With the holiday season fast approaching, destinations around Mexico are gearing up for a variety of celebrations. From late November through Christmas, there are multiple ways to enjoy a festive seasonal getaway in Mexico this year.
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Mexico
While the holiday isn’t officially celebrated in Mexico, Thanksgiving nevertheless provides an opportunity to spend some festive time in the sun.
For an upscale Thanksgiving getaway, consider reserving a table at Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos. The property is hosting a family-friendly Thanksgiving dinner at on-site restaurant Humo on Nov. 24. The event promises to be a “gourmet fusion” of culinary traditions.
Nearby, art is the focus of the Thanksgiving holiday at Esperanza, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. The property is hosting a two-day art festival called Esperanzarte that will feature a variety of exhibits and include the work of Tony Orrico, a renowned American artist known for his live Penwald Drawings, for which he uses his own body as a measuring tool.
Polo fans, meanwhile, may want to block off their Thanksgiving weekend to head to Careyes, the luxury resort development south of Puerto Vallarta. It’s hosting a polo tournament over the Thanksgiving weekend, with players flying in from a variety of countries.
Humo Restaurant is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24.
Credit: 2022 Marriott InternationalHow to Celebrate Christmas in Mexico
Mexico celebrates the Christmas season with a variety of traditions and celebrations that are fascinating and enjoyable cultural experiences, regardless of one’s religious beliefs.
Dec. 12, for example, is a significant date in Mexico: It’s the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a time when thousands of religious pilgrims from around the nation travel to the massive Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. But towns and cities around the country host celebrations that include parades, live music and food vendors selling traditional “bunuelo” pastries.
Among the smaller towns that attract holiday revelers is Atlixco, a designated Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) near the city of Puebla. In December, the entire town becomes a “villa iluminada” (illuminated village), with thousands of colorful Christmas lights, as well as dozens of craft and food vendors and live musical entertainment.
Still more religious celebrations take place in Mexico from Dec. 16-24, when Mexican Christmas tradition Las Posadas commemorates the Biblical trip that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Religious processions, colorful pinatas, lively singing and tasty food are all part of the festivities, and destinations like San Miguel de Allende are among the best places to witness the festivities.
Mexico’s beach destinations are also lovely places to spend the season. In the Mexican Caribbean, Xcaret Park will be decked out with colorful lighting and decorations, and it often hosts traditional Las Posadas events. Clients looking for a rejuvenating holiday, meanwhile, might want to consider Prana del Mar, a beachfront property outside Los Cabos that’s offering a Christmas Holiday Yoga Vacation retreat from Dec.18-26. The family-friendly program includes healthful meals, daily yoga classes and a 1.5-hour massage.
Among the hoteliers offering seasonal festivities is Mexico Grand Hotels, which includes Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences, Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa and Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences. All three properties are offering a Bye Bye 2022 - Hello 2023 package through Dec. 20. Activities will include Christmas cocktail classes and a laid-back catamaran cruise with jazz and wine.
Those who would like to give back during the holiday season may be interested in packages offered by Hands Up Holidays, a tour operator that specializes in luxury family volunteer vacations. Hands Up’s customizable programs in the Mexican Caribbean, for example, might include accommodations at Rosewood Mayakoba; a private tour of Chichen Itza and the Tulum ruins; a private yacht charter; and multiple days spent volunteering at a local community center, sorting donations, helping to renovate classrooms and distributing Christmas gifts to children.
“What better way to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving or Christmas than to give back to those less fortunate than ourselves?” said Chris Hill, founder and CEO of Hands Up Holidays.
