By Michelle da Silva Richmond
It’s that time of year again and what better way to celebrate Christmas and welcome the new decade than to experience our award-winning seaside resort for the occasion!
We’ll be offering a festive atmosphere with the largest Christmas tree in town as a glittery centerpiece for our customized Christmas and New Year’s menus and festivities, highlighted by time-honored Mexican rituals.
Christmas celebrations in Mexico are marked by diverse traditions and attractions, which – combined with the sunny weather, good food and friendly residents found here – drive thousands of tourists south of the border this time of year.
Celebrating Christmas –
Posadas, a longstanding tradition carried out nightly during the Christmas season in Mexico are both a religious and social celebration, honoring the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Typically carried out December 16 – 24, they are one of the most impressive holiday customs staged throughout Mexico. Originally created by Spanish Conquistadors to teach the Aztecs the story of the birth of Jesus, they coincided with the nine-day Fiestas del Sol, celebrating the birth of the Aztec Sun God, Huitzilopochtli.
In keeping with tradition, we will host a festive posada on December 23, treating you to a true fiesta – complete with Mexican carols. The Posada will culminate with children breaking a colorful piñata, which will be overflowing with candy and toys for the kids, and gift certificates for Gem Spa treatments, guestroom upgrades and more for the adults. The fun begins on the Sunset Terrace at 6:45 p.m.
All resort restaurants will showcase traditional Christmas Eve and Christmas Day fare, ensuring that you’ll be savoring the holiday dishes you’re accustomed to along with some customary Mexican treats.
Ringing in the New Decade
We’ll be ready to welcome 2020 with a host of celebrations guaranteed to kick off a successful decade!
We’ll start with a two-hour “Ice Breaker,” reception on the 4th floor foyer, starting at 8 p.m. After that you’ll be ushered into the Grand Coral Ballroom and treated to “Eden, a Mystical Celebration,” where you’ll find yourself enveloped by nature and a magical “Sea of Flowers.” The scene will be enhanced by a Hi-Tech video mapping experience as the backdrop to an international buffet with award-winning signature dishes. Leading the list of choices: an ice-bar with lobster, King Crab, crab claws, oysters, prawns and an array of local seafood. For meat-lovers we’ll have a selection of tender steak and juicy prime rib, while pasta-lovers can indulge in tasty favorites. Live flambé stations will feature decadent desserts and themed coffees.
A colorful array of live entertainment and cold indoor fireworks will usher in the New Year, topped off by sparkling Methode Champenoise for the traditional toast with 12 grapes for good luck and party favors.
The beat will go on till 2 a.m. when another round of tasty Mexican “staples” will be unveiled featuring chilaquiles, tamales, tacos and other Mexican plates, complemented by a beer bar.
On New Year’s Day the Viña del Mar will host a champagne brunch, kicking off your taste buds – and 2020 – with a whole new round of tempting dishes highlighted by our legendary Mexican hospitality.
As we say in Mexico: Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!