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ALL DEC: Campeche's Historical Festival - Campeche, Campeche. Throughout December the city of Campeche celebrates its Historical Festival which includes great concerts, popular arts, food fairs, children activities and much more.

DEC 1-15: Chiapas Fair - Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. This is Chiapas’ most important fair. It includes bullfights, horse races, motocross, cockfighting, cultural and sporting events, crafts, agricultural exposition and more.

DEC 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception - All Mexico. This is a religious ceremony during which pilgrims visit the many sanctuaries around Mexico that are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, during which pilgrims walk in processions to the shrines carrying candles and floral offerings. Events take place all over the country and particularly on Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun. They usually last for several days with thousands of visitors flocking to the island for the celebrations which include music, processions and fireworks.

DEC 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe) - All Mexico. One of the most important holidays in Mexico during which millions of travelers converge on the Mexico City Basilica of the country’s patron saint in a pilgrimage to pay tribute to Mexico’s patron saint. The square in front of the Basilica is a stage for singing, dancing and celebration.

DEC 16-23: Posada and Piñata Fair (Feria de la Posada y Piñata) - Alcoman, Mexico. The “Posadas” procession is an annual celebration near Mexico City. Among the piñatas on display are those made from clay, traditional models with seven points that symbolize the seven deadly sins, and those made from cardboard with popular children's designs. Workshops in piñata-making are also offered.

DEC 16-24: Posadas - All Mexico. Processions recreating Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, in which people holding candles go door to door to seek shelter. Festivities include piñatas, Christmas caroling and special foods and sweets.

DEC 23: Festival of the Radishes (Festival de los Rabanos) - Oaxaca, Oaxaca. Local artisans and sculptors set up stalls around the main square to display their elaborate pieces of art--made entirely from radishes! The local crop is used for creating Nativity scenes and famous Mexican figures. Balloons and birds crafted from local flowers add even more color.

DEC 24: Las Calendas - Oaxaca, Oaxaca. The districts of Oaxaca City prepare floats and costumes for processions held throughout the city. The parades feature marmotas (translucent paper spheres lit from within and carried aloft on poles) and giant paper mache people whose arms flop around as the people hidden inside dance.

DEC 31 - JAN 1: New Year's Eve - All Mexico. The New Year is welcomed with great gusto in towns, cities and villages throughout Mexico with many celebrations and events continuing until dawn on New Year's Day. Traditional celebrations include live music, dancing, fine food and incredibe fireworks displays. Celebrations in Mexico City and the coastal city of Acapulco are particularly popular with visitors.