Holidays Are Near: 5 Towns to Get Magic in Mexico

Christmas is one of the favorite seasons for Mexicans, and believe it or not, its magic is experienced in very different ways throughout the country. As the Christmas celebration is getting closer, Mexico has some gifts. You can choose some Magical Towns (Pueblos Magicos) that look great for their events, atmosphere, and crafts, transforming the Christmas season into an unforgettable experience for you and your family.

If you don't know where to spend Christmas in Mexico, one of these landscapes and warm environments is perfect for you.

Tlalpujahua is one of eight Magical Towns in the state of Michoacan and is located between mountains and forests 170 km from Mexico City. It is a charming town with a rich mining history and a great tradition in manufacturing handicrafts, among which Christmas spheres stand out.

More than 30 years ago, Tlalpujahua became an important center for the production of blown glass Christmas balls, which is why many people visit to see the workshops where they are made and buy ornaments for their Christmas trees. The Sphere Fair is held annually from October to December, making it ideal for visiting the town and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.

Not to be missed:

- Visit the Santuario del Carmen and Mexico's first mining museum in the old "Las Dos Estrellas" mine. If you like nature, you should walk through the forests of the peaceful Campo del Gallo, and if you go to Tlalpujahua between November and March, don't miss the opportunity to see the migration of the monarch butterfly.

Just 10 km from downtown is Hacienda Cantalagua, inside an 18th-century hacienda. The hotel has 125 suites and divides its rooms into 21st-century (with contemporary decoration) and 18th-century (in a colonial style). The hotel also has a golf course, an indoor pool, and a Mexican restaurant.

Tepotzotlan is located just outside Mexico City, making it an accessible destination if you live in the capital. A particular time to visit is during the Christmas season due to its famous Pastorelas that have been held for more than 50 years.

Not to be missed:

During Christmas, the tradition is to visit the Casa Tio Camilo hotel to see an extraordinary nativity scene with more than 60 handmade figures and 70 other nativity scenes from countries such as Japan, Denmark, and Peru. It is possible to take a guided tour of the exhibit with light and sound.

Not to be missed:

Only 50 kilometers from Mexico City is the Magical Town of San Juan Teotihuacan, famous for its pyramids but with many other attractions to enjoy during Christmas.

Not to be missed:

Very close to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan and the center of town, you will find Hotel Quinto Sol. This boutique hotel has an excellent staff that will treat you like a king on the terrace and in the gardens. Visit the lounge bar with unique cocktails right next to the pool, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing or toasting to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tecate is a border town famous for beer of the same name, but it is also a charming place with history, culture, and nature, with much more to offer, particularly during the Christmas holidays.

Every December, there is a "Parade of Lights" sponsored by the brewery that takes its name from the town. The parade consists of floats that decorate different clubs in the city, among which there is no shortage of Christmas characters such as Santa Claus and his elves. The parade lasts about two hours and gathers many of the local people on the town's main streets.

Not to be missed:

- During the day, you can enjoy all that Tecate has to offer, such as the Casa de Artesanias, where you can buy pieces in clay, glass, and wicker. You can also visit the wine and cheese houses with their vineyards in the nearby Valle de Guadalupe or go to the nearby town of La Rumorosa, with its spectacular road, cave paintings, and even snowfall during the winter.