10 Reasons Why Oaxaca Is Awesome to Visit for Christmas
Oaxaca City in southern Mexico comes alive with warmth and wonder during the Christmas season. While many travelers flock here for famous events like Día de Muertos or Easter’s Semana Santa, the December holidays in Oaxaca offer a uniquely rich cultural experience that rivals (or even surpasses) those other times. From one-of-a-kind festivals to delicious traditions and a friendly, festive atmosphere, here are 10 convincing (and factual!) reasons to spend Christmas in Oaxaca this year. Every claim is backed by travel experts, official sources, or visitor reviews – so you can plan your holiday trip with confidence.
1. The Night of the Radishes: A One-of-a-Kind Festival
On December 23rd, Oaxaca’s main plaza transforms into a spectacular open-air art gallery for La Noche de los Rábanos, an annual tradition dating back to 1897. Local artisans carve giant radishes into elaborate scenes – from Nativity displays to mythical figures – competing for prizes and local pride. Crowds gather in the Zócalo to marvel at these creations, which are lit up and exhibited for just one magical night. Visitors might wait hours in line to view the whimsical sculptures up close, but it’s worth it: this quirky festival is unique to Oaxaca and not celebrated anywhere else in Mexico. As one travel writer put it, “Think of it as Día de Muertos’ less famous cousin… just because it’s more obscure to outsiders doesn’t mean it’s less important to the locals”. In fact, Oaxaqueños consider Night of the Radishes “as significant to us as Christmas itself”. If you’re in town for Christmas, you’ll get to witness this delightful, only-in-Oaxaca spectacle that visitors during Day of the Dead or Semana Santa completely miss out on.
2. Vibrant Posadas and Calendas Every Night
Starting December 16th each year, Oaxaca launches into nine nights of Posadas (Dec 16–24) – nightly processions that reenact Mary and Joseph’s journey to find shelter in Bethlehem. These are not somber affairs, but joyous community celebrations. Groups of neighbors (often led by children costumed as Mary, Joseph, angels, and shepherds) parade through the streets singing call-and-response carols, carrying candles and a star-shaped piñata or lantern that symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. They stop at houses asking for “posada” (lodging) in song – and after a few refusals, a designated home finally welcomes them in. Each posada ends with merriment: padrinos (hosts) provide hot drinks, tamales and sweets for everyone, children break piñatas showering them with fruits and candy, and the whole neighborhood shares in the fun.
Oaxaca’s posadas are often accompanied by calendas – spirited parades complete with music, floats or decorated trucks, and giant dancing puppets called mojigangas. Imagine a mini parade every evening leading up to Christmas! In Oaxaca City’s centro, you might randomly encounter a wedding calenda or holiday parade at any time – the streets are truly alive with celebration. These nightly posadas and calendas create a contagious festive atmosphere that builds excitement all week long, unlike one-day holidays elsewhere. Travelers who have experienced Christmas in Oaxaca often rave about it. “I was amazed at how much was open on Christmas Eve and Day – the zócalo was popping with posadas and singers”, one visitor recalls. By joining these processions (or just watching from the sidewalk), you’ll feel welcomed into Oaxaca’s community celebrations – a heartwarming experience you won’t get during more tourist-heavy times like Day of the Dead.
3. Spectacular Festivals Honoring Oaxaca’s Patron Saint
In Oaxaca, the Christmas season isn’t only about December 24–25; it also coincides with major local festivities for the Virgin of La Soledad – the city’s patron saint. December 18 is the Feast of the Virgen de la Soledad, and Oaxaca commemorates it with a full day of fiesta in her honor. Festivities kick off pre-dawn: at 4:00 AM, bands play Las Mañanitas (birthday songs) and fireworks light up the sky! Throughout the day there are religious ceremonies, a solemn procession, and then an explosion of cultural activity – think traditional dances (like the famous Danza de la Pluma performed in front of the Soledad Basilica), street fairs selling regional foods and crafts, live music, carnival games, and more fireworks into the night. Essentially, it’s a mini Guelaguetza festival in December, showcasing costumes and folk dances from the seven regions of Oaxaca.
The celebrations span multiple days. On December 16, a special calenda (parade) in honor of the Virgin of Soledad winds through downtown with indigenous communities participating in full regalia. December 17 features more fireworks and a giant open-air breakfast feast at the basilica the next morning. By timing your trip for Christmas, you get to enjoy these extra festivals that visitors during Semana Santa or Day of the Dead never see. It’s an incredible immersion into Oaxacan devotion and joy. The Christmas season in Oaxaca blends “religious faith with indigenous values of sharing… simplicity becomes lavish during this season”. Watching multigenerational families dance and celebrate their patron saint with such pride is an unforgettable cultural experience – and it’s only during Christmas time.
4. Smashing Traditions: Buñuelos and Good-Luck Dishes
Oaxaca’s Christmas season is full of charming customs – including one that’s literally smashing (in a fun way!). Throughout late December, especially around New Year’s, you’ll find street stalls by the Cathedral selling buñuelos – delicious crispy fried fritters drizzled in cinnamon syrup – served on clay dishes. The local tradition? After enjoying your sweet buñuelo and a cup of hot chocolate, make a wish for the new year and smash the ceramic plate on the ground! The shattering of dishes is believed to bring good luck and “break” any bad vibes from the past year. It’s a unique custom that fascinates visitors (and yes, someone will sweep up the shards!). This plate-breaking ritual may stem from ancient Zapotec practices of destroying belongings at the end of a 52-year cycle, or from Aztec Emperor Moctezuma’s rule of never eating from the same plate twice. Either way, it’s immensely satisfying to partake – a literal taste of Oaxaca’s holiday spirit and a memorable story to take home.
Buñuelos aren’t the only special tradition. Every evening from Dec 16 to 31, locals gather in the zócalo and Alameda Park to enjoy this ritual of eating and breaking plates. It’s a communal activity – you’ll see laughter as people toss their pottery over their shoulders. Where else can you join a public plate-smashing party? This is a great example of how Christmas in Oaxaca blends fun, food, and folklore. Tourists who visit at Day of the Dead or Easter miss out on this playful custom entirely. At Christmas, you can indulge your sweet tooth and partake in a centuries-old good luck ritual – surely a reason in favor of a holiday trip to Oaxaca!
5. Enchanting Holiday Markets and Decorations
For six weeks spanning December and early January, Oaxaca’s downtown is home to a sprawling seasonal market that’s like a holiday fair for all ages. The Zócalo and nearby Alameda Park overflow with food stands, artisan craft booths, games, and even carnival rides. You can browse stalls selling everything from carved wood toys and Oaxacan textiles (great for gifts) to seasonal decor like moss, orchids, and figurines for Nativity scenes. Street vendors offer antojitos (snacks) and ponche (hot fruit punch) as families stroll under the glow of Christmas lights. Unlike the solemn purple drapery of Semana Santa, Christmas in Oaxaca is bright and colorful – you’ll see the city adorned with piñatas, strings of lights, and nochebuena (poinsettia) flowers on every corner. Even small touches delight: many shop windows and courtyards display handmade Nacimientos (Nativity scenes), sometimes with a Oaxacan twist (one church dresses Mary and Joseph in local Zapotec attire!).
Christmas Eve in Oaxaca (known as Nochebuena) often features free concerts in the Zócalo and church courtyards. By night, the whole centro feels like an open-air fiesta – street bands play, families gather to eat buñuelos, and fireworks occasionally burst overhead. “People on the main square of Oaxaca City on Christmas Day evening enjoy concerts and other festivities.” It’s an atmosphere of joy and togetherness that’s truly infectious. Plus, the holiday market means you won’t run out of things to do – even on Christmas Day itself, when other destinations might be shut down. Travelers have reported that plenty of restaurants and eateries stay open on Dec 25 in Oaxaca to cater to visitors and celebrants. So you can spend Christmas browsing markets, eating great food, and mingling with locals under the radiant glow of Oaxaca’s holiday decorations – an experience far more festive than an average day of sightseeing elsewhere.
6. Delicious Seasonal Flavors and Festive Cuisine
Christmas time lets you savor special foods and drinks in Oaxaca that aren’t always available year-round. Alongside the city’s famous staples like mole and mezcal, you’ll encounter holiday treats that warm the soul:
Posada Treats: At the end of each posada procession, hosts reward participants with hearty tamales and cups of atole or coffee. It’s a way of sharing abundance – and yes, even travelers can often snag a tamale if you join in! Kids, meanwhile, delight in the fruits and candies from posada piñatas, which might include sugarcane sticks or tejocote fruits typical of the season.
Buñuelos & Hot Chocolate: You can’t talk about Oaxacan Christmas without buñuelos – the crispy fried fritters drenched in syrup we mentioned. They’re usually accompanied by a cup of Oaxacan hot chocolate, made with local cacao, cinnamon, and milk (or water) frothed to a foam. Enjoying a steaming mug of chocolate beside the zócalo’s Christmas market is pure bliss on a cool evening. And after polishing off your buñuelo, don’t forget to smash the clay plate for good luck! (How often do you get to play with your food and your dishes?)
Ponche Navideño: This spiced Christmas punch is Mexico’s ultimate holiday beverage, and you’ll find it in Oaxaca during posadas and at family gatherings. Ponche is a hot concoction of hibiscus, cinnamon, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) and loads of fruits – like tejocotes (tiny crabapples), guavas, oranges, raisins, and sugarcane pieces. It’s often ladled straight from a cauldron of simmering fruit. “Ponche Navideño is an absolute must for the holiday season… packed with fruits and perfect for posadas, Christmas or New Year celebrations to keep you cozy and warm”. You can even spike your cup with a splash of mezcal or rum for extra cheer (“ponche con piquete”).
Oaxaca’s culinary scene is fantastic year-round, but at Christmas you get these bonus flavors and foodie experiences. From sipping ponche by a crackling bonfire to indulging in seasonal desserts like rosca de reyes (Three Kings bread) in early January, your taste buds will be just as entertained as you are. Many visitors say the food alone is a reason to come. “The local food scene is outstanding and affordable,” notes one travel guide – and during the holidays, it comes with extra festive flair. Buen provecho!
7. Sunny Skies and Comfortable Winter Weather
Looking to escape dreary winter back home? Oaxaca’s climate in late December is just about perfect for travel. The city enjoys a dry season from November through April, so you’ll typically get warm, sunny days and clear skies during the Christmas period. Average daytime highs hover around 26–27°C (upper 70s °F) – warm enough to sightsee in short sleeves. In the evenings, temperatures drop to a pleasant chill (around 10°C/50°F), so you might need a light jacket after dark. Many visitors actually love the contrast: daytime exploring and sunbathing, followed by cozy nights enjoying hot chocolate or mezcal under the stars.
Importantly, rain is very unlikely at this time of year. (Oaxaca’s rainy season is June–October, so by December the showers are long gone.) This means all those outdoor events – posada parades, radish night, fireworks shows – are rarely disrupted by weather. You can pack your itinerary full of walking tours, ruin visits, and outdoor markets with confidence. In fact, December–February is considered high season in Oaxaca specifically because the weather is so inviting for travelers. Unlike the sweltering heat of late spring or the downpours of summer, Christmas time offers mild, comfortable conditions ideal for both cultural festivities and day trips to the surrounding villages. One travel blogger who spent Christmas in Oaxaca gushed, “The weather was amazing – warm days, bright blue skies… I can’t think of a better place to spend the end of December”. So trade your snow boots for sandals, and enjoy a dose of vitamin D along with your holiday fun!
8. Festive Atmosphere Without the Overwhelming Crowds
While Christmas and New Year are popular times to visit Oaxaca, the city’s holiday vibe remains delightfully authentic and community-focused. This means you can join the celebrations without feeling like the entire world is there with you – a notable difference from Day of the Dead and other peak festivals. Día de Muertos (Oct 31–Nov 2) in Oaxaca has exploded in international popularity, drawing huge crowds and requiring travel plans made months in advance. (Many hotels sell out well before October – some travelers report “no success” finding a room in centro for Day of the Dead unless they’re “willing to pay $400” a night!) The city is absolutely packed during Muertos, and while it’s an incredible party, it can be a bit chaotic for some travelers. Easter (Semana Santa) is another very busy period, when domestic tourists fill cities and beaches across Mexico. In Oaxaca, Semana Santa brings solemn religious processions – meaningful but far more subdued than Christmas – yet you’ll still encounter heavy crowds, since it’s a national vacation week.
Christmas in Oaxaca, by contrast, manages to be lively and full of people – but mostly local families and Mexican visitors – rather than throngs of international tour groups. It feels bustling but not “over-touristed.” Travelers often comment how they felt welcomed as participants rather than just spectators. For example, on Christmas Eve the zócalo is busy with Oaxacan families enjoying the night, but there’s space for everyone – you can grab a seat, watch a band, and soak it all in. By Christmas Day, things relax; many locals spend the day quietly with family, so the city has a mellow, peaceful air. Shops and museums may close on Dec 25, but plenty of restaurants and markets remain open to accommodate visitors. One user who spent the holidays in Oaxaca noted, “Most restaurants will be open… The zócalo was full of singers and posadas. Make your reservations now, and enjoy this fantastic season here!”. You’ll get a front-row seat to local traditions without needing to battle the extreme crowds of Muertos. In fact, one traveler who couldn’t get a room for Day of the Dead chose to come at Christmas instead – and they ended up loving it: “Be prepared for a lot of noise… huge firecrackers – sounds like a war zone. But it’s a fun time to be there,” they reported enthusiastically. In short, Christmas offers the best of both worlds: lots of cultural action, yet a laid-back, family-friendly vibe that lets you breathe and truly savor the experience.
9. Easier Planning and Budget-Friendly Travel
Another practical reason to choose Christmas in Oaxaca: your wallet will thank you. Despite being high season, late December in Oaxaca can actually be more affordable than other peak periods. According to data, December (along with January and September) is one of the cheapest months to visit Oaxaca, when you’re likely to find lower prices on hotels and flights by traveling in this “quieter” period. By contrast, visiting during big festivals like Guelaguetza (July) or Day of the Dead (late October/early November) typically means premium pricing and intense competition for rooms. The difference is tangible: one visitor lamented that they “wanted to be in Oaxaca [for Day of the Dead], but all accommodation [was] sold out or… expensive”. During Christmas, you’ll still want to book your hotel ahead of time (since tourism does peak around the holidays), but you won’t face the same scarcity or extreme markups that Muertos brings. Many charming guesthouses and B&Bs have availability in December at reasonable rates, and some even offer special Christmas or New Year’s packages to attract travelers.
Oaxaca is generally a budget-friendly destination as well – a huge plus for holiday travelers. You can feast on amazing street food for just a few dollars, find quality hotels or Airbnbs at moderate prices, and enjoy lots of free festivities (parades, concerts, church events) around town. “Affordable accommodations, dirt-cheap transportation and plentiful free sights add up to big savings.” Even during Christmas, most events are open to the public at no cost – you don’t pay to watch a posada or to walk through the radish displays, for example. By spending Christmas in Oaxaca, you’re getting great value: multiple festivals in one trip, without a significant spike in costs. Compared to a pricey beach resort at Christmas or an overcrowded Muertos tour, Oaxaca offers a rich experience that can fit a traveler’s budget. And as a bonus, traveling in late December means you can roll Christmas and New Year’s into one vacation – maximizing your time off work or school. (Stay through early January and you can even catch the Three Kings Day celebrations on January 6, with tasty Rosca de Reyes bread and final holiday parties.) In summary, Oaxaca at Christmas delivers huge bang for your buck – culturally and financially.
10. A Warm, Welcoming Holiday Spirit (Feel the Magic!)
Above all, spending Christmas in Oaxaca is just pure magic – a sentiment echoed by nearly everyone who’s done it. The combination of ancient traditions, communal celebrations, and genuine hospitality creates a holiday atmosphere like no other. “Christmas in Oaxaca is one of the most magical experiences we have ever had. There is no place better to spend the end of December,” one travel blogger recalls. The city positively glows with warmth – not just from the candles and farolitos lighting the streets, but from the Oaxaqueños themselves, who take pride in sharing their customs with visitors. You’ll see grandparents, teenagers, and little kids all coming together to celebrate – dancing in parades, building elaborate Nativity scenes, giving out food and drink to neighbors and strangers alike. Family and community are at the heart of Oaxacan Christmas. The season is about “combining religious faith with the indigenous values of sharing with one’s pueblo (community)… simplicity becomes lavish during the Christmas season”. In other words, the simplest acts – singing a song at a neighbor’s door, breaking bread (or a plate!) together – are done with great love and flair here.
As a traveler, you’ll be swept up in this positive energy. Many visitors report feeling incredibly welcomed. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join a family’s posada group or offered a cup of ponche by a friendly local in the plaza. The spirit of hospitality and joy is contagious. Even the nightly fireworks – yes, expect loud firecrackers echoing through the city most nights of late December – become part of the charm, as you realize they symbolize the collective exuberance of the season. Compared to a regular tourist trip, a Christmas visit to Oaxaca nourishes the soul. You’re not just seeing sights; you’re participating in something meaningful and joyous. You’ll return home with wonderful memories – the kind that simply can’t be bought or manufactured, only experienced. From the moment you see the first giant radish sculpture or follow a glowing posada star through the colonial streets, you’ll understand why Oaxaca at Christmas earns such rave reviews. It’s a holiday adventure that’s truly unforgettable, for so many reasons – and now you have ten of them to tempt you!
¡Feliz Navidad y Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! Come for Christmas, and prepare to be enchanted by this beautiful city and its traditions. You may arrive as a tourist, but you’ll leave feeling like an honored guest, having shared in Oaxaca’s remarkable holiday spirit.
