Christmas is an important holiday in every country that celebrates it, especially in Mexico. The celebration extends well beyond December 25th, with feasts starting as early as December 8th or 12th, depending on the region. The festivities continue into January and sometimes into early February. With a long Christmas season full of family gatherings, food plays a central role in the celebration. Some foods are for specific feast days, while others are enjoyed throughout the season.
We’re all about tradition at Los Reyes Street Tacos, so join us as we take a look at some traditional Mexican food for Christmas.
Tamales
Tamales aren’t necessarily unique to Christmas, but they are a celebratory dish, so they often feature prominently in Christmas dinners. Usually reserved for special occasions, tamales are made in large batches, and preparing them is often a group effort. They are also time-consuming to make, which is why most families only make them for special occasions and holidays, like Christmas. Tamales can appear at any point in the meal, as the corn dough can be filled with sweet or savory fillings before being wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
Ponche Navideño
No Christmas meal is complete without festive beverages! Ponche Navideño (Christmas punch) is a hot fruit punch made with local fruits. The main ingredient is tejocotes (Mexican hawthorne), fruits that look like crabapples but have large pits and a distinctive flavor. Guava, apples, and other regional fruits add to the sweetness and the drink is spiced with cinnamon to make a warm beverage perfect for a winter’s night. You can enjoy it as is, or add a splash of alcohol if you like a warm adult beverage.
Buñuelos
Sweet treats are essential for any holiday celebration, especially Christmas. Buñuelos are essentially the Mexican version of fried dough or doughnuts, simple and delicious. Dough disks are fried and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or drizzled with sugar syrup (or sometimes both). More ambitious bakers shape the dough into intricate shapes—often resembling snowflakes—in the frying oil. No matter the shape, the result is a perfectly fried treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Celebrate Christmas with Mexican Food!
Although these holiday favorites don’t appear on our menu, you can still experience the joy and flavors of traditional Mexican food at Los Reyes! Our family has perfected these recipes over generations, resulting in a series of delicious dishes perfect for any celebration or holiday.