Xmas in Oaxaca

Hi

On our third trip to Mexico...but our first to Oaxaca...and rather unusually our first Xmas abroad. We know nobody in Oaxaca. Any hints? We are not 5 star travellers but enjoy good food and wine. We have travelled to almost 120 countries and I speak fluent Spanish. We are hale and hearty at nearly 70 & 80 years respectively. We are Airbnb’ing it mostly on our five week trip. And just carry the same rucksack..35 litres...As we did 30 years ago.

Un abrazo
Jeanne (Ireland)

Visit the Oaxaca Lending Library, Pino Suarez 519, where you’ll meet friendly people and learn of events. You can also visit Oaxacaevents.com and quepasaoaxaca.com and oaxlibrary.org before you arrive. There is much pageantry and the city will not be business as usual during this highly religious time. Posters on churches will announce their schedule of events, including calendas and special masses. Dec. 23 the city’s zocalo will be festive with the Night of the Radishes (Noche de los Rabanos) an unique competition of radish art, which you have probably heard about.

Many businesses will open late on 25 Dec and again 1 Jan; otherwise tourist services will be available. Usually there is a fair with refrigerated ice rink and free skates available for loan; do you still skate? Look for posters around town and on church doors for choral concerts which are popular at that time of year. Locals celebrate noche buena in the evening of 24 Dec, and el dia de reyes on 6 Jan. Not sure what other help you need.

Thanks a lot for your reply. Can you suggest a restaurant on the Zocalo for night of RAdish fiesta so that we could view it. What is the likely temperature at night in Dec. Appreciate your help.

Appreciate your kind reply. Looking for suggestions for a nice restaurant on Xmas Day. Thanks in advance

Can you suggest a restaurant on the Zocalo for night of RAdish fiesta so that we could view it...Looking for suggestions for a nice restaurant on Xmas Day.

There are several restaurants surrounding the Zocalo, but the problem is that the crowds are so intense by mid afternoon that you will have a problem seeing the radishes unless you take the time to walk around. If you point out to the guards that you´re senior, you´ll get priority access. But in any case, the restaurant at Hotel Marques del Valle at the northeast corner is the fanciest (with a special menu for noche buena), Restaurante El Jardin at the southwest corner is the most popular; (just thought of this) upstairs of El Jardin is El Asador Vasco, which should give good views (also just north along the same portales is Tr3s 3istro and La Casa de la Abuela, both upstairs too).

What is the likely temperature at night in Dec.

Overnight lows can reach the single digits Celsius. So bring a sweater and jacket.

Book your lodgings now! Oaxaca fills up for Xmas and New Years.

I Naughtyboy. Apartmt booked for ages...but thanks for the tip!

If skating isn´t your style, then perhaps you´d appreciate the heritage Carrusel de attraciones Salazar, built in 1941, and lovingly restored and operated freely for young and old riders alike in the patio of San Pablo Cultural Centre, a must-see if there ever was one.

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