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Day of the Virgen de Guadalupe (December 12th) is a major holiday in Mexico and a great time to experience the city’s religious and cultural traditions. Millions of pilgrims flock to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe to pay their respects to the Virgin Mary, and the city is filled with colorful processions, music, and dancing.
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Las Posadas (December 16th-24th) is a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration that commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Families and friends gather each night to reenact the journey, singing songs and carrying candles. The celebration culminates on Christmas Eve with a feast and the exchange of gifts.
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Christmas (December 25th) is a major holiday in Mexico, and the city is decorated with lights, garlands, and Christmas trees. Many families attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve, and the day itself is spent with family and friends, enjoying traditional Mexican Christmas dishes such as pozole and romeritos.
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New Year’s Eve (December 31st) is a time for celebration in Mexico City, with fireworks displays, live music, and dancing in the streets. The city’s main square, the Zócalo, is the center of the festivities, where thousands of people gather to ring in the new year.
Weather In Mexico City During December
The weather in Mexico City, Mexico during December is generally mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F (7°C) to 68°F (20°C). Here’s a more detailed look at the weather conditions during December:
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Temperature:
- Average high temperature: 68°F (20°C)
- Average low temperature: 45°F (7°C)
- Daily temperature variation: The temperature can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, with warm days and cool nights.
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Precipitation:
- Average rainfall: 0.5 inches (13 mm)
- Number of rainy days: 5-7 days
- Rain is less frequent in December compared to other months of the year, making it a relatively dry season.
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Humidity:
- Average relative humidity: 55-65%
- Humidity levels can vary depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
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Wind:
- Average wind speed: 10-15 mph (16-24 km/h)
- Wind speeds can be higher during windy days or storms.
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Sunshine:
- Average daily sunshine: 7-8 hours
- Mexico City experiences plenty of sunshine during December, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities.
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Special Weather Events:
- December is not typically associated with extreme weather events in Mexico City, but it’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before making plans.
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Clothing and Packing Tips:
- Pack light clothing and layers, as the weather can be warm during the day and cool at night.
- A light jacket or sweater is recommended for the evenings and cooler days.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- If you plan to visit higher elevations or surrounding areas, be prepared for colder temperatures and pack accordingly.
Overall, December is a great time to visit Mexico City, as the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with sunny days and cool nights. However, it’s always advisable to check the local weather forecast for the specific days of your trip to be well-prepared for any changes in weather conditions.
Things To Do In Mexico City In December
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Festival of Guadalupe: This festival takes place from December 12th to the 12th and celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. The festivities include parades, processions, mariachi music, and traditional dances. One of the main highlights is the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe, where millions of people come to pay their respects to the Virgin.
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Christmas Markets: Various Christmas markets pop up in Mexico City during December, selling a variety of items such as handmade crafts, decorations, toys, and traditional Mexican food. Popular markets include the Feria de las Estrellas in the Zócalo, the Bazar Navideño in Coyoacán, and the Mercado Navideño in San Ángel.
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Pastorelas: Pastorelas are traditional Christmas plays that depict the journey of the shepherds to Bethlehem. These plays are often performed in plazas, parks, and theaters throughout the city.
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Las Posadas: Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. Each night, a procession carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary and Joseph visits a different home, where they are welcomed with songs and prayers. The celebration culminates on Christmas Eve with a party and a traditional meal.
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Nochebuena (Christmas Eve): Christmas Eve is a time for families and friends to gather together for a special dinner known as Nochebuena. Traditional dishes include turkey, pierna (roast pork), tamales, and pozole. After dinner, many families attend midnight mass or watch fireworks.
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Navidad (Christmas Day): Christmas Day is a national holiday in Mexico, and it is a time for families to spend time together, exchange gifts, and enjoy a special meal. Many people also attend church services or go to the park to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
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Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day): Three Kings Day, also known as Día de Reyes, is celebrated on January 6th and marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem. Children in Mexico receive gifts on this day instead of Christmas Day. Families often gather for a special meal and a rosca de reyes, a sweet bread with a small plastic figurine of a baby Jesus hidden inside.
Tourism In Mexico City, Mexico During December
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Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe: December 12th is a major religious holiday in Mexico, and Mexico City is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. During December, the basilica is decorated with poinsettias and other Christmas decorations, and there are special masses and processions held throughout the day.
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Christmas Markets: Mexico City’s Christmas markets are a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. The most popular market is the Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela, which is located in the historic center of the city. Other popular markets include the Mercado de Sonora, the Mercado de Jamaica, and the Mercado de Coyoacán.
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Ice Skating: There are several ice skating rinks in Mexico City, including the rink at the Zócalo, which is the city’s main square. Ice skating is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike during the holiday season.
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Christmas Concerts: There are many Christmas concerts held in Mexico City during December. Some of the most popular concerts include the Christmas concert at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Christmas concert at the Auditorio Nacional, and the Christmas concert at the Sala Nezahualcóyotl.
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New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Mexico City is a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. There are many parties and events held throughout the city, including the New Year’s Eve party at the Zócalo, which is one of the largest New Year’s Eve parties in the world.