Taco toys day: How to join the fiesta for a Feliz Navidad south of the border

Parka-clad carolers singing that they won’t leave your stoop until you bring them some figgy pudding are nice. But have you ever been serenaded by a sombrero-sporting mariachi band performing a Latin-rooted remix of “Silent Night?”

Guests staying over the holidays at Fairmont Mayakoba have. The property in Playa del Carmen is just one sought-after destination south of the border where you can have an unforgettable “Feliz Navidad.” In fact, between its colorful traditions, multiday processions and beachfront celebrations, December may be the best month to visit Mexico. 

Christmas isn’t the most significant holiday for some Mexicans: It’s Dec. 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the country’s patron saint.

The day marks the anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s last appearance (an apparition) in Mexico in 1531. 

Every year up to 18 million pious pilgrims make their way to Mexico City — often on foot. They form lively and solemn candlelit processions culminating in mass at the Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe, where it’s standing room only.

Even if you’re not religious, and it’s 90 degrees out, witnessing this once-in-a-lifetime event will give you goosebumps. As long as you’re modestly dressed, and don’t interrupt prayers, you can even join in.

At the very least, don’t miss people-watching in the public squares where the pilgrims pitch tents and hundreds of street vendors and musicians cater to the crowd.   

Meanwhile in Oaxaca City, five hours south of the rosary capital of the world, farmers are praying over their radishes. They have to be ready for judging by Dec. 23. Every year, the Noche de Rábanos (night of the radishes) attracts thousands of spectators. Young and old, they’re curious to see intricate scenes — many Christmas-themed — carved into radishes weighing as much as the baby Jesus.

To participate, head to the Plaza de la Constitución and attend a carving workshop, shop for mini radish-inspired souvenirs and vote for the people’s choice award. 

Travelers can also partake in Mexico’s traditional Las Posadas. For nine nights, beginning Dec. 16, pretty much every town and city in Mexico puts on re-enactments of Mary and Joseph looking for room at the inn (that’s what “posada” means in Spanish). Expect lots of singing, eating of tamales and piñata-breaking.

Las Posadas have become so beloved that most hotels and resorts host them, too — they’re just more secular celebrations. One of the highlights of the posadas-related programming at Hilton Los Cabos are the thematic live food stations. Still, they can’t compare to Santa’s helicopter arrival at the beachfront resort on the final night of Las Posadas. Why drop in by chimney when you can crash a party by chopper?

Christmas Eve is rather hectic for Mr. Claus (Mexicans call him Papá Noel) as he also has to parachute in to surprise guests over in Punta Mita at Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort. 

“After greeting everyone, Santa takes his seat on his throne beside the 23-foot Christmas tree in the Main Plaza for photos and gift distribution,” said Eduardo Pinto, director of sales and marketing at the property. “The celebration concludes with a festive Christmas dance show.” 

The next morning, at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Papá Noel emerges from the country’s only “private resort tunnel” to share cookies and hot chocolate with guests.

Fun fact: Mexico is the birthplace of hot cocoa. The resort also hosts a beachfront batucada and mini carnival, complete with performers on stilts who dwarf the equally entertaining elves. 

From wreath-making classes to tree-lighting ceremonies, and even fruitcake blending (at the the Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta), there are no shortage of ways to celebrate Christmas in Mexico. 

Of course, if you identify as a Scrooge, you can also come for plain old fun in the sun. December is the start of the dry season along the Caribbean coast. Clear days and cooler temps make for more comfortable exploring weather. December is also the start of whale-watching season on the Pacific coast. Thousands of gray whales take refuge in Baja’s calm lagoons. If these 90,000-pound mammals who live in the Arctic can make the journey south, so can you.