paper structures are common at many Mexican parties, especially ones for children. They are usually in the shape of a star, animal or cartoon character.
Inside, they’re filled with candy, small trinkets and toys, and sometimes even money. This all goes to the faithful person who cracks it open, though they typically share their bounty with the rest of the partygoers.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
22. Mexican Christmas Trees
🎄 Mexico Christmas Fun Facts: Former Mexican Emperor Maximilian I is said to have brought the first Christmas tree to Mexico in the 1860s. After seeing his tree, the demand for Christmas trees in Mexico began.
In fact, back in 2009, Mexico received the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest Christmas tree. This artificial tree stood 362-feet-tall (110 m), and was located in Mexico City.
The traditional Mexican Christmas tree looks much like they would in other parts of the world when they’re all decorated. On them, you’ll see large colorful ball decorations, streamer paper or fabric and tinsel.
In Mexico, you might also find traditional ornaments made with straw, tin or clay, and also themed ornaments that showcase national pride or funny jokes, like these best Mexican Christmas ornaments.
The trees themselves are often sourced from local forests, and can be Mexican white pine, Douglas fir, Mexican pinyon, Oyamel fir (AKA sacred fir) or Aleppo pine.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
Christmas in Mexico Traditions: The Food & Drink
Christmas dinner in Mexico isn’t too dissimilar to the U.S. Dishes vary from family to family, but you’ll often find roasted turkey or lomo (roast pork loin) as a main dish on all Mexican Christmas dinner tables.
Besides these meats, there are many side dishes and other traditional Mexican foods you’ll enjoy during a Christmas dinner in Mexico.
These best traditional Mexican Christmas foods and drinks include tamales, romeritos, bacalao, oxtail soup, pozole Mexican soup (posole), ensalada navideña (Christmas salad), and ponche (Mexico Christmas punch).
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
23. Tamales
Tamales are made from masa (maize dough, or corn cough), the same dough used to make corn tortillas.
The masa mixture is then wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf, and steamed. The leaf can also serve as a plate for eating the tamales.
🫔 History of Tamales as a Mexican Christmas Food
It is said the incorporation of tamales into present-day Mexican Christmas meals is a nod to prehispanic traditions.
For the ancient Maya and Aztecs, corn was a staple food and one of the most important crops they had.
Tamales are made of masa (corn dough) and cooked in corn husks or banana leaves, depending on where you are in the country. Corn husks are used in most places, but in Yucatan cuisine and Oaxaca cuisine, you’ll see banana leaves.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
24. Romeritos con Mole
Romeritos con mole is a beloved Central Mexico Christmas dish, but one few outside of Mexico have ever even heard of.
First off, you probably want to know, What are romeritos in English?
In English, romeritos translates to “little rosemary,” but this green plant is not rosemary.
Actually, a romerito is sprigs from a seepweed plant. Romeritos taste similar to spinach, but can have a slightly minty taste to them as well.
The romeritos con mole dish is made with sautéed romeritos in a mole negro (black mole sauce).
There’s also potato, nopal (cactus) and camarón (shrimp) added to the mixture.
Like most foods in Mexico, it’s usually served with tortillas on the side.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
25. Bacalao a la Vizcaina
Wondering, What is bacalao and how is it prepared during the Christmas season in Mexico?
Bacalao a la Vizcaina, usually just called Bacalao and pronounced ba-kuh-laa-ow, is a Mexico Christmas food that comes from Spain’s Basque Country.
It is salted cod fish that’s cooked with roasted tomatoes, potatoes, onions, olives, almonds, chili peppers, garlic, herbs and spices — a very flavorful dish!
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
26. Pozole (Hominy Soup)
One of the most traditional foods from Mexico is pozole (pronounced poh-zoh-lay), a maíz (hominy) soup with a lot of flavor.
Pozole is a pre-colonial dish that dates all the way back to the Aztec in the 1300s. Today, pozole is one of the most beloved dishes throughout Mexico.
It is a popular food during the holidays, but also year-round. You’ll find pozole eaten at many Mexican holidays, like Day of the Dead and Mexican Independence Day on September 16th.
Traditional Mexican pozole is made with meat and hominy, and cooked in broth with plenty of spices, like cumin and chili powder.
Many garnish their pozole with diced white onion, lime juice, avocado, shredded lettuce, radishes and dried oregano.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
27. Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)
To drink during a Mexican Christmas celebration, you’ll usually ponche (pronounced pon-chay).
Sometimes called “Mexican sangria,” ponche is a bit different, and it’s also served warm.
Ponche uses fruits like tejocotes (mini apples), pears, oranges and guava, as well as jamaica (hibiscus flower), tamarind and piloncillo (raw cane sugar)
Often, Mexican ponche is served with a sugar cane stick to stir it. You can enjoy it as is, or spiked with some brandy.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
28. Hojarascas (Mexican Christmas Cookies)
Many meals end with Mexican Christmas cookies, called hojarascas — as well as other desserts and candies.
As in the U.S., Mexican Christmas desserts are one of the best parts of the overall Mexican celebration of Christmas!
Hojarascas (pronounced ho-jah-ras-cahs) are a type of shortbread cookie, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.
They can be a bit dry, so many will wash them down with some hot chocolate or cafe de olla (Mexican coffee).
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
29. Champurrado
Champurrado (pronounced champ-pour-ah-doe), like Chocolate de la Abuela, is a type of Mexican hot chocolate.
If you love chocolate (🤔 who doesn’t?), this is one of the best Mexican hot chocolate recipes.
It’s a bit richer than regular Mexican hot chocolate because it’s prepared with masa de maíz or masa harina (corn flour), piloncillo (raw cane sugar) and cinnamon.
Champurrado has been around since the Aztec times, and really useful to keep people warm on the cooler Central Mexico nights.
Yes — Central Mexico has many more cold days than the beaches of Mexico.
Still popular today, champurrado’s thick texture makes it the perfect drink for dipping your churros in.
🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Fact: Chocolate comes from Mexico, and the Mayans in the Yucatan Peninsula were the first to cultivate the cacao plant, which is what chocolate is made from.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
30. Rompope
Rompope (pronounced rom-po-pay) is known as Mexican eggnog.
It is a Christmastime cocktail, served throughout the country, but most associated with the state of Puebla, Mexico.
As with U.S. eggnog, adults often spike the rompope with rum or fruit brandy (or both 😆).
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
31. Buñuelos
Around Christmas time in Mexico, you can enjoy trying some buñuelos (pronounced boun-you-ell-los) being sold by street vendors.
There are a few styles of buñulos throughout Latin America, which translates to “little puffs.”
There are two types of Mexican buñuelos — buñuelos de rodilla, meaning “knee buñuelos,” and buñuelos de viento, meaning “snowflake buñuelos.”
The first type, buñuelos de rodilla, are large, flat, circular-shaped fritters, typically dusted with cinnamon sugar or drizzled with syrup.
Buñuelos de viento will really get you into the Christmas spirit, as these fried dough fritters are made using a snowflake-shaped rosette mold.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
32. Rosca de Reyes Cake
Besides the presents, one of the main traditions on Dia de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) is eating a rosca de reyes.
This is a ring-shaped sweet bread that’s somewhat similar to an Italian Panettone cake.
Inside each ring, there are a few small, plastic figurines in the shape of a child — called a muñeco (little doll).
If your slice of rosca has one of the little plastic doll figures, you’ll have to buy everyone present at the gathering tamales on the next holiday.
This will be Día de la Candelaria on February 2nd.
In the weeks leading up to the holiday, supermarkets and bakeries start selling rosca de reyes.
Many say the best roscas come from a local panaderia (bakery), and not the grocery store.
To experience one of the best Mexican holiday food traditions the right way, always “shop local” for your rosca.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
10 Facts About Christmas in Mexico
33. What is Christmas in Mexico called?
It’s called navidad — and if you want to say Merry Christmas to a Spanish-speaking friend, you’ll say Feliz Navidad.
34. What is the best Mexican tradition for Christmas?
Gathering together for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) on December 24, and spending time with your family.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
35. Why does Mexico celebrate Christmas on the 24th?
Many religious Mexicans attend Midnight Mass on the night December 24th (which is technically December 25th at midnight).
After this, the entire family would eat their Christmas dinner.
Even if less and less people are attending church these days, the December 24th gathering tradition continues — and this is definitely the main event of all Mexico Christmas traditions.
While parties for Noche Buena will begin on December 24, they don’t end until the morning hours on December 25, and there are lots of fun activities and meals going on in-between.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
36. What do Mexicans do December 25th?
Christmas Day is usually a day of rest. Most businesses are closed, and people usually hang out in their house with family — many recovering from drinking too much the night before 🤣
37. What’s the best Christmas in Mexico food?
This will depend on who you ask! For some, it will be the tamales, for others, the pozole soup, while still other people might say the romeritos con mole.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
38. How long is Christmas in Mexico?
The full Mexican Christmas Season spans 26 days.
It begins on December 12 with Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, and ends on January 6 with Día de Reyes Magos — and some jokingly call this the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon.
Now, some will say the full Mexico Christmas Season actually lasts 53 days.
With this math, it still begins on December 12 with Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, but ends on February 2 with Día de la Candelaria.
As La Candelaria is a somewhat minor holiday, the most common count you’ll see is the 26 day Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon!
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
39. Is there Santa Claus in Mexico?
Yes — You’ll see Santa decorations all over the country, and even Mexican Santa ornaments on many Christmas trees.
40. What’s on a traditional Mexican Christmas tree?
Christmas trees in Mexico have about the same things as those in the United States — tinsel, Christmas ornaments, garland, keepsake decorations, Christmas lights, etc.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
41. What are some decorations for Christmas in Mexico?
In cities throughout Mexico for Christmas, you’ll see papel picado paper, paper lanterns, twinkling lights, Santa and his reindeer, shiny ornaments, nacimientos (manger scenes) and piñatas.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
42. How is Christmas in Mexico different from Christmas in America?
Everyone wants to know how the Christmas in Mexico vs USA celebrations differ.
Well, they aren’t very different at all — which you now know after reading this article.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions: FAQ
43. When is Christmas in Mexico?
December 24 — While Christmas Day is also December 25th in Mexico, the holiday celebration actually takes place on December 24th.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
44. When do Mexican kids open presents?
Some children in Mexico open presents during the Noche Buena Christmas Eve celebration on December 24.
However, in Southern Mexico some receive presents on January 6 for Dia de los Reyes Magos.
The Dia de los Reyes Magos (AKA Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Magos), which is Three Kings Day in English, honors the Three Wise Men from the Bible.
In this story, the three brought presents on January 6th to honor the Baby Jesus — so some Mexican kids don’t get presents till this day.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
45. How is Mexican Christmas different?
The biggest difference in Mexico Christmas vs U.S. Christmas is that the holiday really takes place on December 24th.
December 25th is more of a quiet day of rest, but the real celebrations take place on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve).
46. What do Mexicans do on December 25?
Christmas Day is often a day to rest, relax, catch up with family and friends, watch Christmas movies (like A Christmas Story), and eat leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner.
While people will also wish each other a Merry Christmas (Feliz Navidad) on this day, the holiday really took place the day before.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
47. What do Mexicans eat on Christmas Eve?
The Noche Buena Dinner on December 24th usually consists of a pavo navideño (roast turkey), pozole or menudo soup, romeritos, tamales, and sometimes other Mexican favorites like enchiladas, tacos, flautas and empanadas.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
48. Who celebrates Christmas in Mexico?
Most people — Similar to Christmas in the U.S. and much of the Western World, Christmas is one of the most important Mexican holidays.
Now, there’s no definite answer to the How does Mexico celebrate Christmas? question.
This is because the holiday means different things to different people — so how Mexico celebrates Christmas can vary greatly, though most people do celebrate.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
49. What is the most popular Christmas tradition in Mexico?
Mexican Christmas Posadas — Formerly known as “the Nine Posadas of Advent,” posada parties are one of the most beloved Mexico Christmas traditions.
These posadas are in-home and city-wide social gatherings and parties that begin December 16.
The last Posada is held on December 24, and there can be a party each night in-between.
They are often lively parties, and often involve singing Spanish Christmas carols, like the Pedir Posada Navideña.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
50. How is Christmas celebrated in Mexico?
It is similar to Christmas in most countries, with festive decorations (both in-home and in public places), church services for religious Catholics, gift exchanges, and large dinners with family and friends.
51. Is everything closed on Christmas Day in Mexico?
Pretty much — While most places will be open during the morning and early afternoon on Christmas Eve in Mexico, on Christmas Day, the majority of businesses will be closed.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
52. What is Santa called in Mexico?
Santo Clós, which is actually pronounced very similar to Santa Claus.
Of course, it uses the Spanish or Latin for saint (santo), instead of the English word saint (as in Saint Nicholas).
An important icon of Christmas in Mexico, you will see both large and small Santa figures displayed prominently in public places.
He is a popular Christmas decoration in Mexico, along with others like lights and candles.
Though a less-popular option than Santa Clos, some people in Mexico call Santa Papa Noel.
Christmas in Mexico Traditions
53. What’s the Christmas in Mexico weather like?
It depends on where you are. In Central Mexico and Northern Mexico, you’ll have cool or cold temperatures.
However, December is one of the best months to visit the beach towns of Mexico for perfect weather.
From about mid- December to early-January, the beaches of Mexico become a popular tourist destination for national and international visitors.
If you’re headed to the Pacific Ocean beaches, you can also do some whale watching 🐋
My Final Thoughts on Traditions for Christmas in Mexico
🎄 Mexico Holiday Fun Fact: About 6,000 people google Is there a holiday in Mexico today? each month.
This is because there’s just so many holidays in Mexico that you’ll hear fireworks going off, and won’t even know why.
As someone who has lived in Mexico since 2018, I can attest to not being able to keep up with all the Mexican holidays.
This is indeed a festive country, with at least one major holiday every month.
💀 Want to learn about one more of them? Check out this article on the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico (Día de los Muertos).
If you want to experience the best Mexico winter holidays and traditions, you must visit Mexico in December.
This is when many cities have winter celebrations and Christmas celebrations, and most towns are festively-decorated.
While this article highlighted a lot of Mexico winter holidays, including Christmas in Mexico, there are so many more throughout the rest of the year.
To read about more of them, check out 35 Unique Mexican Traditions & Festive Mexico Holidays — and don’t miss this Mexico Christmas Gift Guide 🎁