Christmas and the Holiday Season is a wonderful time to visit Mexico and enjoy a vacation. Besides being a great excuse to avoid the Christmas shopping meltdown and having to decide which in-laws to spend Christmas Day with, it is the time of year when Mexico comes alive with traditions and an indescribable buzz of excitement.
Heading south for a little sunshine and warmer temperatures is a common reason for choosing Mexico for a vacation during the Holidays. Popular beach destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta all pretty much guarantee great weather over Christmas, with temperatures around 75ºF – 85ºF during the day. While nighttime can get a little cold by locals’ standards, for most visitors temperatures are pleasant and need only a light sweater at night.
There are also a lot of colorful traditions celebrated during the Holidays. In Cancun you will see re-enactments of the Bible story where the shepherds were visited by Archangel Gabriel, revealing the whereabouts of the Baby Jesus, while in Puerto Vallarta the whole downtown comes alive from December 1 till December 12 with processions to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe.
No matter where you decide to visit, you will see intricate nativity scenes, whether in your hotel, plazas, shopping centers or the windows of private homes. You may also be invited to participate in a Posada at your resort, which is based on the arrival of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem when they were looking for somewhere to stay. This tradition, which is popular throughout Mexico, involves guests on the outside of the threshold singing to the owner of the house, asking to be allowed to enter, while those on the inside return with another verse and so on. This tradition is one that will surely delight visitors to Mexico during Christmas.
Despite being considered high season, you can still get some amazing deals and offers during the Holiday season, especially if you book early enough. There is an incredible selection of resorts and hotels for all budgets, both all inclusive as well as room only. Also, in the top destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, you will be spoiled for choice with a selection of gourmet bistros and restaurants, perfect for Christmas Day and News Year’s Day. Oh, and let’s not forget the spectacular firework displays that are guaranteed on New Year’s Eve.