1- Acolman
From December 14 to 16, you may visit the Piñata Fair in Acolman , a charming village in the State of Mexico known for making high-quality artisanal piñatas. On December 16, the tour operator Recorre y Descubre will offer a round-trip to the village to visit the workshops where the piñatas are made. Through local workshops, tourists will be able to make their own piñatas to take home.
The tour also includes a visit to the former convent of Acolman, where the first “posada” and “pastorela” took place . The tour has a cost of 600 pesos; for only 150 more you’ll be able to participate in an authentic posada (with tamales and atole ).
Photo: File photo/EL UNIVERSAL
2- Zacatlán de las Manzanas
This Magical Village in the state of Puebla is known for producing cider and other liquors that will help you relax at familiy reunions during the winter season.
Here you may find cider houses open to the general public where you will be able to get acquainted with the production process. One of them is San Rafael , which has a small cider bar. You may also visit several bars downtown that offer liquor tastings, so you may want to spend the night.
Photo: File photo/EL UNIVERSAL
3- Chignahuapan
A neighbor to Zacatlán de las Manzanas, Chignahuapan celebrates Christmas all year long , as it is one of the main producers of artisanal Christmas spheres in Mexico . You may also visit the Salto of Quetzalapan, a 100-meter tall waterfall that hosts many adventurous activities for tourists.
Photo: File photo/EL UNIVERSAL
4- Tlalpujahua
This Magical Village in the state of Michoacán is also known for its Christmas-sphere production. Here you will find more than 100 workshops devoted to the manufacture of glass spheres of all shapes and sizes. One of the most well-stocked stores is La Casa de Santa Claus (The House of Santa Claus) . Don’t miss the 19th Sphere Fair , which will be open until December 16.
Photo: File photo/EL UNIVERSAL
5- Amecameca
If you still haven’t bought your Christmas tree, you should visit the Christmas Tree Forest at the foothills of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanos in the town of Amecameca. This activity is 100% sustainable. Before choosing your tree, you will be given information on how the tree nursery regenerates every year. You may also visit the Panoaya Hacienda, which is 15 minutes away from the forest. There you will find the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Museum and a maze to lose yourself in!
Photo: File photo/EL UNIVERSAL
6- Cuernavaca
From November 30 to December 9, you should visit the Expo Nochebuena (Poinsettia) in the city of Cuernavaca , where more than 60 growers will participate with yellow, red, pink, and spotted flowers.
The Mexican poinsettia has colored leaves and is known by various names. It’s original name was Cuetlaxóchitl , a Náhuatl word that means “leather flower,” or “withering flower.” There are around 20 types of poinsettia and you will likely have the opportunity of seeing each of them at the expo. You may also visit the Casa Hidalgo Restaurant, in front of the Palace of Cortez, where you will enjoy traditional Mexican food with a quality seal given by the Ministry of Tourism.
Photo: File photo/EL UNIVERSAL
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