Christmas in Mexico City: Posadas, Ponche & What to Eat
Christmas in Mexico City: posadas, piñatas, ponche, tamales and rosca de reyes. Key dates, traditions and what to eat, from December 12 to February 2.
Culture | Nov 10, 2026
December is one of the most beautiful times to be in Mexico City. The streets fill with poinsettias, markets overflow with piñatas, neighbors gather for posadas, and the smell of warm ponche drifts out of kitchens all over the city. Christmas here isn't one day. It's a season that runs from mid-December to early February, with food at the center of every celebration.
This is our guide to celebrating the holidays like a local: the dates that matter, the traditions to join and, of course, what to eat.
Key takeaways
- The season starts with the posadas, nine nights of parties from December 16 to 24.
- The big family dinner is on Nochebuena, December 24, not on Christmas Day.
- Must-try holiday foods: ponche, tamales, buñuelos, bacalao, romeritos and the rosca de reyes.
- Celebrations continue with Día de Reyes on January 6 and end with tamales on February 2.
- Many restaurants close or change hours on December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1. Book ahead.
Mexico City's holiday calendar
- December 12, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe: millions of pilgrims travel to the Basilica of Guadalupe. It unofficially opens the holiday season.
- December 16 to 24, Las Posadas: nine nights of neighborhood and family parties.
- December 24, Nochebuena: the main Christmas dinner, late at night with family.
- December 28, Día de los Santos Inocentes: Mexico's version of April Fools' Day.
- December 31, New Year's Eve: dinner, fireworks and twelve grapes at midnight, one for each wish.
- January 6, Día de Reyes: Three Kings' Day, celebrated with rosca de reyes.
- February 2, Día de la Candelaria: the season ends with tamales.
What are las posadas?
The posadas recreate Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Each night from December 16 to 24, a group of guests walks to a house carrying candles and sings a traditional song asking for shelter. The "innkeepers" inside sing back, refusing at first, until they finally open the door. Then the party begins: ponche, tamales, music and a piñata.
Today, posadas happen everywhere: in homes, offices, neighborhood streets and even bars. If someone invites you to one, say yes.
The piñata
The classic Christmas piñata is a star with seven points, said to represent the seven deadly sins. Breaking it while blindfolded symbolizes faith overcoming temptation, and the candy and fruit inside are the reward. Everyone sings while you swing.
What to eat and drink at Christmas in Mexico City
Ponche navideño
The drink of the season: a hot fruit punch simmered with tejocotes (a small Mexican hawthorn fruit), guava, sugar cane, apple, cinnamon and piloncillo. Adults often add a splash of rum or brandy, known as the "piquete".
Tamales
No posada is complete without tamales, served with hot atole or champurrado. Learn more in our guide to Day of the Dead food in Mexico City, where tamales also play a starring role.
Buñuelos
Thin, crispy fried dough dusted with sugar or drizzled with piloncillo syrup. You'll find them at street stands and holiday fairs.
The Nochebuena dinner
The Christmas Eve table usually includes bacalao a la vizcaína, salted cod stewed with tomatoes, olives and chiles, a dish with Spanish roots; romeritos, a wild green cooked in mole with shrimp patties; and roast turkey or pork leg. Dinner often starts late and runs past midnight.
Rosca de reyes
On January 6, families share a ring-shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruit. Hidden inside are tiny baby figurines. Whoever finds one in their slice has to host a tamal party on February 2. Choose your slice carefully.
Where to feel the season in Mexico City
- Markets: markets like La Merced and Jamaica fill with poinsettias, piñatas, nativity figures and holiday ingredients. Read our guide to the best markets in Mexico City and our deep dive into Mercado de La Merced.
- The Historic Center: the city usually decorates the Zócalo and the streets around it with lights and holiday installations.
- Neighborhood streets: walk any neighborhood in the evenings between December 16 and 24 and you may stumble upon a posada.
- Cantinas: many hold their own posadas. Our guide to Mexico City's cantinas has the classics.
Bondabu tip: the poinsettia, called nochebuena in Mexico, is native to the country. In December you'll see it everywhere, from markets to church steps.
Practical tips for visiting Mexico City in December
- Book early. Hotels and restaurants fill up, especially around December 24 and 31.
- Check opening hours. Many restaurants and shops close or close early on December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1.
- Bring a jacket. December days are sunny and mild, but nights get cold.
- Expect a quieter city after Christmas. Many locals travel, so the last week of December can be calm and easy to explore.
Taste the season with a local
The best way to understand Christmas in Mexico City is through its food. Our The Real Meal food tour takes you through the markets and street stands where locals eat, in a small group with a local guide.
About the author
Ernesto is a chef and the founder of Bondabu, where he designs food and culture experiences in Mexico City and Quito.
Frequently asked questions
How is Christmas celebrated in Mexico City?
With posadas from December 16 to 24, a big family dinner on Christmas Eve, and celebrations that continue through Día de Reyes on January 6 and Día de la Candelaria on February 2.
What do Mexicans eat for Christmas?
Tamales, ponche, buñuelos, bacalao a la vizcaína, romeritos and roast turkey or pork. On January 6, rosca de reyes.
What is ponche navideño?
A hot Christmas fruit punch made with tejocotes, guava, sugar cane, apple, cinnamon and piloncillo.
Is Mexico City busy at Christmas?
The days before December 24 are busy, especially markets and shopping areas. The week between Christmas and New Year is usually calmer, as many locals travel.
Are restaurants open on Christmas in Mexico City?
Many close or reduce hours on December 24 and 25. Book ahead and check opening hours.
