Does Mexico Celebrate Thanksgiving? What to Know
Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in the United States and Canada, symbolizing gratitude, harvest celebrations, and family gatherings.
But what does Thanksgiving mean in Mexico? Do Mexicans celebrate Thanksgiving, or is it just foreigners who live in Mexico (like me)?
No, Thanksgiving isn’t a Mexican holiday, and most Mexicans don’t celebrate it.
But many American and Canadian expats do, and so do some Mexican families with ties to the U.S.
In 2026, U.S. Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 26, and restaurants in places with lots of expats often serve a turkey dinner.
While it might not be as ingrained in the culture as in its northern neighbors, the idea of giving thanks and celebrating the harvest has its place.
Here, we’ll explore whether Thanksgiving is celebrated in Mexico, its history, connections to ancient traditions, contemporary practices, and popular foods associated with this holiday — so let’s dive in!
Is There Thanksgiving in Mexico?
Thanksgiving is not one of the official holidays in Mexico, nor is it widely celebrated in the way it is in the United States or Canada.
However, thanks to the cultural influence of these neighboring countries, especially in border states and major urban centers, Thanksgiving has gained some popularity.
This influence has led to Mexican-American families or Mexico expat communities embracing and adapting the holiday, blending it with local customs and flavors.
In Mexico, Thanksgiving isn’t a day off for workers, nor is it a time for large nationwide celebrations.
Instead, it is more common in communities with strong American ties, such as those living in areas with American expats or dual-culture families.
It is often viewed as a time for reflection and family gatherings, even if it does not come with the large-scale traditions seen in the U.S.
When is Thanksgiving in Mexico?
It’s celebrated the same day as in the USA, which is the fourth Thursday in November (November 26 in 2026).
However, as it’s not one of the official Mexican holidays, Thanksgiving in Mexico might be celebrated during the weekend that follows that Thursday.
Spending Thanksgiving in Mexico: What to Expect
Honestly, not much happens in Mexico on Thanksgiving.
It’s a regular Thursday, so offices, banks, shops and restaurants keep their usual hours.
The exception is places with lots of U.S. travelers and expats, where some restaurants and hotels serve a Thanksgiving dinner.
Where to Find a Thanksgiving Dinner in Mexico
Your best bets are restaurants in touristy areas and places with a lot of U.S. expat customers.
Beach destinations like Cancún, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, and expat hubs like San Miguel de Allende, are the most likely to have one.
Ask your hotel or check local expat Facebook groups in early November, as these dinners are usually announced only a few weeks ahead.
Book as soon as you see one, since seats are limited.
Thanksgiving Dinner in Oaxaca
I lived in Oaxaca City for about six months, and while I was there, my husband and I went to a Thanksgiving dinner at Humar.
It was a set menu with all the U.S. classics: turkey, stuffing, cornbread and cranberry sauce.
There was no Oaxacan or Mexican twist; it was a straight-up American Thanksgiving dinner.
It was my Mexican husband’s first-ever U.S.-style Thanksgiving dinner — and he enjoyed it 👍
I’ve also had Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant in Mérida, where I live now.
Are Beach Towns Busy on Thanksgiving Week?
Yes, Thanksgiving week is a popular time for Americans to visit Mexico’s beaches.
Expect higher hotel prices in places like Cancún, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta from about November 21 to 29, 2026, and book early.
Mexicans travel the weekend before for Revolution Day, which falls on Monday, November 16, 2026.
Planning a trip? Here’s what to expect in Cancun in November and when visiting Mexico in November.
Brief History of Thanksgiving in Mexico
The history of Thanksgiving in Mexico is primarily tied to its introduction by Americans who brought their holiday traditions south of the border.
While Thanksgiving itself does not have historical roots in Mexico, its themes of harvest and gratitude resonate with Mexican culture, which places a strong emphasis on community, family, and celebration.
In the mid-20th century, as travel and migration between Mexico and the United States became more frequent, Thanksgiving customs began to seep into Mexican society.
This gradual influence was particularly strong in regions close to the U.S.-Mexico border and among Mexican families with relatives living in the United States.
In some areas, Mexican businesses and restaurants even began catering to American tourists and expatriates by offering Thanksgiving-themed meals.
As an American who has lived in Mexico since 2018, I have attended Thanksgiving dinners at restaurants in Oaxaca City and Mérida.
Restaurants that host one usually serve a set menu, buffet or family-style meal with roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and other U.S. classics.
Ancient Celebrations of Thanksgiving in Mexico
Before the modern notion of Thanksgiving, ancient Mexican civilizations held their own forms of harvest celebrations and rituals to express gratitude.
These rituals often revolved around giving thanks to the gods for bountiful crops and protection.
One notable example is the Aztec festival honoring Chicōmecōātl (also called Xilonen), the goddess of young corn.
This celebration marked the beginning of the maize harvest, a time of feasting, ritual dances, and offerings.
Maize (corn) was a cornerstone of Aztec agriculture and diet, making it a central figure in their expressions of thanks and prosperity.
The Maya also celebrated harvest festivals, giving offerings to their gods to ensure fertility and future bountiful harvests.
These ancient traditions, although not directly related to Thanksgiving as we know it today, share the core theme of expressing gratitude and celebrating abundance.
Contemporary Celebrations of Thanksgiving in Mexico
In contemporary Mexico, Thanksgiving is mostly celebrated among Mexican-Americans or in expat communities who wish to keep the tradition alive.
After living in Mexico since 2018, I’ve noticed some Mexicans just love the idea behind the holiday, and now celebrate it too.
These celebrations are often smaller and more intimate, involving close family and friends.
They provide a moment for people to come together, enjoy a meal, and reflect on what they are thankful for, echoing the sentiments of the holiday’s original intent.
In large cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses may offer Thanksgiving dinners aimed at tourists and locals looking to experience an American-style celebration.
Mexican households that observe the holiday often modify it by incorporating Mexican flavors and dishes, creating a unique culinary fusion.
Schools with a focus on English or American education may also introduce students to the concept of Thanksgiving.
These programs might include lessons on the holiday’s history, crafts, and shared meals to provide children with a multicultural perspective.
Common Thanksgiving Foods in Mexico
The foods associated with Thanksgiving in Mexico reflect a blend of traditional American dishes and Mexican culinary staples.
In homes where the holiday is celebrated, you might find roasted turkey as the centerpiece, much like in the United States.
However, it is often accompanied by distinctly Mexican sides and flavors.
Thanksgiving Turkey With a Mexican Twist
While roasted turkey is familiar, it’s often prepared with Mexican seasonings like adobo or mole sauce, infusing the meat with rich, spicy, and complex flavors.
Pavo en mole poblano, turkey served with a dark, chocolate-infused sauce called mole (pronounced moe-lay), is a popular variation that showcases the depth of Mexican cuisine.
Mexican Roasted Pork Dishes for Thanksgiving
Alongside turkey, many also have roasted pork or roasted ham dishes for their Thanksgiving meal in Mexico.
Some options, which are also some of the most popular Mexican Christmas foods, include lomo de puerco (roasted pork loin) and pierna de puerco (roasted pork leg).
Traditional Mexican Sides
Instead of mashed potatoes or green bean casserole, Mexican families may serve tamales, chile relleno (stuffed chili peppers), sopa Azteca (AKA tortilla soup), and/or pozole (hominy soup) alongside the turkey.
Elote (corn on the cob) with chili powder and lime might also make an appearance, connecting the modern celebration to ancient maize-based traditions.
Calabaza (pumpkin) is another staple food in Mexico year-round, so you’ll likely see a dish with pumpkin on the table as well, or even flor de calabaza (squash blossoms, or pumpkin flowers).
Mexican Holiday Desserts
For dessert, pumpkin pie may be joined or replaced by flan (custard), pan de elote (sweet cornbread), or buñuelos — a crispy, sweet treat dusted with cinnamon sugar, which you can see in the photo above.
This integration of Mexican desserts adds a sweet and familiar ending to a meal that reflects the merging of two cultures.
Thanksgiving in Mexico FAQ
Does Mexico celebrate Thanksgiving?
No — While some Mexican families with ties to the U.S. celebrate it, and so do many American and Canadian expats who live in Mexico, Thanksgiving is not a Mexican holiday.
When is Thanksgiving in Mexico?
Mexico doesn’t have its own Thanksgiving date, so those who celebrate the holiday in Mexico use the U.S. date, which is always the fourth Thursday in November.
Is Thanksgiving a day off in Mexico?
No, it’s a regular workday.
Mexico’s official holiday that month is Revolution Day, on Monday, November 16, 2026.
How do you say Thanksgiving in Spanish?
Thanksgiving is Día de Acción de Gracias in Spanish.
Does Mexico have Black Friday?
Mexico’s version is called El Buen Fin, a nationwide sale weekend held in mid-November.
Can you get a turkey dinner in Mexico on Thanksgiving?
In some places, like tourist areas and expat hubs, you should be able to find some restaurants and hotels serving one.
Check local expat Facebook groups to see what you can find, and make sure to book ahead, since most places only do one seating.
My Final Thoughts on Celebrating Thanksgiving in Mexico
While Thanksgiving is not a traditional Mexican holiday, its influence has grown through cultural connections with the United States.
Contemporary celebrations often merge American traditions with Mexican flavors and customs, creating a unique holiday experience that embodies gratitude, family, and the warmth of Mexican hospitality.
From turkey with mole to tamales and elote, Thanksgiving in Mexico serves as a reminder of the country’s rich culinary heritage and its openness to embracing and adapting new traditions.
If you’re in Mexico for Thanksgiving, don’t expect a big celebration outside tourist areas and expat hubs.
But if you ask around in early November, you can usually find a restaurant serving turkey and all the trimmings.
