October-December
Part of our Mexico City Festivals & Events Series
Looking for celebrations during another time of year? Visit our Mexico City Events Calendar guide for a complete calendar and links to every seasonal article.Series blurb
October
October is one of the most exciting months to visit Mexico City. The city gradually transforms for Día de los Muertos, marigolds begin appearing throughout public spaces, and the calendar fills with colorful parades, world-class sporting events, and cultural celebrations. If you enjoy photography, festivals, or simply soaking up an unforgettable atmosphere, October is hard to beat.
Day of the Dead Season Begins (Mid-October)
By mid-October, Mexico City begins preparing for Día de los Muertos. Marigolds line Paseo de la Reforma, elaborate altars appear in homes, museums, businesses, and public spaces, and the city takes on a festive yet reflective atmosphere that builds toward the November 1–2 celebrations. Even before the holiday officially begins, you’ll notice traditional foods, decorations, and special exhibitions appearing throughout the city.
Best for: Photographers, culture lovers, and travelers who enjoy seasonal traditions.
Monumental Alebrijes Parade (Mid-to-Late October)
Held annually on a Saturday in mid-to-late October, the Monumental Alebrijes Parade fills the streets of Mexico City with hundreds of giant, brightly painted fantastical creatures inspired by Mexican folk art. The parade travels from the Historic Center along Paseo de la Reforma, and the sculptures remain on display for several weeks afterward, making this one of the city’s most colorful free events.
Best for: Families, photographers, and lovers of Mexican folk art.
Worth Knowing: The Fever Dream That Created Alebrijes
The story of the alebrijes began in the 1930s when Mexico City artisan Pedro Linares López became gravely ill and dreamed of brightly colored creatures unlike anything he had ever seen—some with donkey bodies and butterfly wings, others combining lions, birds, dragons, and reptiles. As they surrounded him, they repeatedly shouted a single nonsense word: “Alebrijes!” After recovering, Linares recreated the fantastic animals in papier-mâché, giving birth to one of Mexico’s most recognizable folk art traditions. Today, artists spend months creating monumental versions of these imaginary creatures for the annual parade, transforming one man’s dream into one of Mexico City’s most colorful October celebrations.
Mexico City Grand Prix (Late October)
Formula 1 fans from around the world descend on Mexico City for the Mexican Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Hotels fill quickly, restaurant reservations become harder to secure, and accommodations near the circuit often sell out months in advance. If you’re planning to attend, book as early as possible.
Best for: Formula 1 fans and motorsports enthusiasts.
International Day of the Dead Parade (Late October or Early November)
One of Mexico City’s newest traditions, the International Day of the Dead Parade was inspired by the opening scene of the James Bond film Spectre. Today it features elaborate floats, giant puppets, costumed performers, music, and thousands of participants as it winds through the Historic Center. It’s an unforgettable spectacle, but it’s important to remember that the parade is a modern celebration rather than a traditional Day of the Dead observance.
If you’re looking for a colorful, theatrical event, it’s well worth seeing. If you’re more interested in the quieter traditions of Día de los Muertos, spend time exploring neighborhood altars, cemetery vigils, or celebrations in places such as Coyoacán or Xochimilco instead.
Best for: Festival lovers, photographers, and first-time visitors experiencing Day of the Dead.
November
November begins with one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural celebrations before gradually settling into a quieter rhythm. Cooler temperatures make sightseeing especially pleasant, while seasonal foods, music festivals, and national holidays provide plenty of reasons to linger. If October is about anticipation, November is about experiencing the traditions themselves.
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) – November 1–2
One of the world’s most remarkable cultural celebrations, Día de los Muertos blends ancient Indigenous traditions with the Catholic observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Rather than mourning death, families welcome departed loved ones home by creating ofrendas (altars) decorated with photographs, candles, marigolds, favorite foods, and personal mementos.
Throughout Mexico City, elaborate altars appear in homes, museums, businesses, markets, and public squares, while the Zócalo hosts a spectacular monumental ofrenda. Visitors can also experience cemetery vigils, neighborhood celebrations, and special exhibitions throughout the city, making this one of the most moving and unforgettable times to visit Mexico City.
Best for: Travelers interested in Mexican culture, photography, and unforgettable cultural traditions.
Tamales & Atole Season (November–February)
As the weather cools, street vendors and markets throughout Mexico City begin serving two beloved seasonal favorites. Tamales—steamed corn dough filled with savory or sweet ingredients and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves—are often paired with atole, a warm, comforting drink made from masa and flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate. It’s one of the city’s classic cool-weather breakfasts and a delicious way to experience local food traditions.
Best for: Food lovers and anyone wanting to experience traditional Mexican comfort foods.
Día de la Revolución (Third Monday in November)
Mexico commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution with civic ceremonies, parades, and cultural events throughout the city. While more subdued than Independence Day, it offers visitors another opportunity to experience Mexico’s history and national pride.
Best for: History enthusiasts and travelers interested in Mexican national traditions.
Corona Capital (Mid-November)
Mexico City’s largest international music festival attracts world-renowned artists and thousands of fans each year. Held over several days, Corona Capital features multiple stages and an impressive lineup of international rock, indie, alternative, and pop performers. Tickets and nearby hotels often sell out well in advance.
Best for: Music lovers and festival-goers.
December
December is one of Mexico City’s most festive months. Churches, plazas, markets, and neighborhoods are beautifully decorated, holiday traditions fill the calendar, and cool, dry weather makes it a pleasant time for sightseeing. While the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s are busier, early December is one of the city’s most enjoyable—and often overlooked—times to visit.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12)
One of Mexico’s most important religious observances, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe draws about nine million pilgrims to the Basílica de Guadalupe around December 12. Visitors will encounter a remarkable atmosphere of devotion, but should also expect heavy crowds, road closures, and increased demand for transportation near the basilica.
Best for: Travelers interested in religious traditions, history, and cultural experiences.
Worth Knowing: The Image That Drew Millions
According to Catholic tradition, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe miraculously appeared on the cactus-fiber cloak (tilma) of an Indigenous man named Juan Diego in 1531. After the Virgin Mary asked him to build a church on Tepeyac Hill, Juan Diego presented the bishop with roses that had mysteriously bloomed in December. When he unfolded his tilma, the roses fell away, revealing the image of the Virgin. Nearly 500 years later, the tilma hangs behind the main altar of the Basilica of Guadalupe. Around nine million pilgrims visit each December to see what many consider Mexico’s most treasured religious symbol.
Las Posadas (December 16–24)
During the nine evenings leading up to Christmas, neighborhoods throughout the city reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter through candlelit processions, songs, prayer, food, and traditional piñatas. Some Posadas are private neighborhood celebrations, while others are open to the public through churches and community organizations, offering visitors a wonderful glimpse into Mexican holiday traditions.
Best for: Families, culture lovers, and anyone wanting to experience authentic Mexican Christmas traditions.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (December 24–25)
Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, is the centerpiece of the holiday season, with family gatherings, festive meals, and Midnight Mass. Christmas Day is much quieter, and some museums, restaurants, and businesses operate on reduced hours or close entirely. If you’ll be sightseeing during the holiday, confirm opening hours in advance and make restaurant reservations early.
Best for: Holiday travelers seeking a festive atmosphere.
New Year’s Eve (December 31)
Mexico City welcomes the New Year with fireworks, rooftop celebrations, festive dinners, and parties throughout the city, particularly around the Historic Center and major hotels. A favorite tradition is eating twelve grapes at midnight—one with each stroke of the clock—while making a wish for each month of the coming year.
Another fun New Year’s custom involves wearing colorful underwear to symbolize hopes for the year ahead. Red is said to bring love, yellow prosperity, white peace, and green health and good fortune. Whether or not you believe in the superstition, you’ll find colorful displays of lucky underwear in shops and markets throughout December.
If you’re hoping to celebrate from a rooftop restaurant or enjoy a hotel with views of the fireworks, reserve well in advance.
Best for: Travelers looking for rooftop celebrations, fireworks, and a memorable way to welcome the New Year.
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