December in Mexico City lasts more than a month: it starts with the pilgrimages to the Basilica, continues with posadas and pastorelas, and ends on January 6 with the Rosca de Reyes. If you’re spending the holidays here, these are the dates worth knowing and what opens and closes on the key days. All of it planned from Roma Norte, home of Hotel Emma Boutique.
Season calendar
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Saturday, December 12 | Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, with millions of pilgrims at the Basilica |
| December 16 to 24 | Traditional posada season |
| December 18 to 23 | The Nutcracker at Auditorio Nacional |
| Thursday, December 24 | Nochebuena: family dinner; many businesses close early |
| Friday, December 25 | Christmas Day, a mandatory public holiday |
| Thursday, December 31 | New Year’s Eve |
| Friday, January 1 | New Year’s Day, a mandatory public holiday |
| Wednesday, January 6 | Three Kings Day and Rosca de Reyes |
As of October 2026, the Mexico City government hasn’t announced this year’s holiday program (Christmas fair, street lights or New Year’s Eve celebration). Check its official channels from November.
Posadas, pastorelas and markets
Posadas recall Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem: people sing to “ask for shelter,” break a seven-pointed piñata and share hot fruit punch and bags of treats. Pastorelas, comic plays about the shepherds on their way to Bethlehem, fill theaters and venues in December. Markets fill up with poinsettias, piñatas and nativity figures.
The Nutcracker and other family plans
The Compañía Nacional de Danza stages The Nutcracker at Auditorio Nacional from December 18 to 23, with the Orquesta del Teatro de Bellas Artes playing live; tickets on Ticketmaster and at the venue’s box office. Before or after, Chapultepec Park is right next door.
In recent years, the city government has set up a Christmas fair with free concerts and pastorelas in the Zócalo, plus holiday lights in the historic center and along Paseo de la Reforma. The Zócalo ice rink hasn’t been installed since 2020.
What’s open and closed on December 25 and January 1
- Metro: in previous years it closed earlier on December 24 and 31 and opened later on the 25th and January 1, on a holiday schedule. The 2026 hours are posted a few days before on the Metro’s social media.
- Museums: many close on December 25 and January 1, and some shorten their hours on the 24th and 31st. Check each museum’s website.
- Restaurants and shops: on the 24th and 31st many close early or open only for dinner by reservation.
Rosca de Reyes on January 6
On Three Kings Day people share a ring-shaped sweet bread topped with candied fruit and hiding small Baby Jesus figurines. Whoever finds one hosts the tamales on February 2, Candlemas. In the days before, order yours early at your favorite bakery.
Getting around during the holidays
Sevilla Metro station, on Line 1, is 200 m from the hotel and connects you to Chapultepec, downtown and the Auditorio. Traffic picks up in December: the Metro and Metrobús are usually faster than a taxi. If there are large events on Reforma or in the Zócalo, expect street closures and stations out of service.
More ideas for your visit
Read our guide to December 12 at the Basilica, walk along Reforma at night to the Angel of Independence or visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes downtown.
Frequently asked questions
Are December 25 and January 1 public holidays in Mexico?
Yes. Mexico’s Federal Labor Law makes them mandatory days off. In 2026 the 25th falls on a Friday, and so does January 1, 2027.
Does the Metro run on December 25 and January 1?
Yes, usually on a holiday schedule that starts later. On the 24th and 31st it tends to close earlier. Confirm the 2026 hours on the Metro’s official channels.
Are museums open at Christmas in Mexico City?
Many close on December 25 and January 1. Check each museum’s website.
Is there an ice rink in the Zócalo in 2026?
There’s no announcement for 2026, and the Zócalo rink hasn’t been installed since 2020. Some boroughs have set up their own rinks in recent years.
Where to stay for Christmas in Mexico City?
In Roma Norte, Hotel Emma Boutique has rooms for 1 to 5 people, some family rooms with a kitchenette, and is 200 m from Sevilla Metro.