Escape the Winter Blues: Top Beach Destinations for a Sunny Christmas in Mexico
If the idea of a white Christmas fills you with dread rather than joy, then swapping snow for sun and heading south for the winter might be exactly what you need. Mexico is an ideal destination for avoiding the winter chills, with its gorgeous beaches, warm weather, and clear turquoise seas the perfect antidote to rain, wind, and sub-zero temperatures at home.
Whether you would prefer an exciting Mexico cruise over Christmas or to take the snowbird route and settle down in an exotic paradise for a couple of months over the winter, Mexico is full of delightful beach destinations to visit. Here are some of the best spots that guarantee rays and warmth throughout the festive season.
Cancun
Cancun is world-famous as a beach destination, and while its brash style and pulsating nightlife might not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying the opulence of its resorts and the quality of its beaches. It is the quintessential Mexican Caribbean destination, and the perfect place for families thanks to its extensive array of kid-friendly festive activities and all-inclusive beachfront hotels.
Playa del Carmen
Just south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen is the big city’s more laid-back, sophisticated younger sibling. With a more southern European atmosphere (thanks to a large Italian migrant community) it offers fantastic dining options and a more cultural, elegant vibe than the glitz and glam of Cancun. It’s a wonderful base to explore the gems of the state of Quintana Roo, with easy access to some of the best Mayan ruins, most mysterious cenotes, and most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, as well as a load of great events and activities going on around Christmas. The famous Quinta Avenida is lit up with a fantastic display of lights and decorations, making it a lovely spot to see out the season.
Tulum
Further south on the Riviera Maya, Tulum offers a touch of bohemian-chic and eco-luxury that makes for a serene and peaceful tropical Christmas. It also boasts what are probably the most breathtaking beaches in Mexico, vast stretches of golden sand fringed by lush jungle, and the glimmering Caribbean. It is a wonderful spot to chill out and relax in, with beach yoga and Christmas Day meditation the focus of a mindful, tranquil festive experience.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo is famous as a Spring Break destination, but it is just as attractive at Christmastime. Its dramatic mountainous desert landscapes offer a different sort of backdrop to stunning beaches and deep blue seas, and the Christmas traditions in Baja California are a charming combination of Mexican and American styles, thanks to the large expat community.
Mazatlán
Slightly less famous than some of the other places on this list but no less delightful, Mazatlan is often described as the Pearl of the Pacific. It offers a more authentic Mexican experience for a Christmas getaway than many other resort towns, including fireworks, posadas, romeritos, and celebrations on Christmas Eve. Its location just to the south of the gorgeous Gulf of California also makes it a fantastic spot for whale watching, snorkeling, and scuba diving, alongside some truly gorgeous beaches.
Mexico offers an amazing option for a warm Christmas getaway, with a plethora of delightful beach towns to choose from. It is worth remembering that December and January are high season south of the border, so it is worth making plans and booking flights and accommodation early, to avoid disappointment. Wherever you choose to go, you are guaranteed an amazing experience full of sun, sand, and season cheer!
