This holiday season, immerse yourself in the warmth, charm, and vibrant traditions of Mexico’s Magical Towns in the state of Nayarit. From festive posadas to culinary delights and artisanal markets, Nayarit offers a holiday experience that blends culture, community, and breathtaking scenery. With nine officially designated Pueblos Mágicos, Nayarit invites travelers to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in unforgettable ways.
Holiday Cheer in Nayarit’s Newest Magical Towns
This year, explore the newest members of Nayarit’s Pueblos Mágicos family: Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río, San Blas, and Puerto Balleto. Each town offers a unique twist on traditional Mexican holiday festivities.
Ahuacatlán: Known for its vibrant traditions, this charming town hosts posadas, lively processions, piñatas, and candlelit singing. Be sure to visit the town square, where holiday lights illuminate the iconic church, creating a magical atmosphere.
Amatlán de Cañas: Famous for its community spirit, Amatlán is the perfect place to experience Christmas, thanks to its vibrant holiday lights, performances in the plaza, and Christmas decorations all over town. Visitors can also enjoy ponche, a traditional hot fruit punch, served during cozy gatherings in the town’s quaint plazas.
Ixtlán del Río: A hub of history and tradition, Ixtlán del Río is known for its spectacular holiday parades and markets. Pick up handmade ornaments and festive decorations while savoring buñuelos, crispy fritters topped with cinnamon and sugar.
San Blas: Along the Pacific coast, San Blas is known for its Virgin of Guadalupe Festival, which starts December 6 and lasts for nine days. Each night a different neighborhood organizes a procession to the plaza with dances, floats, and fireworks.
Puerto Balleto: Located on Mexcaltitán Island, this unique Pueblo Mágico is a tranquil retreat where you can experience Nayarit’s coastal traditions. The town comes alive with candlelit boat processions and local delicacies like shrimp tamales.
Returning Favorites: Nayarit’s Veteran Magical Towns
Don’t miss the timeless charm of Nayarit’s original Pueblos Mágicos—Sayulita, Compostela, Jala, and Mexcaltitán—each offering its own holiday magic.
Sayulita: This bohemian beach town is known for its colorful holiday markets and surfside festivities. Catch a local posada or enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve feast of fresh-caught fish and handmade tortillas.
Compostela: Coffee lovers will be enchanted by Compostela, where the aroma of freshly brewed holiday coffee blends with the sweet scent of traditional rosca de reyes, a festive pastry enjoyed during Epiphany.
Jala: Nestled at the base of the Ceboruco Volcano, Jala’s holiday season features folkloric dances, vibrant parades, and community feasts showcasing local corn-based dishes.
Mexcaltitán: Often referred to as the “Venice of Mexico,” this enchanting island town transforms into a holiday wonderland with dazzling lights reflecting off the canals.
Holiday Culinary Delights
No holiday celebration is complete without delicious food, and Nayarit’s Pueblos Mágicos deliver in spades. Visitors can savor holiday staples like tamales, pozole, and atole, alongside regional specialties such as shrimp ceviche, pescado zarandeado (grilled fish), and camotes en mielados (sweet potatoes in syrup). Be sure to try Nayarit’s famous desserts, including capirotada, a spiced bread pudding that’s a holiday favorite.
Arts, Crafts, and Gifts
Holiday shopping takes on a new meaning in Nayarit’s Pueblos Mágicos, where artisans showcase their skills in vibrant markets. From handmade pottery in Jala to intricate Huichol beadwork in Compostela, the towns offer one-of-a-kind gifts steeped in local tradition. San Blas is a treasure trove for coastal-themed crafts, while Sayulita’s markets brim with bohemian-inspired jewelry and textiles.
Celebrate with Music and Dance
Music is at the heart of every holiday celebration in Nayarit. Traditional mariachi bands and banda groups fill the air with festive melodies, while folkloric dancers in colorful costumes bring stories of heritage and faith to life. Travelers can join in the lively bailes populares (public dances) that often spill into the town squares, creating unforgettable moments of connection and joy.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re seeking a quiet, reflective holiday or a vibrant cultural celebration, Nayarit’s Pueblos Mágicos offer an array of experiences for every type of traveler. Explore cobblestone streets lined with festive lights, partake in age-old traditions, and enjoy the genuine hospitality of the locals who make every visitor feel like family.
How to Get There: Nayarit’s Pueblos Mágicos are easily accessible from Tepic International Airport or Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Once you arrive, rent a car or use local transportation to visit the towns.
Where to Stay: Accommodations range from boutique hotels in Sayulita to cozy inns in Jala and Compostela. For a unique experience, consider staying in Puerto Balleto, where waterfront lodging offers spectacular views.
The Magical Towns of Nayarit invite you to rediscover the true meaning of the holidays: community, tradition, and joy. Whether it’s lighting a candle during a posada, savoring a warm cup of atole, or dancing under the stars, the holiday spirit shines bright in every corner of Nayarit’s Pueblos Mágicos.
