How to Spend Christmas and New Years in Mexico City
So maybe you’re tired of a snow-covered or rainy Christmas and want a take a break to the southern hemisphere. Why not head to Mexico City for some incredible food, fun, and culture? Locals clear out of Mexico City over the holidays, heading instead back home or to the beach, so tourists have the run of the place. Although not much business gets done in the country’s capital from December 12 to January 6, there are lots of fun things still happening in the city for you to see and do.
Christmas comes early in Mexico City
The festivities in Mexico City really start on December 12, the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. At Guadalupe’s shrine in the city’s Basilicia, you will find pilgrims who travel from across the country and the world to get a glimpse at her image and pray for blessings on their upcoming year. Las Mañanitas, the Mexican birthday song is sung to the Virgin at midnight, and dances and music are held in the plaza in front of the Basilica all day long. Neighborhoods also celebrate with a midnight birthday song to the virgin, but these are much more intimate events.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Basilicia de Guadalupe, Plaza de las Américas 1, Villa de Guadalupe, Villa Gustavo A. Madero, 07050 Ciudad de México, Mexico, +52 55 5118 0500
The build-up
From December 16 until Christmas Eve, the posadas are held, meant to represent the journey of Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem for the birth of Christ. Groups of neighbors go door to door, singing songs and asking for shelter, and people host parties in their homes with food, piñatas, toys for the kids, and lots of alcohol for the adults. Outside of every neighborhood, holiday markets spring up selling Christmas trees and food. The city’s most fantastic Christmas tianguis is outside of the Jamaica Market where you will find items for your nativity scene, Christmas trees, and massive piñatas for your posada or holiday party.
Jamaica Market, Guillermo Prieto 45, Magdalena Mixhuca, Jamaica, 15800 Venustiano Carranza, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5741 0002
O Christmas tree
Downtown in the city’s main plaza, the zocalo, a giant Christmas tree is erected and a skating rink is laid down for the month. Because of the massive numbers of skaters in the city that want to have a go, you do have to take a number and wait for your turn, but ice skating atop of the ruins of the majestic Aztec capital is quite an experience. Although Mexico City doesn’t get particularly cold for the holidays, there is enough of a chill in the air for a sweater and hot chocolate, and many street musicians in the Centro play Christmas Carols as you pass.
On the big day
Most restaurants are closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but open the rest of the holiday season, so check ahead if you want to go somewhere specifically, but the holidays are still a great time to take a food tour or trip out to Teotihuacan—most tour companies and private guides are open for business during this time. Check museum hours as well as they vary as the big day approaches.
Ring in the New Year
For New Years there are lots of clubs and bars that have end-of-year parties and celebrations, as well as restaurants with set menus for the night that you must reserve at least several weeks in advance, so plan ahead. The rooftop bars in the Centro Historico are some of the best places to be when the clock strikes midnight.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
