December transforms Ajijic. Streets glow with lights, the main plaza fills with families, and long-standing traditions once again take center stage. Christmas here is not just about decorations—it is a shared, living experience built around community, faith, and togetherness.
Located on the shores of Lake Chapala, Ajijic preserves a deeply rooted way of celebrating the holiday season. Rather than staged events for visitors, Christmas unfolds naturally through neighborhood gatherings, processions, music, and traditions that locals proudly keep alive and openly share.
The Beginning of the Christmas Season in Ajijic
Christmas celebrations officially begin with two key events: the lighting of the Christmas tree and the start of the traditional posadas.
The Christmas tree lighting takes place on December 22 at 7:00 p.m. in Ajijic’s main plaza. While this is a relatively recent tradition, it has quickly become a favorite family gathering that visually marks the arrival of the season.
At the same time, children’s posadas are held from December 16 through December 24, following different routes through town and preserving one of Mexico’s most cherished Christmas customs.
Posadas in Ajijic: Routes, Schedules, and Participation
Ajijic hosts two main posada routes, both open to the entire community and especially welcoming to children.
Posadas from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
In the western part of town, posadas depart daily at 5:30 p.m. from the atrium of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Children are encouraged to bring decorated walking sticks or dress as shepherd children—a traditional costume symbolizing the journey to Bethlehem—though participation is open to everyone.
Posadas from St. Andrew the Apostle Parish
These posadas begin on December 16 at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Ajijic’s main parish. Each evening starts from a different neighborhood location, allowing various areas of town to take part:
- December 16: St. Andrew the Apostle Church
- December 17: Javier Mina #27
- December 18: Hermenegildo Galeana Street, behind the church
The meeting point for each following night is announced daily, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to join.
What Are Posadas and Why Do They Matter?
Posadas are traditional Mexican celebrations held from December 16 to 24, representing the nine days leading up to the birth of Jesus. They reenact the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for lodging in Bethlehem.
In Ajijic, posadas typically include:
- Candlelit processions
- Traditional call-and-response songs (letanías)
- Symbolic representations of the pilgrims
- Piñatas
- Shared food and neighborhood gatherings
For children, one of the most anticipated moments is receiving Christmas treats known as aguinaldos, locally referred to as bolos.
Bolos: A Local Christmas Tradition
In Ajijic, the traditional aguinaldo takes the form of a bolo—a decorated container or bag, often handmade, filled with candy, fruit, peanuts, and small surprises.
Beyond the treats themselves, bolos symbolize generosity, gratitude, and community spirit—values that define the Christmas season in Ajijic.
Posadas, Piñatas, and Pastorelas: Living Traditions
While Ajijic has naturally absorbed cultural influences from abroad, its most meaningful Christmas traditions remain firmly rooted.
Community pastorelas—theatrical Christmas plays retelling the story of the Nativity with humor and local flavor—are still performed, alongside colorful piñatas and vibrant poinsettias (Nochebuenas), Mexico’s iconic Christmas flower.
The traditional Christmas piñata has seven points, symbolizing the Seven Deadly Sins. Breaking the piñata represents overcoming temptation, while the sweets inside symbolize collective reward and joy.
Each evening during the posadas, children walk through the streets carrying glitter-decorated sticks, following those portraying Mary and Joseph—sometimes even accompanied by a real donkey. They sing verses such as:
“In the name of Heaven, we ask you for lodging…”
Until, at last, the door opens and the celebration begins.
The Christmas Parade and the Main Plaza
One of the most anticipated moments of the season is the Christmas parade, which concludes in the main plaza. A sleigh-shaped float announces the arrival of Santa Claus, who hands out candy and poses for photos with excited children.
Surrounded by lights and festive decorations, the plaza becomes a central gathering place where families come together in a joyful, safe, and welcoming atmosphere.
A Brief History of Posadas in Mexico
Posadas date back to the 16th century, when Augustinian friars introduced misas de aguinaldo—special services designed to prepare communities spiritually for Christmas.
Over time, these religious practices blended with pre-Hispanic traditions, evolving into the posadas we know today.
Historical timeline (summary):
- Pre-Hispanic era: winter solstice celebrations
- 16th century: evangelization and early theatrical representations
- 1587: papal authorization of the misas de aguinaldo
- 17th–18th centuries: celebrations move into homes and neighborhoods
- 19th–20th centuries: piñatas, food, and music become widespread
- Late 20th century: posadas become a national tradition
What Makes Christmas in Ajijic Unique?
Christmas in Ajijic stands out for its genuine sense of community. Celebrations are not confined to a single venue or scheduled performance—they unfold throughout neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces, with families and children actively participating night after night.
Unlike many destinations, Ajijic’s traditions are not staged for visitors. Posadas, songs, and rituals remain part of everyday life, passed down through generations and practiced with sincerity.
Another defining feature is the town’s multicultural coexistence. International residents participate respectfully, enriching the atmosphere without altering local customs. This blend reflects Ajijic’s open, welcoming spirit.
All of this takes place in a safe, family-friendly environment, framed by cobblestone streets, a beautifully lit plaza, and the nearby shores of Lake Chapala. In Ajijic, Christmas is not something you simply watch—it is something you experience.
December Atmosphere in Ajijic
Beyond posadas, December offers:
- Holiday lights in the main plaza
- A festive lakeside malecón walk
- Local fairs and community performances
- Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 at 10:00 p.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish
The weather is ideal for evening walks, with daytime temperatures around 72–75°F (22–24°C) and cooler nights near 50°F (10°C).
December Cultural Events in Ajijic
December 17 — “Christmas Fantasy” with Mariachi Real Axixic
Mexican mariachi meets holiday music. From $400 MXN. Venue: Centro Cultural de la Ribera.
December 19 — “Magical Winter of Dance”
Ballet and contemporary dance. Tickets: $130 MXN. Venue: Centro Cultural de la Ribera.
December 20 — CREM Winter Gala (35th Anniversary)
Christmas concert with orchestra and choirs. From $250 MXN. Venue: Centro Cultural de la Ribera.
December 21 — Special Performance: Mariachi Juvenil Axixic
Festive event at Lake Chapala Society (LCS), just a short walk from Hotel Casa Blanca Ajijic. Free admission.
Traditional Pastorela
A lively Christmas play filled with humor and tradition. Free admission. Date to be announced on their social media. Venue: Centro Cultural Ajijic
Frequently Asked Questions: Christmas and Posadas in Ajijic
From December 16 to 24, every evening.
No. Posadas are open to locals and visitors alike.
Ajijic’s version of a Christmas treat bag, filled with candy, fruit, and small gifts for children.
During the Christmas parade, usually between December 20 and 23.
Mild during the day and cool in the evenings—comfortable walking weather.
Celebrating Christmas in Ajijic Through Tradition and Community
Christmas in Ajijic is not defined by grand displays, but by the strength of its community. Posadas, songs, piñatas, and shared moments turn December into a season of connection and tradition.
Experiencing Christmas here reveals why Ajijic remains a true Pueblo Mágico—a place where traditions are not only preserved, but lived, year after year.
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