Cancún Joins Mexico City, Tulum, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Others as Top Travel Destination for Christmas and New Year in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 3, 2025

Cancún has become a top destination for Christmas and New Year, alongside Mexico City, Tulum, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas, offering festive events, tropical vibes, and unforgettable celebrations. The vibrant coastal city of Cancún is now one of the most sought-after spots in Mexico during the holiday season, joining an impressive list of iconic destinations that draw travelers from around the world. With its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and a lively mix of cultural and festive activities, Cancún provides the perfect setting for a memorable Christmas and New Year getaway. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, enjoy traditional “Posadas” processions, or experience vibrant fireworks displays over the Caribbean Sea, Cancún has something for everyone. This guide covers everything you need to know about the holiday magic that awaits in this tropical paradise.

Mexico City – A Vibrant Holiday Wonderland

Mexico City becomes a dazzling hub of holiday festivities, with the Zócalo (main square) hosting grand Christmas light displays and an enormous Christmas tree. Expect a vibrant mix of traditional parades, including the famous Christmas parade with colorful floats and festive music. The Reforma Avenue light festival adds to the sparkle, while the streets are alive with processions, markets, and performances. On New Year’s Eve, Mexico City’s public squares come alive with fireworks, making it a fantastic destination for those seeking a blend of culture, history, and excitement during the holiday season.

San Miguel de Allende – A Charming Colonial Christmas

This colonial gem offers a cozy, romantic holiday atmosphere. San Miguel de Allende lights up with festive decorations on its cobbled streets, while the town square hosts a beautiful Christmas tree and vibrant lights. Experience the town’s deeply-rooted traditions with the “Posadas” processions, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. The festive spirit continues into New Year’s with fireworks, street parties, and an intimate holiday vibe. With its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, San Miguel de Allende is perfect for a relaxed yet magical holiday experience.

Puerto Vallarta – A Festive Beachfront Escape

Puerto Vallarta blends the beauty of the beach with festive holiday charm. The Malecon boardwalk is decked out with Christmas lights and vibrant decorations, while the town hosts festive “Posadas” and street celebrations. Resorts along the coast offer Christmas Eve dinners with fireworks over the bay, while New Year’s celebrations include lively beach parties and fireworks. The town’s mix of coastal beauty, traditional celebrations, and laid-back atmosphere makes Puerto Vallarta an ideal choice for a warm, beachy holiday getaway.

Cabo San Lucas – Sun, Sand, and Sparkles

If you’re looking for a luxury escape with a lively holiday atmosphere, Cabo San Lucas delivers. The town celebrates Christmas with parades filled with lights, music, and festive floats, while upscale resorts host lavish New Year’s Eve parties. Cabo’s coastal beauty is enhanced by holiday lights and fireworks, making the beachfront feel even more magical. For a laid-back yet high-energy celebration, Cabo’s combination of beachside relaxation and festive events offers the perfect New Year’s celebration by the sea.

Cancún – Tropical Christmas Bliss

Cancún is a premier destination for those who want to swap cold weather for warm beaches during the holidays. Resorts here go all out with festive dinners, holiday-themed parties, and New Year’s Eve celebrations complete with fireworks over the Caribbean Sea. The city center hosts a large Christmas tree lighting and public festivities. Visitors can enjoy everything from beach parties to traditional “Posadas” and spectacular firework displays on New Year’s Eve, making Cancún the ultimate blend of tropical fun and festive cheer.

Oaxaca City – A Rich Cultural Holiday Experience

Oaxaca offers a unique and deeply cultural Christmas celebration, where indigenous traditions blend with colonial charm. The city’s Christmas markets are filled with handcrafted ornaments, local food, and vibrant decorations. The “Guelaguetza” festival, showcasing indigenous dance and music, brings the spirit of Christmas to life. Oaxaca’s historic streets light up with decorations, and the “Posadas” processions bring the community together. This culturally rich city is ideal for those looking to experience a more authentic, intimate holiday filled with tradition and history.

Tlalpujahua – Mexico’s Christmas Village

Tlalpujahua is a small, picturesque town known as Mexico’s “Christmas Village.” The town is famous for its handmade glass ornaments, and during the holidays, the streets are beautifully decorated with lights and festive displays. Tlalpujahua embraces the holiday spirit with traditional “Posadas” and vibrant local celebrations. The town transforms into a Christmas wonderland where visitors can purchase unique ornaments while enjoying a cozy, quaint holiday atmosphere. For those seeking an offbeat, artisan-filled holiday destination, Tlalpujahua offers a magical experience away from the crowds.

Chiapas Highlands – Culture and Heritage Amidst the Mountains

For a more unique and culturally immersive holiday, head to the Chiapas Highlands. This region offers a combination of indigenous traditions, colonial heritage, and spectacular natural beauty. Christmas celebrations in towns like San Cristóbal de las Casas are steeped in cultural significance, with local communities hosting processions, dances, and festive events. The cooler mountain air and beautiful colonial architecture set the stage for a quieter, yet deeply meaningful Christmas experience. Chiapas offers a holiday season that blends nature, tradition, and spirituality.

Tulum – Relaxed Beachside Holidays with a Touch of Luxury

Tulum is the perfect destination for those seeking a more peaceful, luxury-driven holiday experience. The beaches are lined with upscale resorts, many of which offer special Christmas and New Year’s events, including beach parties, bonfires, and gourmet dinners. Tulum combines its laid-back beach atmosphere with touches of Mayan history, making it a unique destination for the holidays. The town is beautifully decorated with lights and features exclusive New Year’s Eve celebrations, creating a festive yet tranquil environment for a beachside Christmas escape.

Playa del Carmen – Coastal Charm with a Holiday Twist

Playa del Carmen offers a more relaxed alternative to Cancún with its charming pedestrian streets and gorgeous beaches. During the holiday season, the town is beautifully lit up with Christmas lights, and the famous Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) hosts a vibrant Christmas parade. Visitors can enjoy the local markets, try delicious Mexican holiday treats, and partake in “Posadas” processions. Playa del Carmen’s laid-back vibe and beachside New Year’s Eve parties make it an ideal destination for those looking for a mix of holiday cheer and tropical relaxation.

Cancún has become a top destination for Christmas and New Year, alongside Mexico City, Tulum, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas, offering festive events, tropical vibes, and unforgettable celebrations.

Conclusion

Cancún has undoubtedly secured its place as one of the top travel destinations for Christmas and New Year in Mexico, joining the ranks of celebrated spots like Mexico City, Tulum, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas. Each of these destinations brings its own unique charm, offering a mix of festive events, cultural experiences, and vibrant celebrations that make the holiday season truly unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn to Cancún’s tropical beaches, Mexico City’s sparkling lights and grand parades, or Tulum’s peaceful luxury, the holiday season in these Mexican gems promises something for every traveler. With their welcoming atmosphere and incredible holiday offerings, these destinations together make Mexico the ultimate place to celebrate Christmas and New Year with joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories.