11 Best Christmas Markets in Mexico City 2025 That Locals Love

Winter arrives in Mexico City, and something special happens. Forget snow-covered rooftops. Here, Christmas is painted with brilliant crimson poinsettias lining grand avenues, elaborate light displays on colonial buildings, and mariachi bands playing carols.

The air gets crisp and cool in the evenings. It carries the warm, sweet scent of ponche navideño (spiced fruit punch) and the savory aroma of tamales and street corn. Mexico City brings its own character to the holiday season. Silent nights become lively processions. European-style markets transform into bustling tianguis navideños, where the focus is on faith, family, and fiesta.

This guide is your invitation to experience the magic of a Mexican Christmas. You’ll discover the best and most authentic markets—from the grand festival in the Zócalo to charming neighborhood bazaars in Coyoacán. We’ll cover practical details like opening dates and key locations. Plus recommendations for accommodations right in the heart of the festive action.

One quick tip: wandering from market to market with luggage is miserable. Use Qeepl luggage storage instead. Convenient and secure locations across the city. Store your bags for as long as you need. Prices start at MX$73.90 per bag per day. Affordable and practical for a carefree Christmas market experience.

Are There Christmas Markets in Mexico City?

Yes. Mexico City fills with festive markets during Christmas, though they’re uniquely Mexican in style and tradition.

Instead of typical German-style “Christmas Markets,” you’ll find vibrant mercados navideños or tianguis navideños (seasonal street markets). The history runs deep, intertwined with Catholic traditions, particularly the celebration of Las Posadas—the nine-day reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Historically, these markets emerged to provide families with everything needed to celebrate at home. Piñatas. Nativity scene figures (nacimientos). Ingredients for festive meals.

The cultural significance is immense. These aren’t just places to shop. They’re lively hubs that preserve and celebrate cherished local customs.

The scale is vast and beloved by locals and tourists alike. You’ll find everything from the massive government-sponsored holiday festival in the Zócalo (featuring towering Christmas trees and free concerts) to neighborhood markets in Coyoacán and San Ángel offering artisanal goods in picturesque settings.

The general atmosphere is a feast for the senses. Stalls overflow with handcrafted ornaments, elaborate piñatas, and countless figurines for creating your own nativity scene at home.

When Do Christmas Markets Start in Mexico City?

The Christmas season unofficially kicks off on December 12th with the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe—a major religious and cultural event that sets a festive tone for the entire month.

Most dedicated Christmas markets and festivals begin appearing around mid-December, often coinciding with the start of Las Posadas on December 16th. The largest event, the Verbena Navideña in the Zócalo, typically runs from around December 16th or 17th until the end of the month.

Many neighborhood tianguis operate throughout December and sometimes extend into the first week of January to align with Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6th.

Where Are the Christmas Markets in Mexico City?

Christmas markets and festive events are spread throughout the city’s vast landscape, with major hubs in the most iconic areas.

• The Zócalo (Constitution Square) – The heart of the city hosts the massive Verbena Navideña, a free festival with light installations, concerts, and artisan markets.
• Coyoacán and San Ángel – These historic neighborhoods are famous for Christmas bazaars set against colonial architecture.
• Mercado de Jamaica and Mercado de la Merced – Established markets that set up large outdoor sections dedicated exclusively to Christmas goods, including trees, piñatas, and decorations.

1. Verbena Navideña in the Zócalo

The absolute epicenter of Christmas celebrations in Mexico City. The Verbena Navideña transforms the iconic Zócalo (the city’s main square) into a dazzling winter wonderland.

This government-organized event is massive. Monumental Christmas trees. Giant illuminated piñatas. Stunning light projections on surrounding historic buildings, including the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The atmosphere is electric and family-friendly, drawing huge crowds.

No entrance fee. Accessible to everyone.

What happens here:

• Amusement park rides like Ferris wheel and carousel
• Artificial snow slides
• Ice-skating or roller-skating rink
• Over 50 free concerts on the main stage
• Traditional pastorelas (nativity plays)
• Large artisan bazaar with handcrafted gifts from different Mexican states

For children, the festive rides and photo ops with Christmas characters are major highlights. Food stalls are limited directly within the main plaza, but surrounding streets fill with vendors selling traditional snacks and drinks.

2. Coyoacán Christmas Market

For a more intimate and picturesque market experience, head to the charming, bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán.

During the holiday season, its historic plazas—particularly Jardín Hidalgo and Plaza Centenario—host a delightful Christmas bazaar. Surrounded by colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets, this market offers a relaxed and magical atmosphere. Worlds away from downtown hustle.

Free to enter and explore.

The main activity is browsing numerous stalls selling a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary goods. Beautiful Mexican pottery. Hand-woven textiles. Unique Christmas ornaments. Gourmet holiday treats. This market is particularly known for high-quality artisanal crafts—excellent for gift shopping.

For kids, the festive atmosphere is captivating. Street performers and musicians add to the lively ambiance.

The area brims with cafes and restaurants where you can take a break. Enjoy traditional holiday fare like bacalao (salted cod) or warm up with hot chocolate or ponche navideño.

3. Mercado de Jamaica Christmas Tianguis

The Mercado de Jamaica is famous year-round as the city’s primary flower market. But during the holiday season? It truly blossoms into a Christmas paradise.

An enormous tianguis (outdoor market) springs up around the main building, dedicated almost exclusively to everything Christmas. This is where locals buy their decorations. The variety is astounding.

The market is a vibrant explosion of color and scent. Towering stacks of piñatas. Countless nativity scene figures. And thousands of brilliant red poinsettias, known in Mexico as nochebuenas.

Completely free to visit.

The main activity is shopping for authentic Mexican Christmas decorations at some of the best prices in the city. Fresh pine Christmas trees of all sizes. Moss. Lights. Every imaginable ornament.

It’s fantastic for children to experience the sights and sounds of a traditional Mexican market. Pick out a piñata for a holiday party.

No dedicated bars, but the market fills with food stalls selling delicious, authentic street food, as well as fruits and candies used to fill piñatas and make ponche. A truly local and immersive experience.

4. San Ángel Christmas Market (Bazar Sábado)

Located in the elegant and historic neighborhood of San Ángel, the Bazar Sábado is a renowned arts and crafts market that takes on a special festive glow during Christmas.

Held every Saturday in the beautiful Plaza San Jacinto, this market is known for its high-quality, curated selection from local artisans. Set against charming colonial mansions and cobblestone streets, it offers a more relaxed and upscale shopping experience compared to bustling downtown tianguis.

No entrance fee.

Shopping highlights:

• Unique jewelry and high-end ceramics
• Fine textiles and original artwork
• Holiday-themed items during December (though not exclusively a Christmas market)

The plaza is surrounded by excellent cafes and restaurants with lovely courtyards. Perfect for a leisurely brunch or coffee break.

While there are fewer kid-centric activities, the beautiful, park-like setting and street performers can be enjoyable for the whole family.

5. La Ciudadela Artisan Market

La Ciudadela is one of Mexico City’s most famous and largest markets dedicated to Mexican folk art and crafts. It becomes even more enchanting during Christmas.

This is a must-visit if you’re looking to purchase high-quality, traditional Mexican handicrafts from all over the country. During the holidays, the aisles fill with festive items. You can find authentic and beautifully made gifts while supporting artisans directly.

Free to enter.

The main draw? The incredible variety. Stunning hand-painted ceramics. Intricate nativity scenes carved from wood or clay. Colorful piñatas. Hand-woven textiles that make beautiful and unique presents.

It’s fantastic for adults doing holiday shopping and for children to see the incredible diversity of Mexican artistry. The market has some small, simple eateries inside where you can grab authentic Mexican food.

It’s less about festive entertainment and more about the shopping experience. A deep dive into the country’s rich artisanal traditions.

6. Feria de la Piñata in Acolman

For a truly unique and traditional Christmas experience, take a day trip just outside Mexico City to the town of Acolman. It’s proudly known as the birthplace of the traditional star-shaped piñata in Mexico.

Each year, usually in mid-December, the town hosts the Feria de la Piñata (Piñata Fair)—a multi-day festival dedicated to this iconic craft. The fair celebrates the history and artistry of piñata-making with contests, exhibitions, and a vibrant, festive atmosphere.

Generally free to enter, though some specific concerts or events may have a fee.

The main activity is admiring the incredible piñatas. From traditional seven-pointed stars (representing the seven deadly sins) to monumental creations and modern designs. Workshops where both adults and kids can learn to make their own piñatas.

The festival also features traditional music and dance performances, local food stalls, and other artisan crafts. A wonderful cultural excursion offering insight into one of Mexico’s most beloved Christmas traditions.

7. Festival de Café, Chocolate y Más (Christmas Edition)

Foodies will rejoice at this special holiday edition of the Coffee, Chocolate, and More Festival. Typically held over a weekend in mid-December in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood.

This free event brings together over 60 exhibitors showcasing the best of Mexico’s artisanal food products. Perfect for indulging your senses and finding delicious gifts. The atmosphere is festive and lively, filled with rich aromas of coffee, chocolate, and seasonal treats.

Free admission.

Main activities:

• Sampling and purchasing gourmet coffee beans and artisanal chocolates
• Trying different varieties of Rosca de Reyes (traditional cake for Three Kings’ Day)
• Tasting bacalao and romeritos
• Visit from Santa Claus for kids (letters and photos)

The festival also features live music and raffles. Fun and engaging for all ages. A fantastic place to experience the culinary side of a Mexican Christmas.

8. Bazar Navideño de Hello Kitty

For a unique and modern twist on the Christmas market, the Bazar Navideño de Hello Kitty offers a dose of kawaii (cuteness) to the holiday season.

Typically held over a weekend in early December at locations like Parque de los Venados. This free event is a celebration of all things Sanrio. Fun and playful. Attracts fans of all ages who come to find adorable, character-themed merchandise.

Free to attend.

The main activity is shopping for exclusive and cute products inspired by Hello Kitty and her friends like Kuromi and Melody. Paradise for fans looking for unique gifts.

A major draw, especially for kids? The chance to meet and take photos with a festive “Kitty Claus.” The bazaar also features gift raffles and a generally adorable, themed environment.

While not a traditional market, it showcases a fun, pop-culture side of Mexico City’s diverse event scene. Food stalls nearby in the park for snacks.

9. Tianguis del Pulque Navideño

Experience a Christmas party with a uniquely Mexican flavor at the Tianguis del Pulque Navideño.

Held in Tlatelolco over a weekend in early December, this event celebrates pulque, a traditional fermented agave drink. It’s a festive gathering combining artisanal beverages, great food, live music, and a bazaar. Lively party atmosphere for adults looking to celebrate the season.

Small entrance fee of around $30 pesos per person.

The main activity for adults is sampling the wide array of artisanal drinks. Different flavors of pulque curados, mezcal, craft beer, and mead. The event also features a bazaar with interesting gifts and even wrestling legends for lucha libre fans.

Live music keeps the energy high throughout the day. While primarily adult-focused, the festive atmosphere can be enjoyed by all. Food stalls offer a variety of delicious antojitos (Mexican snacks) to accompany the drinks.

10. Christmas Lights and Decorations on Paseo de la Reforma

While not a market in the traditional sense, the grand Paseo de la Reforma boulevard transforms into a must-see Christmas destination throughout December.

The wide avenue is famously decorated with a sea of brilliant red nochebuena (poinsettia) flowers. A stunning river of color running for miles. In the evenings, the trees are wrapped in lights, and dazzling festive displays line the route. Perfect for a magical holiday stroll.

Completely free.

The main activity is simply walking or driving along the avenue and admiring the spectacular decorations. A favorite activity for families and couples. Countless photo opportunities, especially around the iconic Angel of Independence monument.

Along the way, you’ll often find artisans selling their crafts and vendors offering snacks and drinks. Beautiful way to immerse yourself in the city’s public celebration of the season.

11. Navidalia in Parque Alameda Poniente

Navidalia is a large-scale, immersive Christmas theme park experience. It offers a more modern, European-inspired take on the holidays, blended with Mexican traditions.

Located in Santa Fe’s Parque Alameda Poniente, this event requires a ticket but provides a packed evening of entertainment and wonder. The park is divided into different “worlds”—a Nordic world, a Mexican world, and the Middle East—each with its own unique aesthetic, music, and food.

Significant entrance fee (adult tickets around 800 pesos), but it covers access to most shows and attractions.

Main activities include exploring different themed lands, watching spectacular live shows on the main lake, ice skating, and enjoying festive food and drink. Incredibly kid-friendly with numerous activities designed specifically for children.

Wide variety of cafes, bars, and food stalls serving both international Christmas treats and Mexican holiday favorites. Great option for families looking for a full evening of structured holiday entertainment.

Where to Stay in Mexico City for Christmas Markets?

Choosing the right neighborhood can greatly enhance your Christmas market experience. The most convenient areas are the Centro Histórico (for the Zócalo), and the adjacent neighborhoods of Roma Norte and Condesa for their central location, charm, and proximity to various events and excellent dining.