Christmas all across Mexico is celebrated from December 16th through January 6th. Mexicans practice specific religious ceremonies, no matter where you are in Mexico. Without going into further detail, one of those traditions is where children perform a ‘Posada’ or more commonly known as a ‘procession.’ They go from house to house asking if there is any room for Joseph & The Mother Mary.’ Another particular tradition is when families go to masses and then get together for a meal on Christmas Eve that sometimes may go until Christmas Day.
Also, after practicing centuries of traditional ceremonies, there are celebrations, fabulous decorations, and joyful events. These holiday festivities usually happen in public places where people gather to shop, eat, and converse with one another. It is the season where locals and visitors enjoy the creative lighting, Christmas scenes, and cheerful music. Here are five cities in different parts of Mexico that offer various Christmas cheer and outdoor activities.Â
Playa Del CarmenÂ
Playa del Carmen is a world-renowned vacation destination. One of its well-known and valued attractions is “La Quinta Avenidaâ€Â (5th Ave). This pedestrian-friendly passage has a variety of shopping venues and multiple culinary eateries. When Christmas comes to town, 5th Ave turns into a festival of lights and Christmas ambiance that would amaze Santa Claus himself. There is festive music playing everywhere, which puts everybody into the holiday spirit. Businesses up and down 5th Avenue dresses up their storefronts with plenty of holiday cheer. This is a must-see Event when visiting Playa del Carmen during the Holidays.
MeridaÂ
Merida is one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most historic cities; However, it is all in when it comes to celebrating Christmas. Merida’s Paseo Montejo, a popular avenue downtown, turns into a ‘Winter Wonderland,’ without the snow, of course! Definitely, with all the lights and garland strung everywhere, it would even put the famous ‘Scrooge’ in the Christmas spirit. It is quite a sight to see many of the 16th and 17th-century structures lit up in Christmas spirit. There is one special event, and that is when the Mayor flips the switch on the Remate de Paseo Montejo Christmas Tree! It symbolizes the arrival of better times for all Meridians.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. This popular port-of-call is known for its Romanic Zone and its beautiful sunsets. But when Christmas arrives, let the celebration begin. Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecon and fishing pier come alive with Christmas cheer. There are singing parades, Christmas performances, and many other festive attractions. You may encounter ornaments, spectacular lighting, and Holiday scenes throughout the entire downtown area. Plenty of lights blinking and decorated trees around every corner light up Puerto Vallarta’s Hidalgo Park. There are lots of people out-and-about celebrating the holiday spirit. It is something you need to experience in person!
San Miguel de AllendeÂ
San Miguel de Allende has been Leisure & Travel Magazine’s top city two years in a row. And when it comes to Christmas, it takes the true meaning of the season to heart. This is not to say San Miguel doesn’t decorate accordingly but also keeps the spiritual value as well. December 12th is ‘DÃa de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Day’ – Mexico’s Patron Saint. San Miguel celebrates this holy day with elaborate altars, fireworks, and traditional music. The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel – a Catholic Church built in 1865 and inaugurated in 1869, is lit up to the heavens with glowing lights. There is a spectacular Christmas tree draped in lights and topped with the Star of Bethlehem. A must-see when visiting San Miguel!
La PazÂ
La Paz is a thriving city of approximately 245,000 residents. It’s given name means “The Peace,†which in turn is very appropriate for the Holiday Season. Like other coastal cities, it too has a Malecon. La Paz spares no expense when decorating for the holidays. There are towering palm trees wrapped in multicolored lights and sparkling Christmas trees that line the waterside walkway. Besides the many festive events staged throughout the city, there is one, in particular, that attracts lots of attention. The boat parade draws plenty of spectators getting into the Christmas spirit. This is an attraction that you cannot miss when visiting La Paz.
We didn’t mention above a few more decorations that have a definite presence when celebrating Christmas across Mexico. One of those colorful decorations is the ‘Noche Buena’ or what we know as a poinsettia. This bright red and green leaf plant is indigenous to Mexico. You can enjoy the view of these beautiful plants everywhere during the holidays. Another decorative symbol that represents the true meaning of the season is the nativity scene. Mexican people are proud of their faith and display the holy manger somewhere within their homes. “This the season to wish peace on earth and goodwill to allâ€Â
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