10 Things to Do in Mexico City in January

January is part of winter in Mexico City, but the activities don't stop and if you are planning to visit the city during the first month of the year, you can discover the local culture through fairs and festivals. Here are the best options.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Mexico City in January

Metropolitan Cathedral | ©Carl Campbell

If you are planning to visit Mexico City in January, you will find the Mexican winter, which while not too cold, can be a bit windy during the cold days, but it is also an ideal month to discover the local culture through the annual events, many of which are available for the whole family.

Some of the best things to see and do in Mexico City in January include attending the Centro Historico Festival, participating in the Jazz Festival, experiencing Three Kings Day in El Zocalo, attending the season opening at the Tamayo Museum, visiting the International Tourism Festival and getting to know the local flavours at the Feria de la Gastronomia Tipica.

1. Get to know the culture of Mexico at the Festival del Centro Histórico (Downtown Festival)

Historic Downtown Festival| ©Milton Martínez
Historic Downtown Festival| ©Milton Martínez

Mexico is a country rich in history and culture and one of the best ways you can find to immerse yourself in it is through the Festival del Centro Historico held in January in Mexico City.

This internationally renowned festival attracts artists, musicians and dancers from all over Mexico and around the world, offering a wide variety of cultural events in the iconic spaces of the city's historic centre. From traditional and modern music concerts, to folkloric and contemporary dance performances, to art and theatre exhibitions, this festival offers something for everyone.

The event also features a number of culinary options that allow visitors to sample some of the most representative dishes of Mexican cuisine. From tacos and tamales to mole and pozole, there is a wide variety of delicious dishes to be enjoyed at the numerous food stalls that line the streets of the historic centre and are often included in gastronomic tours of Mexico.

In addition to being a cultural event, this festival is also an opportunity to explore the city's monuments and historical sites. During the festival, many of the emblematic sites in the historic centre offer guided tours and special activities for visitors, especially the best museums in Mexico City.

Book tickets to take a tour of the Distrito Federal

2. Enjoy the Mexico City Jazz Festival

Jazz Festival| ©salva1745
Jazz Festival| ©salva1745

If you're a jazz fan, there's no better place to visit in January in Mexico City than the Jazz Festival. This annual event brings together some of the best national and international jazz artists in a unique musical celebration that attracts a multitude of jazz lovers from all over the world.

The festival is held in different venues around the city such as concert halls, theatres and jazz clubs, offering a wide range of live music options for all tastes. From traditional jazz to modern jazz, funk and blues, all styles are represented.

However, this festival is not just about live music, you can also attend workshops and masterclasses for musicians of all ages and levels, taught by some of the festival's top artists. Most of these activities are usually held in Polanco, which is one of the best neighbourhoods in Mexico City.

In addition, the festival offers a wide variety of gastronomic options for festival-goers. Near the concerts you will find food stalls and restaurants offering traditional and contemporary dishes that you can enjoy while listening to live music.

Book a food tour in Polanco

3. Experience the opening of the season at the Tamayo Museum.

Chapultepec Forest| ©luuzzy :)
Chapultepec Forest| ©luuzzy :)

If you are passionate about contemporary art, you can't miss the season opening at the Museo Tamayo in January in Mexico City. This event marks the beginning of a new season of exhibitions, where the museum presents the works of some of the most important artists in the contemporary art world.

The Museo Tamayo, located in the Bosque de Chapultepec, is one of the most important museums in Mexico City and is known for its large collection of contemporary art. During the season opening, you can explore the new exhibitions and get a first glimpse of the artists' works that will be presented throughout the year.

In addition to the exhibitions, the season opening at Museo Tamayo also features a wide variety of cultural activities such as artist talks, guided tours, film screenings and live music.

The Museo Tamayo offers a unique experience for those who prefer contemporary art. With a wide variety of exhibitions and activities, the season opening is an ideal opportunity to learn about the latest trends in contemporary art and immerse yourself in the culture of Mexico City.

Book tickets to visit the Chapultepec Castle

4. Take part in a local experience at the National Enchilada Fair

Enchiladas| ©camknows
Enchiladas| ©camknows

If you're looking to experience local culture and gastronomy, you can't miss the Feria Nacional de la Enchilada. This event brings together some of the best chefs and restaurants from all over the country to offer a wide variety of dishes featuring the enchilada, a Mexican dish consisting of a corn tortilla stuffed with meat, cheese, beans, chicken and vegetables and topped with chili sauce.

This fair is very popular with locals and tourists alike, offering a unique and authentic experience of Mexican gastronomy. During the fair, visitors can sample a wide variety of enchiladas, from the most traditional to the most creative and innovative.

In addition to the food, the fair also features a wide variety of cultural activities and live entertainment, such as music, folkloric dances and games for children. It also offers night-time activities, making it one of the best things to do at night in Mexico City.

If you are planning to visit the Mexican capital in January, this event is a unique opportunity to explore the culture and interact with the local community and culinary traditions of Mexico.

Book your place on a night tour in Mexico City

5. Discover this season's premieres at the Jewish Film Festival

Enjoying the cinema| ©Jake Hills
Enjoying the cinema| ©Jake Hills

If you're a film buff, in January you can discover the Jewish Film Festival, an annual event that showcases the season's best new releases. This festival is an ideal opportunity to discover new stories and explore the rich Jewish culture through the big screen.

The Jewish Film Festival takes place in various venues in Mexico City and features a wide variety of films in different genres, from dramas to comedies, documentaries to short films. In addition, the event also features guest directors and actors, providing an opportunity to meet the creators behind the films.

In addition to the selection of films, the Jewish Film Festival also offers a variety of cultural activities, such as talks, workshops and exhibitions, allowing visitors to further explore Jewish culture and its influence on contemporary society.

6. Attend the International Tourism Fair of Mexico

Mexico International Tourism Fair| ©Gobierno de Oaxaca
Mexico International Tourism Fair| ©Gobierno de Oaxaca

The International Tourism Fair, also known as FITUR, is one of the most important events of the year for the tourism industry in Mexico. If you are a travel lover and are looking to learn about the latest trends and tourist destinations in the country, you can't miss this fair in January.

FITUR is an ideal opportunity to interact with tourism experts, tour operators and representatives of different destinations and attractions from all over Mexico. During the fair, you can learn about the latest products and services, participate in activities and workshops, and make contacts with people and companies related to the tourism sector.

In addition to the offer of tourism products and services, FITUR Mexico also features cultural activities such as exhibitions, competitions and gastronomic events, allowing visitors to experience the rich culture and traditions of Mexico.

7. Sample local flavours at the Rosca and Chocolate Fair

Chocolate Fair| ©Dimitri dF
Chocolate Fair| ©Dimitri dF

If during your trip you want to discover the most interesting sweet flavours of Mexico, you can visit the Rosca and Chocolate Fair, where you can taste a variety of typical desserts, such as roscas de reyes, traditional sweet and savoury tamales, and the famous Mexican hot chocolate.

In addition to food, the fair also features a variety of cultural activities, such as live music, traditional dances and fireworks shows. There are also exhibits and workshops that allow visitors to learn more about the history and culture behind the local flavours.

The Rosca and Chocolate Fair is a unique opportunity to experience some of Mexico's most authentic flavours, and is an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in Mexican culture and traditions.

Moreover, you will be able to visit it in a short time since it is not a very big fair, which will be ideal if you are planning a short stay. If that is your case, here is a list of activities to discover Mexico City in 3 days.

8. Experience Three Kings Day in Mexico City

Three Kings Day| ©Jose Javier Martin
Three Kings Day| ©Jose Javier Martin

Three Kings Day is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, especially for children. In Mexico City, this date is celebrated in a special way, with many activities and traditions that make the experience unforgettable.

In Mexico City the festivities begin on the eve of Three Kings Day, when families gather to cut the Rosca de Reyes, a crown-shaped cake that is decorated with frosted fruit.

Inside the Rosca de Reyes, there are one or more little dolls representing the Baby Jesus, and the people who find them are responsible for organising a party for Candlemas Day, which you can enjoy if you plan to stay in Mexico City in February. This is a very fun and exciting tradition for children and adults alike.

In addition to the Rosca de Reyes, there are many other activities in Mexico City to celebrate this day. In the Zócalo, the city's main square, a Feria de Reyes is set up with rides, shows, food and craft stalls. In addition, you can also find parades and processions in different neighbourhoods of the city, where children can see the Three Wise Men in person and receive sweets and gifts.

9. Attend the International Children's and Young Adults' Book Fair

Person Reading| ©Joel Muniz
Person Reading| ©Joel Muniz

If you're planning to visit Mexico City with children, the International Children's and Young People's Book Fair is an event you might want to include on your itinerary. Held every January, this annual festival is one of the most important of its kind in Latin America and attracts writers, publishers and book lovers from all over the world.

This fair offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. You will find book presentations, author talks, writing and illustration workshops and interactive activities for the whole family.

The fair also features a wide range of national and international book exhibitors and publishers, providing a unique opportunity to explore new titles and discover emerging authors. The fairgrounds are located in the delegation of Miguel Hidalgo, which you can reach by public transport or by the hop-on-hop-off tourist buses of the Federal District.

In addition, the fair offers a unique opportunity to promote reading among children and young people. Visitors can participate in activities to encourage reading, meet authors of children's and young people's books, and attend workshops designed to inspire their creativity.

Book tickets for the Mexico City sightseeing bus

10. Visit the Fair of Typical Mexican Gastronomy

Tlalpeño broth| ©Armando Cortez
Tlalpeño broth| ©Armando Cortez

The Feria de la Gastronomía Típica de México is an event that takes place in January and brings together chefs and cooks from all over the country to present the best of Mexican gastronomy in a variety of dishes from all regions of Mexico, from tacos al pastor from Mexico City to tamales from Oaxaca, chiles en nogada from Puebla and seafood from the coast.

At this fair, you will be able to discover Mexico's winter gastronomy, but also dishes from other seasons. In addition, the fair also promotes cultural and artistic activities such as musical shows and exhibitions of regional crafts and textiles.

This event will give you a unique opportunity to get to know the diversity of Mexican gastronomy and experience the cultural richness of the country. In addition, you will be able to support the small businesses and local producers participating in the event.

Temperatures in Mexico City in January

Houses in Mexico| ©Dennis Sylvester Hurd
Houses in Mexico| ©Dennis Sylvester Hurd

Mexico City is a city with a mild climate all year round, although in January, winter is in full swing, so temperatures can be a little cooler. The average temperature ranges from 7° to 21°, which means that days can be cold, especially in the morning and evening, while during the day the sun can be quite warm.

However, the weather in Mexico City in January can be unpredictable, so I recommend that you pack warm clothing, such as coats, jumpers and scarves, but also light clothing for the warmer days. Keep in mind that temperatures can vary drastically depending on the altitude, which is also the case in Mexico City during the summer.

The number of tourists in Mexico City in January

Touring Mexico| ©africankelli africankelli
Touring Mexico| ©africankelli africankelli

January, despite being part of the winter in Mexico, generates an increase in the influx of tourists due to the various cultural events and festivals that take place during that month. It is also a time when many tourists enjoy school and work holidays, making it a perfect time to visit the city.

Although the tourist flow can be high in January, the city has a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury hotels, allowing all tourists to find an option that suits their budget and needs. However, be aware that some attractions may be more crowded than usual.

Prices in Mexico City in January

Money in euros| ©Ibrahim Boran
Money in euros| ©Ibrahim Boran

Prices in Mexico City in January may vary depending on the type of service required and the area of the city where you are located. In general, the capital offers a wide range of options in terms of accommodation, food and entertainment, which allows prices to be affordable for all budgets.

However, you should keep in mind that in January there may be some price increases due to the high tourist demand in the city at this time of the year, especially in accommodation and tourist activities. Therefore, I recommend booking in advance to get better prices and better accommodation and sightseeing options.

What to pack to visit Mexico City in January?

Luggage| ©tookapic
Luggage| ©tookapic

In January the weather can be very changeable in Mexico City, but it is still part of the Mexican winter, so I recommend that you include the following in your suitcase:

  • Warm T-shirt
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Light jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Lightweight trousers
  • Sunglasses
  • Woollen coat
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Wool jumper