Mexico City on Christmas Eve and Day

Hi all,

We are visiting Mexico City from 24/12 to 27/12 and have some questions in regards to this:

1. How about dinner on 24/12 and 25/12? Should we make reservations in advance or will there be a lot of possibilities once we are there? On 24/12 we arrive at 19u30, so we would like to grab a fast and light dinner

2. What will be the possibilities on Christmas Day in Mexico City? We have 2 full days over there and I was planning to visit 1 day in the Zocalo region (Cathedral, Templo Mayor, National Palace, Almada Central & Palacio de Bellas Artes, ...) and 1 day in the are of the Chapultepec (with Condesa & Polanco Region). What would be the best to visit on 25/12, keeping in mind a lot of things will be closed I guess?

Thanks in advance for any replies

I´ve never been in Meico City on 24 Dec, but traditionally familes have a late evening dinner together, sometimes at a restaurant. Often restaurants open late in the morning on 25 Dec, so ask about opening hours of nearby restaurants at your hotel. Most tourist services sshould be still available: check museum webistes to confirm hours of operation, and have a backup plan.

My experience, gained having many an Xmas in Mexico City:

The 24th, the evening of the 24th, is called Noche Buena. Many businesses close late-afternoon on the 24th and few restaurants have been open in the evening. If not eating at home, I'd make certain I was at a restaurant by 2 p.m. for my main meal of the day. If you're staying in a hotel that has a restaurant, it's likely that restaurant will be serving ... or you can travel to such a hotel if lodged someplace else. The evening is traditionally a family night.

The 25th: I spent most Christmas Days at home, or with friends when visiting when I moved away, but there were restaurants open around the city mid and late-day ... but not as many as on any other day fo the year.

These few days are family-centric and though there will be Mexican and international tourists about, many local residents will be sticking close to home.

LW

Thank you both for the reply. Looking at my agenda, what would you recommend? Do Zocalo region on 25th and Chapultepec region on 26th or vice versa?

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