For 2026, we confirmed 7 Christmas events for kids in Mexico City. The season opens on November 7 with MAP Piñata Exhibition 2026 (Exposición de Piñatas MAP 2026) and runs until December 23 with El Cascanueces (The Nutcracker). Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Mexico.
The short version
- Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Mexico City: 7
- First: MAP Piñata Exhibition 2026 (Exposición de Piñatas MAP 2026), Mexico City, November 7
- Free events: None confirmed yet
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).
At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Mexico City
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 7 confirmed for 2026
- Towns
- Mexico City
- Season
- November 7 to December 23
- Free events
- None confirmed yet
- Last checked
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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Mexico City
Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.
Christmas crafts
MAP Piñata Exhibition 2026 (Exposición de Piñatas MAP 2026)
- When: Sat, Nov 7 to Sun, Dec 13, Tue to Sun, 10 am to 6 pm
- Where: Museo de Arte Popular, Revillagigedo 11, Centro Histórico, 06050 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Cost: MX$60; free on Sundays; free for under 18
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
The Museo de Arte Popular presents its annual piñata exhibition, assembled from the pieces of artisans and artists who took part in the traditional contest. All are made with clay pots, in different colors and sizes, and this year the central theme is 200 years of relations between Mexico and France.
It is on display in the museum courtyard, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission costs MX$60 from Tuesday to Saturday and is free on Sundays. Children under 18, people with disabilities, adults over 60, and students and teachers with ID get in free every day. Kids, teens and adults can all enjoy the color of this tradition.
Parent tip: Sunday admission is free, though it can be more crowded. Children under 18 get in free any day.
- Host
- Museo de Arte Popular (MAP) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Museo de Arte Popular, Revillagigedo 11, Centro Histórico, 06050 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 6 more Mexico City events researched for you.
- New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Mexico City.
- Exclusive access to free events Be first to hear about new free events in Mexico City.
- Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
- Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
- One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.
Coming up on this page
- 5 Shows
- 1 Santa
- 1 Crafts
- 1 Zoos and museums
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Christmas show
El Cascanueces (The Nutcracker, Teatro Balderas)
- When: Sun, Nov 22 and 29 and Dec 6, 6 pm
- Where: Teatro Balderas, Balderas 108, Centro, 06040 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Cost: Check the price on Ticketmaster
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
The Teatro Balderas presents El Cascanueces (The Nutcracker), a family ballet based on Tchaikovsky's work that follows Clara on a fantasy journey with toys and colorful sets, as a Christmas celebration of imagination, dreams and magic.
The shows are on Sundays, Nov 22 and 29 and Sunday, Dec 6, 2026, all at 6 pm. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster México and the price is checked at purchase.
Parent tip: Check the price on Ticketmaster before you go. The shows are at 6 pm, so think about the little ones' bedtime.
- Host
- Teatro Balderas (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro Balderas, Balderas 108, Centro, 06040 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Carol concert
Christmas Symphonic Concert at Bellas Artes (Concierto sinfónico de Navidad en Bellas Artes)
- When: Fri, Dec 11, 8 pm, and Sun, Dec 13, 12:15 pm
- Where: Palacio de Bellas Artes, Av. Juárez s/n esq. Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas, Centro, 06050 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Cost: MX$165 to MX$330
- Ages: For ages 8 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
The National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico, conducted by Ludwig Carrasco, and the Madrigalists Choir (Coro de Madrigalistas) offer a program with a wide selection of carols and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite No. 1. They will also perform the Misa Solemne a la Virgen de Guadalupe (Solemn Mass to the Virgin of Guadalupe) by Melesio Morales.
There are only two shows: Friday, Dec 11 at 8 pm and Sunday, Dec 13 at 12:15 pm, each about an hour and a half. Tickets cost MX$165 to MX$330. Admission is only for ages 8 and up, so the youngest children have to stay home this time.
Parent tip: The Sunday midday show is the most comfortable for going with kids. Buy your tickets in advance because there are only two shows.
- Host
- Palacio de Bellas Artes (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Palacio de Bellas Artes, Av. Juárez s/n esq. Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas, Centro, 06050 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Visit with Santa
The Santa Run
- When: Sun, Dec 13, from 7 am
- Where: Parque La Mexicana, Av. Santa Fe y Paseo de los Arquitectos, Lomas de Santa Fe, 01219 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Cost: Registration includes a Santa suit; prices to be confirmed
- Ages: 1K walk suitable for strollers, adults and children
Expand to see the parent tip
The Santa Run is the Christmas race at Parque La Mexicana, in Santa Fe, where every participant runs in a Santa suit included with registration. It takes place on Sunday, Dec 13, 2026: the 5K and 10K start at 7 am and the 1K walk, designed for people with strollers, wheelchairs or a little dog, starts at 7:15 am.
Registration includes the suit, hydration, access to the Christmas event with a concert after the race and a gift raffle using the runner number; there is also a buff for adults and kids and a suit for your dog. The site says the prices for the next sales phase will be published very soon. They ask people to arrive at 6:30 am because of road closures and to use the parking on Avenida de los Arquitectos.
Parent tip: Arrive at 6:30 am because of road closures and park on Av. de los Arquitectos. The 1K walk at 7:15 am is the option for going with kids in strollers.
- Host
- The Santa Run México (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Parque La Mexicana, Av. Santa Fe y Paseo de los Arquitectos, Lomas de Santa Fe, 01219 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas show
Candlelight: Christmas Classics (Clásicos de Navidad)
- When: Fri, Dec 18 to Sun, Dec 20, various times
- Where: Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral (El Cantoral), Puente Xoco s/n, Puerta A, Xoco, Benito Juárez, 03330 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Cost: From MX$300 per person
- Ages 8 and up; under 16 with an adult
Expand to see the parent tip
Candlelight presents Clásicos de Navidad (Christmas Classics) at El Cantoral, in Xoco, from Dec 18 to 20. It is a concert of about 60 minutes surrounded by candles, with a program that includes the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker, Jingle Bells, Feliz Navidad, Let It Go from Frozen, Once Upon a December from Anastasia and All I Want for Christmas Is You.
Entry is from age 8 and those under 16 must come with an adult, so it works best for elementary-age kids who already enjoy sitting through a concert. Tickets start at MX$300 and go up by section; date changes are allowed up to 48 hours before, but there are no refunds. The venue has its own parking, for a fee and with limited space.
Parent tip: Only children ages 8 and up are admitted. No refunds, though you can change the date up to 48 hours before.
- Host
- Fever (Candlelight) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral (El Cantoral), Puente Xoco s/n, Puerta A, Xoco, Benito Juárez, 03330 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas show
El Cascanueces (The Nutcracker)
- When: Fri, Dec 18 to Wed, Dec 23, midday and evening shows
- Where: Auditorio Nacional, Paseo de la Reforma 50, Polanco V Sección, 11560 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Cost: Tickets from MX$441 to MX$2,520 depending on the section
Expand to see the parent tip
El Cascanueces (The Nutcracker) returns to the Auditorio Nacional for the week before Christmas. The official schedule lists shows on Friday, Dec 18 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, Dec 19 at 12 pm and 6 pm, Sunday, Dec 20 at 12 pm and 5 pm, and Tuesday, Dec 22 and Wednesday, Dec 23 at 8 pm.
Tickets range from MX$441 in the upper sections to MX$2,520 in the preferred section, and are bought at the box office or through the purchase link on the venue's listing. With small children, it is best to pick one of the weekend midday shows, which do not end as late. The Auditorio is on Reforma, in Polanco, and has its own parking, baby changing stations and services for children, according to its own website.
Parent tip: The 12 pm shows on Saturday, Dec 19 and Sunday, Dec 20 are the most comfortable with kids. The venue offers parking and baby changing stations.
- Host
- Auditorio Nacional (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Auditorio Nacional, Paseo de la Reforma 50, Polanco V Sección, 11560 Mexico City (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New events in Mexico City every week
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A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.mx (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Mexico City: questions parents ask
What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Mexico City?
For 2026, we confirmed 7 Christmas events for kids in Mexico City, each on its host’s own page: The Santa Run, Candlelight: Christmas Classics (Clásicos de Navidad), El Cascanueces (The Nutcracker) and 4 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Where can kids see Santa this year in Mexico City?
Where to see Santa: The Santa Run. Check the listings above for times and booking.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
Christmas events for 2026 are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November. We add them here as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Mexico City
In Mexico City, December is heard before it is seen: it is the thwack of a stick on a piñata. According to tradition, the first Christmas piñatas were made in Acolman, about 40 km from the capital, and today the Folk Art Museum in the historic center holds a yearly contest for piñatas made by artisans from several states. Add the lights of the Zócalo and holiday ballet, and you have a Christmas that kids remember.
How Mexico City celebrates Christmas
Christmas in Mexico City is loud, colorful and made for kids. The star is the piñata, a decorated figure filled with treats that children take turns breaking open with a stick. You will see them for sale in markets such as the Jamaica market and in the courtyard of the Folk Art Museum, which holds a contest every year.
The other star is the Zócalo, the city's giant main square. It has been a Christmas stage since December 1, 2007, when a free ice rink of 3,000 square meters opened there. In 2025 it was covered in light mosaics, lit trees and a monumental nativity scene.
For a visiting family, the difference is that much of the fun is public and outdoors, and it centers on one tradition you can actually take part in.
Piñatas, posadas and where it all started
The tradition says the Christmas piñata was born in the 1500s in Acolman, about 40 km northeast of the city. In 1586, Augustinian friars there used it in celebrations before Christmas, the forerunners of the posadas. Posadas are the holiday gatherings of the weeks before Christmas, and piñatas are part of them.
Today's piñatas are made from a clay pot or molded cardboard covered in colored paper, then filled with candy, fruit, peanuts and small toys. The classic piñata has seven points. At the Folk Art Museum contest you will also see sculptural versions made of papier-mâché and crepe paper.
Long before that, the Mexica people of Tenochtitlan, where the city center stands today, broke clay pots filled with treasures and decorated with feathers during their festivals. Some people say the idea came from China, where a paper figure was broken at New Year.
Planning a Christmas visit to Mexico City with kids
This season starts early. The Folk Art Museum's piñata exhibit opened on November 7, 2026 and runs through December 13, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Entry is 60 pesos, free on Sundays and free for anyone under 18.
December is for ballet and music. A Mexican-flavored Nutcracker plays at the Teatro de la Ciudad on December 4, 5 and 6. Other Nutcrackers run at the Teatro Balderas on Sundays in late November and on December 6, and at the Auditorio Nacional from December 18 to 23. Bellas Artes has a Christmas symphony concert on December 11 and 13, and on December 13 there is a Santa Run at Parque La Mexicana.
Many events are paid. Most are in Spanish, which matters less for ballet and music. Check with the venue if you need English.
A fun story: the piñata with seven animals
The piñata that won the Folk Art Museum contest on December 9, 2025 was called "Who Is Free of Sin?" Its maker, Cristóbal García Naranjo, spent a full year on it. Each of its seven points carried a different animal: a lion, a dog, a goat, a toad, a peacock, a pig and a mule.
And in the Zócalo's 2017 ice rink season, the rink lent out 2,350 pairs of skates.
Traditions today
- Seven-point piñatas: The seven-pointed star is still sold at markets such as Jamaica, next to piñatas shaped like newer characters. Tradition ties the seven points to the seven deadly sins.
- The Folk Art Museum piñata contest: Every December the museum awards piñatas by artisans from several states and shows them in its courtyard. 2025 was the 19th edition.
- The Zócalo lights: Mosaics of light cover the buildings around the square, and Paseo de la Reforma and Insurgentes are lit too. In 2025 they were switched on December 16.
- The Verbena Navideña in the Zócalo: Lit trees, a monumental nativity scene, storytellers, plays and concerts, free in the square from December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
- The Acolman piñata fair: An annual fair with dances and contests to find the biggest and most original piñata.
A fact for kids
The winning piñata at the Folk Art Museum in 2025 had seven points, and each one had an animal: a lion, a dog, a goat, a toad, a peacock, a pig and a mule. Its maker spent a whole year building it.
Questions about Christmas in Mexico City
Is Mexico City worth visiting at Christmas with kids?
Yes. Kids can break piñatas, see piñata art at the Folk Art Museum and watch the Zócalo light up with trees, a nativity scene and glowing toy sculptures. The season also has Nutcracker ballets, Christmas concerts and even a Santa fun run.
What is a piñata and why does it have seven points?
A piñata is a decorated figure filled with treats that children break with a stick at holiday parties. The classic star has seven points, which tradition links to the seven deadly sins. Today you can also find piñatas shaped like newer characters.
Where did Christmas piñatas begin?
According to tradition, in Acolman, about 40 km northeast of Mexico City, in the 1500s. The Folk Art Museum says that in 1586 Augustinian friars there used the piñata in celebrations before Christmas that were the forerunners of the posadas. Over time it mixed pre-Hispanic and Christian elements and spread to holiday parties across the capital.
What are posadas?
Posadas are the holiday gatherings in the weeks before Christmas, and piñatas are part of them. Their forerunners were the friars' celebrations in Acolman in 1586. Families often let the kids choose the piñata for their posada.
When does the piñata exhibit at the Folk Art Museum open in 2026?
The Piñata Exhibit MAP 2026 opened on Saturday, November 7, 2026 and runs through Sunday, December 13, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. The museum is in the historic center of the city.
Is the Folk Art Museum piñata exhibit free?
Entry costs 60 pesos, but it is free on Sundays and free for anyone under 18. In 2024 the museum charged 60 pesos and was open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Check this page for this season's hours.
Who won the Folk Art Museum piñata contest in 2025?
"Who Is Free of Sin?" by Cristóbal García Naranjo won on December 9, 2025, in the 19th edition of the contest. It took him a year to make. Each of its seven points had an animal: lion, dog, goat, toad, peacock, pig and mule.
What goes inside a piñata?
Candy, fruit, peanuts and small toys. Piñatas are made from a clay pot or molded cardboard covered in colored paper. At the Folk Art Museum contest you can also see papier-mâché and crepe-paper piñatas that are more like sculptures.
Where can families buy a piñata in Mexico City?
At popular markets such as the Jamaica market, where traditional seven-point piñatas are sold next to newer shapes. In December 2021, prices ranged from 35 to 600 pesos. Kids can pick the piñata for their own posada there.
What is the piñata fair in Acolman?
An annual fair in Acolman, about 40 km northeast of Mexico City, held from December 13 to 21, with dances and contests. Prizes go to the biggest piñata and the most original one. Tradition says Acolman is where the first Christmas piñata was made.
Did the Mexica people break something like a piñata?
There are signs they did. The Mexica filled clay pots with treasures, decorated them with feathers and ribbons and broke them during their festivals in Tenochtitlan, where the city center stands today. The Maya also broke clay vessels filled with cacao.
Is it true the piñata came from China?
That is one of the most repeated stories. In China a colored paper figure, often an ox filled with seeds, was broken at New Year, and Marco Polo described such a celebration. The custom is said to have gone to Italy, then Spain and then Mexico.
What were the Zócalo Christmas lights like in 2025?
They were switched on December 16, 2025 by Mexico City's head of government, Clara Brugada. There were four giant light mosaics on buildings around the square, including the National Palace lit in green, and a "Feliz Navidad" sign surrounded by poinsettias.
What was the Verbena Navideña in the Zócalo in 2025?
From December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026, the square had three lit trees decorated with poinsettias, 14 light sculptures of Mexican toys, a Monumental Light Tunnel, a Monumental Nativity and a stage with storytellers, plays and free concerts. A crafts bazaar brought together more than 120 exhibitors.
Is there a Christmas ice rink in the Zócalo?
There has been one since December 1, 2007, when a free rink of 3,000 square meters opened. It grew to 4,000 in 2013. We could not confirm whether a rink ran in 2025, so check before you plan around it.
What was the Zócalo ice rink like in 2017?
It had two rinks joined by a tunnel, two slides of 10 and 6 meters, a 50-meter Christmas tree next to it, 2,350 pairs of skates, 1,500 helmets and 120 inflatable donuts. Sessions lasted 40 minutes, and the year before about 750,000 people visited.
How do I get to the Zócalo lights by Metro?
Get off at Zócalo/Tenochtitlan on Line 2, which has several exits to the square. In 2025 there were also lights on Paseo de la Reforma, Insurgentes, Vitalicio Robles avenue and in front of the Hotel de la Ciudad de México, so you can make a multi-stop light tour.
How do I get to the Folk Art Museum by Metro?
The museum is on Revillagigedo at Independencia, in the Centro neighborhood. The nearest stations are Juárez and Hidalgo on Line 3. Confirm the hours before going with kids.
Where can kids see The Nutcracker in Mexico City?
A Mexican-flavored Nutcracker plays at the Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris on Friday, December 4 at 8 pm and on December 5 and 6 at 1 pm. There are also Nutcrackers at the Teatro Balderas on three Sunday evenings starting November 22, and at the Auditorio Nacional from December 18 to 23, with midday and night shows.
What Christmas concerts can kids attend in Mexico City?
The National Symphony Orchestra plays carols and the Nutcracker suite at Bellas Artes on Friday, December 11 at 8 pm and Sunday, December 13 at 12:15 pm, for ages 8 and up. Candlelight: Christmas Classics runs December 18 to 20 at El Cantoral, also for ages 8 and up.
What is The Santa Run in Mexico City?
A fun run in Santa suits at Parque La Mexicana in the Santa Fe neighborhood on Sunday, December 13, starting at 7 am. There is a 1K family walk and a holiday party afterwards. Prices were still to be confirmed.
Are there free Christmas events in Mexico City?
Yes. In 2025 the Zócalo's lights and Verbena Navideña concerts, plays and storytelling were free, and the Folk Art Museum is free on Sundays and for anyone under 18. Ballet, concerts and the Santa Run are paid.
Are Christmas events in Mexico City in English?
Most events are in Spanish. Ballet and music, like The Nutcracker and the symphony concert, do not depend much on language, and the piñata exhibit is very visual. If you want a guide or a story in English, check with the venue.
Sources
- Exposición de piñatas en el Museo de Arte Popular, concurso y premios (2024), ADN40
- Concurso de Piñatas Mexicanas 2025: "¿Quién está libre de pecado?", ADN40
- Historia de las piñatas en las posadas, Expansión Política
- Cumple 10 años la pista de hielo del Zócalo capitalino, Excélsior
- Acolman, cuna de las piñatas navideñas en México, México Desconocido
- Verbena Navideña en el Zócalo CDMX 2025, CDMX Secreta
- Zócalo de CDMX se ilumina con el alumbrado navideño 2025, Chilango
- Clara Brugada enciende la Navidad 2025 en el Zócalo de la CDMX, Récord