Best Magical Towns to Visit in Mexico for Christmas and December 2026

December is one of the best times to explore Mexico's Magical Towns: it's holiday season, with posadas, Christmas markets and dry weather in most of the country. Here are our picks depending on the kind of trip you want.

The Christmas ornament towns

Tlalpujahua, Michoacán

Tlalpujahua is known as the town of eternal Christmas: more than 300 workshops hand-blow and paint glass ornaments. During the holiday season its shops fill with visitors looking for one-of-a-kind decorations. Combine your visit with the old Dos Estrellas mine and nearby El Oro, another mining Magical Town just a few kilometers away.

Chignahuapan, Puebla

Chignahuapan has more than 200 ornament workshops and a lively Christmas season. After shopping, relax in its hot springs or visit the Quetzalapan waterfall.

Taxco's National Silver Fair

In late November and early December, Taxco holds the National Silver Fair, with silversmithing contests and exhibitions by the country's best artisans. It's a great time to buy silver gifts straight from the workshops. If you love handicrafts, also check our list of Magical Towns for Mexican crafts.

Mountain towns for a chilly Christmas

If you picture Christmas with forests, mist and a fireplace, look for towns above 2,200 meters:

Real del Monte and Mineral del Chico, Hidalgo: fir forests, Cornish pasties and English-heritage houses, about two hours from Mexico City.
Mazamitla, Jalisco: cabins among the pines, great for families from Guadalajara.
Creel, Chihuahua: the gateway to Copper Canyon; winter temperatures drop a lot and it sometimes snows.

Pack warm clothes: nights get quite cold. Find more options in cool-climate Magical Towns.

Beach Magical Towns to escape the cold

December is also dry season on the coasts, with sunny days and calm seas:

Bacalar, Quintana Roo: the lagoon of seven colors.
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur: art, surf and whale season on the peninsula.
Sayulita, Nayarit: surf and a laid-back vibe near Puerto Vallarta.

See the full list of beach Magical Towns.

Tips for traveling in December

Book early: the second half of December is peak season and towns near big cities fill up.
Go on weekdays if you can: December weekends are the busiest.
Check the calendar: the festival calendar lists celebrations with their dates so you can plan your route.