Two Magical Towns in the State of Mexico to celebrate Christmas

Christmas is a time to be shared with family and friends, and a short getaway to destinations near the heart of the country can become a truly meaningful gift.

When people think of the State of Mexico, they often picture the metropolitan area. Yet this region is home to a wealth of attractions and Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns ) that offer a unique experience during the holiday season.

Add a special twist to the final days of the year with a quick escape or a longer stay in one of the following destinations, where you’ll find everything from walking tours to hot-air balloon flights and memorable local cuisine.

Two Pueblos Magicos near Mexico City

Tepotzotlán

Located about 44 minutes from Mexico City, the Pueblo Mágico of Tepotzotlán is a place where vestiges of the colonial era meet a lively festive atmosphere.

Still part of the metropolitan area of the Valley of Mexico, Tepotzotlán borders municipalities such as Huehuetoca, Coyotepec, Cuautitlán Izcalli, and Nicolás Romero.

During the Christmas season, its streets—still infused with a provincial charm—are adorned with holiday decorations, making it one of the most picturesque destinations for seasonal postcards.

Festivities take place on weekends, filling the town center with energy as street stalls line the streets, offering a wide variety of goods.

Despite the winter chill, be sure to enjoy a traditional regional ice cream, one of the State of Mexico’s most iconic desserts, as you stroll through Plaza de la Cruz.

For those visiting with a cultural focus, must-see landmarks include the Ex-Convent of San Francisco Javier, the Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle, and the National Museum of the Viceroyalty.

This town played a key role during the era of New Spain, witnessing pivotal moments such as the battles led by Hernán Cortés in 1520 that contributed to the fall of Tenochtitlan.

If time allows, visit the Arcos del Sitio, located west of Tepotzotlán. This ecological park offers family-friendly activities such as hiking, horseback riding, boat rides, zip lines, and more.

San Juan Teotihuacan

Also known as Teotihuacan de Arista, this is one of Mexico’s newest Pueblos Mágicos, having received the designation in 2018.

Like Tepotzotlán, it boasts an important colonial heritage, exemplified by the Ex-Convent of San Juan Bautista, built in 1548 and a must-visit during your stay.

During the holiday season, the town is dressed in festive decorations and strings of lights. In previous years, it has even hosted one of the largest Christmas trees in the country.

Nearby attractions include a zoo, a water park, and a botanical garden known for its impressive collection of cactus species.

For history lovers, a visit to the Teotihuacan archaeological site is a guarantee of discovery, learning, and unforgettable moments.

If you stay beyond Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, be sure to visit the Monday markets, where you can shop for souvenirs—especially obsidian pieces—and sample local specialties such as barbacoa, mixiotes, and dishes made with nopal cactus.

Where to stay

If your main destination is Tepotzotlan, Real Inn Perinorte is an excellent choice. Thanks to its location in Tlalnepantla, it places you less than 25 minutes from this Pueblo Magico.

The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a modern gym, and its Stock Café restaurant, serving a variety of dishes ideal for travelers and families alike.

Just 10 minutes from Tepotzotlan, you’ll also find attractions such as the iconic Torres de Satelite, Parque Naucalli, and Plaza Satelite.
Real Inn Perinorte also provides convenient access to San Juan Teotihuacan in approximately 50 minutes. Additional lodging options include

Grupo Camino Real hotels in Mexico City, located in the Airport area, Pedregal, and Polanco. Although the route varies—using the Circuito Exterior Mexiquense and the Mexiquense Highway—travel time remains similar. One advantage is being less than 30 minutes from Mexico City’s main attractions.

Thanks to dining options such as María Bonita, Bistro, Token Café, La Huerta, and Cualli, guests can enjoy quality meals without leaving the comfort of their hotel.

After your Christmas visit to these Pueblos Magicos, Grupo Camino Real hotels await, offering comfort, amenities, and spaces to relax and unwind during the final days of the year.