10 things to do in Mexico City for Christmas

10 things to do in Mexico City for Christmas

Christmas is a big deal all over the world and Mexico City is not an exception to this tradition. The celebrations start as early as December 16 and it does not end until the start of February. This means that the capital gives one of the best shows in the country that attracts a lot of tourists.

Therefore, the festive atmosphere brought on by the Christmas lights makes the visit to the city mesmerising. This article will delve into the activities that one can partake in while in Mexico City during the Christmas season. The article will provide the reader with critical knowledge of the activities they can engage in so that they make the most out of the visit to the city.

1. Go ice skating

A picture of an ice skating rink by Guillaume Speurt-Wikimedia

Ice skating is the most popular holiday activity for outdoor enthusiasts during the festive season.  The city of Mexico is a perfect example of the trend. The locals and visitors can go ice skating at the Mexico City zocalo which features an open space and great Christmas lights that puts someone in the holiday mood.

The rink is transformed each year and the people flock to it to have a good time. This is interesting as gives people a chance to bond.

2. Visit the Antara Fashion Hall

The concept of a white Christmas dies not to exist in Mexico city and therefore one should be prepared with this knowledge so that they are not disappointed. However, if what a person wants for the holiday season is a little snow, then they should visit the posh and famous Antara Fashion Hall to fulfil their desire.

Every year, they organise a great Winter Wonderland scene that features bedecked Christmas trees and fake snow. The event is a good way to get in the holiday mood and a chance to experience how the holiday is for people who have snow.

3. Go to the Ballet Folklórico de México

Christmas in Mexico by Eric garcetti-Wikimedia

This activity gives a person an authentic taste of the Christmas season in Mexico City. This is a dance troupe that is well-liked and highly talented. The performers have dedicated themselves to preserving the Mexican music, dance and way of dressing with a modern twist.

They put on many shows throughout the season which can help a person learn more about the Mexican culture and thus get to appreciate them more. Furthermore, watching the performance is a good way to relax and let go.

4. Enjoy the Tortas de Bacalao

There are many places in Mexico that offer the country’s flavoured dishes but the La Rambla Sandwich shop located in downtown Mexico City is considered the perfect place to try the bacalao. The festive food is usually served throughout the year but having it during the holiday season is considered the most ideal. One is sure to be in a festive mood after a visit to the sandwich shop.

5. Try the Ponche and Rompope

The ponche is the equivalent of mulled wine that is famous in the European Christmas markets. The punch is made with fruits which is also the same concept used with mulled wine. The Rompope is similar to egg nog and filled with spices. With its creamy filling and alcohol, the drink is popular with both locals and tourists as it puts them in the holiday mood.

6. Take a trip through the Turibus’ Festive Route

The route is among the well-known ways that visitors can explore the city of Mexico in a different way. Some time ago, a special late-night festive tour was introduced to both locals and tourists so that they can experience the Christmas spirit in an open bus as they explore the city.

The cool air coupled with great sights will make a tourist’s trip a memorable one. Furthermore, they can learn more from the locals about the city while on the bus.

7. Select a Christmas tree at Ajusco

Mexico City- Christmas trees for sale . Picture by Thayne Tuason-Wikimedia

Going to the Ajusco National Park is an ideal way to get in the Christmas spirit. The national park has a section that is dedicated to the cultivation of Christmas trees and therefore one can pick a tree that has caught their eye.

This is an interesting concept in that one gets to have fun in the process and at the same time pick a Christmas tree that they feel is good. This will definitely put them in a  holiday mood as things are going the way they planned and there are no disappointments.

8. Enjoy the lights in the zocalo

Christmas lights in Mexico city by Karpalver-Wikimedia

This winter tradition has been practised for the last 60 years and it is still going strong with no signs of it stopping. During Christmas,  lights are put up to form ornate mosaics and patterns in several buildings that surround the central square in the city. The centrepiece of the lights is the Árbol de Navidad which takes the centre throughout the season and thus creates a spectacular sight.

9. Try festive food on a festive tour

Corn dogs in Mexico by Phyrexian-Wikimedia

A trip to Mexico City in December is not complete before one tries the festive food tour. During the Christmas season, food vendors come out to sell different food and one can sample the country’s traditional food as they will be plenty. This activity can be coupled with a trip to the ice-skating rink in that one can eat while having fun.

10. The Candlemas

The celebration happens on 2^nd February which is held to mark the end of the Christmas season. The day is called La Candelaria and it features a lot of parties that are meant to end the festive season. This celebration is ideal for visitors who missed the festive season in the city as they get to glimpse how the people of Mexico celebrate Christmas and thus be motivated to go to the next one.

The festival also officially marks the end of the Christmas season which is a unique practice as most countries in the world do not have a ceremony to mark the end of the season.