For most, Christmas — and the Holiday season in general — is represented by a sweater-clad family by a fireplace, next to a Christmas tree and a snowy landscape in the backdrop. However, a tropical Christmas in Cancun is somewhat different! Not only will you find the best tours and excursions in Cancun, you’ll also see a different culture’s take on this special day. Read on to find out why you should plan to spend the holidays in Mexico’s Caribbean paradise.
What Makes Christmas in Cancun So Special? Spend your vacation there in December!
Although it may seem strange to find a truly tropical Christmas spirit in this hot and humid climate, it does exist! Hotels offer beautiful events for their guests. Often, these include Christmas dinners and special events for all ages. Decorated Christmas trees, surprises, and holiday music create a special atmosphere after trying out the many things to do in Cancun. With a touch of winter despite seeing the sunshine over the Caribbean Sea. If you are staying on holiday here in beautiful and tropical Cancun — or if you wish you were, confess! — you may wonder how the locals celebrate the holidays. Can there be a real Christmas in Cancun?
The cosmopolitan city of Cancun has about 1 million inhabitants. All of them have roots from many nationalities, each with its own culture and religious views. In Mexico, Christmas is not only about a religious moment. It is also about spending a beautiful moment with your loved ones. Here, most people celebrate on the night of December 24th with a dinner that often stretches into the early morning.
Houses are filled with people, family comes together and even good friends come by on Christmas Eve, called Noche Buena in Spanish. It is not uncommon to see children playing with sparklers and some fireworks going off here and there. Many people exchange gifts as well, although Santa Claus is a more recent acquisition to Mexican culture. Until recently, children only received presents from the Three Wise Men (Tres Reyes Magos), who don’t visit until January 6th.
How Cancun Locals Spend December 25th
During Christmas Day, many people stay in their homes. December 25th is usually spent along with the whole family and close friends. They will once again gather to enjoy the traditional recalentado. This means they reheat the delicious Christmas dinner and enjoy eating what was left over.
The typical Christmas dinner in Cancun, Mexico may include turkey accompanied by different dishes of pasta, salads, and often lasagna. But most families enjoy romeritos and bacalao. Both are delicious typical dishes that are as much a treat as Thanksgiving turkey!
Especially relevant, restaurants in Cancun’s Hotel Zone and downtown offer special menus for Christmas dinner, ranging from traditional dishes to local specialties.
Come Experience Mexican Christmas Magic in Cancun!
So if you would like to try something different this Christmas, don’t hesitate! Start planning your holiday visit to this Caribbean paradise, especially if you’re coming with the family. Explore our suggestions for activities with the family in Cancun. Even if you’re not here with your whole family, there will be many others just like you dining in restaurants. You will experience a wonderful and different ambiance!
Above all, look for the Amstar representatives in your hotel who will be happy to help you with suggestions for amazing activities outside your resort, and reservations for the tropical Christmas dinner of YOUR choice after your excursion.
Finally, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
—This is an update of the original December 2013 post.
