Christmas in Mexico is a season centered on faith, family, and community. Many of the traditions celebrated today have been passed down through generations, bringing people together through shared meals, religious observances, and festive gatherings.
While December 25 is an important holiday, Christmas celebrations in Mexico begin well before Christmas Day and continue into early January. From the nightly processions of Las Posadas to Christmas Eve celebrations on Nochebuena and the arrival of Three Kings Day, the season is filled with traditions that celebrate togetherness, generosity, and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re celebrating your Mexican roots or looking for ways to support family and friends back home, here’s a closer look at some of the most meaningful Christmas traditions in Mexico.
Las Posadas: The nine-night Christmas tradition
One of the most widely celebrated Christmas traditions in Mexico is Las Posadas, a nine-night observance held each year from December 16 through December 24.
The word posada means “inn” in Spanish. The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. Each evening, families, neighbors, and community members gather for candlelit processions, singing traditional songs as they symbolically ask for lodging at different homes.
Eventually, one home welcomes the group inside, where the celebration continues with prayers, food, music, games, and conversation. Children often enjoy breaking colorful piñatas filled with candy and small treats, making Las Posadas one of the most anticipated parts of the Christmas season.
Las Posadas holds deep religious meaning for many families, but it also serves as an opportunity to strengthen community ties. It is a time to reconnect, share meals, and celebrate the spirit of hospitality.
For many people living abroad, supporting everyone you care about during Las Posadas is also an important tradition. Sending money before the celebrations begin can help family members prepare for holiday gatherings, food, decorations, and other seasonal expenses.
Nochebuena: Christmas Eve celebrations in Mexico
For many Mexican families, Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, is the centerpiece of the holiday season.
The day is often spent preparing special meals before family and friends gather in the evening to celebrate together. Many attend Misa de Gallo, also known as the “Mass of the Rooster,” a special midnight church service that commemorates the birth of Jesus.
After Mass, families return home to continue celebrating with dinner, conversation, music, and holiday desserts. In many households, Christmas Eve is considered the primary celebration, while Christmas Day is reserved for rest, visiting relatives, and spending additional time together.
Gift-giving traditions may vary by family and region. Some families exchange presents shortly after midnight on December 24, while others wait until Día de los Reyes, or Three Kings Day, on January 6. This holiday commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men, and many children receive gifts on this day.
Together, these customs reflect the faith, family values, and cultural traditions that make Christmas in Mexico unique.
Traditional Christmas foods in Mexico
Food plays a central role in Christmas celebrations throughout Mexico. Holiday meals often bring multiple generations together and feature recipes that require time, care, and family participation.
Tamales
Tamales are a Christmas favorite across Mexico. Made with masa dough and filled with meats, cheeses, vegetables, or sweet ingredients, they are wrapped in corn husks and steamed until tender.
Preparing tamales is often a family event, with relatives working together to make large batches for holiday gatherings.
Bacalao
Bacalao, or salted cod, is another traditional Christmas dish. It is commonly prepared with tomatoes, olives, capers, potatoes, and peppers, creating a flavorful meal often served during festive celebrations.
Romeritos
Romeritos is a traditional holiday dish made with a leafy green plant, mole sauce, potatoes, and dried shrimp. It is especially popular in central Mexico during the Christmas season.
Ponche navideño
Ponche navideño, or Christmas punch, is a warm holiday beverage enjoyed at family gatherings. It is typically made by simmering fruits such as guava, apples, tejocotes, prunes, and sugar cane with cinnamon and spices.
Some adults also add rum or brandy during festive celebrations.
Supporting family and friends during the holidays
For millions of Mexicans living abroad, Christmas is also a time to support those who matter most back home.
For many families, financial support during the holiday season can help cover expenses such as:
- Traditional Christmas meals
- Gifts for children and relatives
- Holiday decorations
- Travel to visit family members
- Everyday household expenses
Even when distance separates families, these contributions can help family and friends celebrate important traditions together.
Ways to send money to Mexico during the holidays
The holiday season is often one of the busiest times of year for sending support to family members.
Western Union offers several convenient ways to send money to Mexico, including:
- Online money transfers
- Transfers through the Western Union mobile app
- Eligible mobile wallet transfers in supported locations
With multiple transfer options available, customers can choose the method that best fits their needs while staying in touch with the people who matter most.
Celebrate Mexican Christmas traditions wherever you are
From the candlelit processions of Las Posadas to festive Nochebuena gatherings and the excitement of Three Kings Day, Christmas traditions in Mexico are rooted in faith, generosity, and family connection.
For those living far from home, staying involved in these traditions can be an important way to send support and remain connected during the holiday season. Whether helping with holiday meals, gifts, or everyday expenses, sending support can make a meaningful difference for family members celebrating back home.
Wherever the season takes you, staying in touch to the people you care about remains one of the most meaningful holiday traditions of all.
Frequently asked questions
Las Posadas is a traditional nine-night celebration held from December 16 to December 24. The tradition reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus and typically includes processions, prayers, music, food, piñatas, and community gatherings.
Many families celebrate Nochebuena with a festive dinner featuring traditional foods such as tamales, bacalao, romeritos, and ponche navideño. Many also attend Misa de Gallo, a midnight church service, before continuing celebrations with family and friends.
Using a trusted money transfer service can help ensure funds arrive before holiday celebrations begin. Western Union offers multiple ways to send money to Mexico, including online transfers, the mobile app, and eligible mobile wallet transfers where available.
