The thought of another cold Christmas getting you down? Had enough mince pies to last a lifetime? You’ll have to travel by plane instead of sleigh, but Mexico at Christmas is an alluring alternative to a festive staycation. To inspire your winter wanderlust, here are six reasons we love a Mexican Christmas. Warm weather and a warm welcome await.
- The Festive Forecast
- Christmas Dinner with a Difference
- Las Posadas
- Sun, Sea & Santa
- Dia De Los Tres Reyes
- Whale Watching
1
The Festive Forecast
For cloud-free skies and non-stop sunshine, winter is one of the best times to visit Mexico. While the forecast can vary region to region, temperatures tend to hover around 28 degrees – think hot, dry and dreamy days when winter jumpers are nowhere to be seen. Compare that to typical December temperatures in the UK (highs of seven degrees) and you’ll be packing your suitcase faster than you can say Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas). Inland cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara are generally cooler, however those milder temperatures mean you can explore the cultural and historical attractions while avoiding the intense heat. It’s also worth noting that you won’t be the only one visiting Mexico at Christmas, as the winning weather tempts plenty of tourists escaping the winter blues. It’s likely to be busy, but no less lovely – just be prepared to share.
2
Christmas Dinner with a Difference
We know Christmas dinner can be a divisive dish. Whether you love or loathe the annual fight over the last portion of pigs in blankets, a roast can get a little bit boring after a lifetime of Christmases at home. Say goodbye to traditional festive fare this year and head to Mexico at Christmas – which is, quite frankly, foodie heaven. From tasty sides like romeritos (leafy greens) and ensalada de manzana (apple salad) to hearty bacalao a la vizcaina (salted cod stew), this Mexican meal is one to remember. There’s even roast turkey too, for the traditionalists, which simply must bewashed down with a cup of ponche navideño; fruit, sugar and spices simmered into a make-you-merry punch. Move over, mulled wine.
3
Las Posadas
Between 16th and 25th December, Mexico celebrates Las Posadas (meaning ‘The Inns’ in Spanish). This religious festival commemorates the journey of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. Each evening for nine days, a child dressed as an angel leads a candlelit procession through the streets, stopping at local homes to ask for lodgings for the expectant couple. For authenticity, the procession is always refused a room, although they are offered refreshments to fuel their parade. Mass is held at the end of each evening’s procession before piñatas filled with sweets and toys are broken open by eager and excited children. Found in towns across the country, these festivities are the epitome of Mexico at Christmas, complete with music, food and maybe a few more glasses of ponche navideño.
4
Sun, Sea & Santa
We’re all for a crisp winter walk, wellies and ‘where’s the nearest pub?’. But we think swapping knitwear for swimwear in the pursuit of winter sun is one of life’s great pleasures. And if you agree, you can’t really beat Christmas on the beach. Instead of snoozing in front of the TV, missing the King’s speech, imagine snoozing on the sand to a soundtrack of lapping waves. Outside of hurricane season (June to November), Mexico’s beaches are always a delight. A tropical template of baby powder sand, aquamarine water and swaying palms. With almost 5,800 miles of coastline, covering the blissfully-warm Gulf of Mexico, the captivating Caribbean and the super-for-surfing Pacific, there’s sure to be a beach with your name on it. And it will probably outdo most presents you could find under the tree.
5
Dia De Los Tres Reyes
While Boxing Day marks the beginning of back-to-work dread for many, in Mexico Christmas continues into the New Year. On 6th January, Dia De Los Tres Reyes (Day of the Three Kings) celebrates the three wise men bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn Jesus. Traditionally, children leave out shoes overnight to be filled with sweets, toys and money, with some children generously stuffing their shoes with hay for the kings’ camels. It’s not unusual for families to spread their gift-giving over Christmas Day and the Day of the Three Kings. So, if your trip continues into early January, you can enjoy an extended festive period thanks to this Mexican tradition. And, as with most occasions in Mexico at Christmas, you won’t go hungry. Tuck into a slice of rosca de reyes, a sweet, crown-shaped bread adorned with jewel-like candied fruit.
6
Whale Watching
Admit it. You weren’t expecting to see whale watching on this list, were you? But it just so happens that Christmas falls during the best time to see whales in Mexico. So, if you’re planning a festive trip and whales are on your wildlife wish list, this is the Christmas they come true. On Mexico’s west coast, the popular resort of Puerto Vallarta is home to Banderas Bay, where migrating humpback whales make their winter home. Calves are born here in December and January, so you might even spot some babies. Meanwhile, on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is one of the best places in the country for whale watching. Humpbacks and grey whales are the most common sightings, but if you’re lucky you could see blue whales or sperm whales. For the chance to encounter even more species, including small minke whales and the odd orca, add Todos Santos Island to your itinerary. This idyllic spot sits on the Pacific migration route for most whales. Which means a much better chance of spotting a majestic ocean mammal than a red-nosed reindeer.
Header Image by Olivier Romano.