In These Magical Mexican Towns, It’s Always Christmas

If you find yourself in Mexico during the holiday season, make time for these festive adventures.

In most parts of the world, the magic of Christmas seems to fade as quickly as it arrives, but two Mexican towns stand as glowing exceptions: Tlalpujahua in Michoacán and Chignahuapan in Puebla. Here, the holiday spirit is alive every day of the year, as both towns are renowned for their artisanal Christmas spheres.

The artisans work year-round to produce the ornaments that have put their towns on the map. These dedicated craftspeople create millions of decorations annually, supplying not only local shops but also markets around the world—so there’s a chance some of your ornaments come from these places. Their dedication keeps the Christmas spirit alive, and it’s this passion that gives Tlalpujahua and Chignahuapan their unique charm.

While walking through cobblestone streets surrounded by mountains, you’ll feel the crisp air and see every corner sparkling with ornaments crafted by hand. Recognized as Pueblos Mágicos, both towns invite visitors into a timeless Christmas spirit where history and craftsmanship tell a tale of transformation and creativity. Beyond the glittering decorations lies the story of how these communities reinvented themselves, turning their dedication into an enduring celebration of Christmas.

Tlalpujahua: The Cradle of the Mexican Christmas Ornament

Tlalpujahua wasn’t always synonymous with Christmas. For over 400 years, it was a bustling mining town, extracting gold and silver from the earth. But in 1937, tragedy struck when a massive landslide engulfed much of the town, forcing its people to seek new livelihoods. Out of this devastation emerged a new identity: Tlalpujahua, the birthplace of Mexican Christmas ornaments.

In the 1960s, the Muñoz family pioneered the craft of hand-blown glass spheres, bringing a touch of holiday magic to a town still recovering from its past. What began as a small workshop has since blossomed into a vibrant industry, with over 300 family-run workshops and two factories producing millions of ornaments annually.

The Art of the Sphere

Walking through the streets of Tlalpujahua, you’ll come across the workshops where artisans transform molten glass into delicate spheres. The process is captivating: glass is heated until it becomes pliable, then skillfully shaped, painted, and adorned by hand—a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Many workshops welcome visitors, allowing you to watch the artisans at work, and lots of them offer the chance to create your own ornament.

Every family workshop serves as a creative hub, producing designs that span from timeless classics to playful trends. From ornaments inspired by monarch butterflies, a symbol of Michoacán, to contemporary pieces featuring beloved characters from movies and cartoons, these artisans showcase remarkable versatility. In fact, a single family of artisans can produce up to 500,000 spheres each year.

Stepping into these workshops is like entering a kaleidoscope of color. Ornaments in every imaginable hue and shape are stacked from floor to ceiling. While the workshops and shops are open year-round, the months from September to December add an extra layer of charm to Tlalpujahua. During this time, additional markets pop up throughout the town, overflowing with even more ornaments and crafts from the local artisans. Starting in December, the town can become quite crowded, so November is often a better time to visit and shop at a more leisurely pace.

A Town Embracing the Christmas Magic

In Tlalpujahua, the spirit of Christmas extends beyond the workshops and into the streets, where the town itself feels like a festive storybook come to life. Embracing its reputation as a Christmas town, Tlalpujahua has created attractions to immerse visitors even further into a holiday atmosphere that captures the joy and wonder of the season all year long.

One of the highlights is the Villas de Santa Claus, a charming area filled with colorful little houses that host quaint shops and cozy eateries. Walking through this area feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with every corner radiating festive cheer but no snow included.

Then there’s Villa Claus, inspired by a traditional German village, complete with picturesque houses that also serve as shops selling ornaments, gifts, and holiday treats. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, this spot comes alive with a fun light show and a projection that tells the story of Tlalpujahua’s glass ornaments. The lights, music, and storytelling combine to create an experience that leaves visitors feeling as if they’ve wandered into the heart of Christmas itself.

Chignahuapan: A Christmas Gem in the Mountains

Just like Tlalpujahua, Chignahuapan is a Pueblo Mágico where the Christmas spirit is alive every day of the year. Nestled in the chilly Sierra Norte of Puebla, this town shares the same dedication to crafting beautiful Christmas ornaments, but with a charm all its own.

While Tlalpujahua has embraced the Christmas spirit by creating holiday attractions, Chignahuapan shines as a town where nature and craftsmanship come together. In addition to its dedication to producing beautiful Christmas ornaments, it is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that makes it a truly special place to visit.

The town’s name Chignahuapan, comes from the Nahuatl language and means “over the nine waters,” a nod to the many nearby springs, lagoons, and waterfalls—a fun detail that adds a splash of local flavor to its story.

A Glimpse into the Workshops

Chignahuapan’s journey as a Christmas town began in the 1970s when an artisan from Tlalpujahua shared the art of hand-blown glass. This spark ignited a new tradition, and today, the town boasts over 200 workshops, producing ornaments that range from classic designs to fun and innovative creations. Walking through these workshops, you’ll see the same dedication and artistry that have turned these towns into hubs of Christmas magic.

Just as in Tlalpujahua, the workshops operate all year, but the last months are especially lively with bustling markets where artisans sell their ornaments and other festive decorations. This is the perfect time to stroll through the town’s streets, soak in the festive atmosphere, and find one-of-a-kind holiday treasures. Once again, everything you find here is painted and decorated by hand. Unlike the mass-produced decorations found in stores, these ornaments carry the warmth and individuality of their makers.

Beyond Christmas

While the ornaments are the star, Chignahuapan offers much more to visitors willing to explore its other treasures.

One standout is the Mercado Guadalupe, the best place to savor traditional dishes like barbacoa with consommé or freshly made tlacoyos. These culinary delights are a highlight that no traveler should miss.

For nature lovers with a taste for adventure, the Salto de Quetzalapan waterfall is just a 20-minute drive away. This 100-meter cascade is surrounded by lush greenery and offers thrilling activities like ziplining and suspension bridge crossings. Of course, in Mexico, no visit to a natural site is complete without a michelada, a beer-based drink typically mixed with lime juice, chili powder, and assorted sauces, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass, and this spot is no exception—you can enjoy one while surrounded by nature.

Just 30 minutes away is Zacatlán de las Manzanas, another gem of the region. Known for its apple orchards and cider production—especially its signature rosé cider—Zacatlán is a perfect detour for those craving more small-town magic. The town is also famous for its pan de queso, and landscapes with waterfalls and dramatic barrancas.

A Christmas Escape Just Three Hours From Mexico City

Tlalpujahua and Chignahuapan offer a different way to celebrate the holiday season in Mexico. Each town tells its own story and showcases the heart and soul of Mexican creativity and tradition.

Both of them are located around three hours from Mexico City, so you can choose your favorite and visit it on a day trip—departing early and returning in the evening—or stay overnight to fully experience its charm.

If you find yourself in Mexico during the holiday season, make time for this festive adventure—it’s a gift you won’t regret unwrapping!