Christmas in Cabo: Your Guide to a Holiday Long Weekend in Mexico's Most Timeless Locale

December 21st

Arrive at San Jose del Cabo International Airport mid-day. Don't be distracted by the car rental agencies and taxi companies calling to you as you exit the terminal. Your private car service will be awaiting you just outside the airport doors! Craving an ice-cold Pacifico even before you meet your driver? Don't fret, Fisherman's Bar sits directly at the exit of the airport and serves as an excellent meeting place for families reuniting for the holidays as well.

Hang those stockings in your beautiful hotel room and head to the sparkling pool where you'll indulge in fresh guacamole and Palomas as you get settled in. You may notice that many of Los Cabos' finest hotels do not have swimmable beaches due to the rough ocean conditions in the region. However, the attention lavished on their pool spaces instead will wow even the biggest beach bums.

As the sun sets, journey into the heart of San Jose del Cabo for the enchanting San Jose del Cabo Art Walk. Between the months of November and June, this event is held each Thursday from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Lively local vendors and performers will line the avenues of Main Street. You'll be able to purchase last-minute holiday gifts for loved ones back home as well as sentimental ornaments to adorn next year's tree. Once your pockets are full, make sure to venture deeper into the color-filled back streets tucked behind the square. This is where you'll find the sophisticated galleries and shops that truly capture the spirit of San Jose del Cabo.

End your evening in the Gallery District with dinner at local favorite, La Lupita Taco and Mezcal. Don't be fooled by the casual feel of this cantina; it will be packed with hungry Art Walk goers, and advance reservations are a must. As a self-appointed tortilla soup connoisseur, their tortilla soup made from shrimp broth is truly one of my favorites. But don't sleep on the "La Gringa", "El Takeshi", and "Mushroom & Cactus" tacos either-- they will blow your mind!

Get a good night's sleep tonight; the real festivities begin tomorrow!

December 22nd

Eat a light breakfast this morning. Today you'll make your way into the northern hills of San Jose del Cabo for a salsa making class at the exquisite Flora Farms. This stunning, 25-acre property is a fully organic farm that contains not only the world-famous Flora Field Kitchen. You'll also find the Farm Spa, Flora Farms Grocery, the Shoppes at Flora Farms and the Culinary Cottages. Your culinary host will begin with a meandering tour through the farm's fields and flower beds before returning you to your personal cooking station. You'll sip on refreshing "farmaritas" while learning to expertly prepare salsa tatemada, rosemary guacamole, and handmade corn tortillas. If you're skeptical of your own cooking skills, the event will end with a farm-prepared spread of fish tacos, rice and beans, fresh salads and key lime pie. Don't forget to pick up an apron from Flora Farms Grocery as a holiday souvenir on your way out!

There's no doubt you'll be full from the morning's non-stop cooking and eating. Slow down this afternoon and let things digest while you enjoy a spa treatment or walk along your hotel's coastline.

When you've worked up an appetite again, you'll conclude today with a late dinner at Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. Concealed within the confines of the swanky treehouses on the property, this restaurant is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and innovative cocktails. I've eaten at Acre more times than I can count. I'd never pass up the chance for their fried Brussels sprouts, scallop tostada and fresh seafood pastas. Sip on a "Green is Good" signature cocktail as the night ends with a walk around their vast grounds, complete with resident peacocks, chickens, and other friendly livestock.

December 23rd

After a leisurely morning, your private car service will transport you to the Bahia Hotel & Beach House in the center of downtown Cabo San Lucas. The Bahia Hotel is home to SUR Beach House, where I'd recommend reserving a set of sun loungers for the late morning and afternoon. Located along a small area of swimmable coastline, SUR Beach House's sun-drenched shore boasts unparalleled views of the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Take a dip in the warm waters of the sea as you enjoy mellow beats from the in-house DJ. Enjoy Baja oysters, black aguachile ceviche and their signature passionfruit habanero margaritas. Families are welcome at SUR. Those looking to entertain little ones, or more adventurous adults, will surely take advantage of the kayaks, paddleboards and banana boats available for rent from the Beach House staff.

When you've had your fill of the sun, return to the hotel for a quick siesta and freshen up. Tonight, you'll return to Flora Farms for their annual Pizza and Bubbles event. A dinner hosted on December 23rd and/or 24th in honor of Christmas. Local bands will serenade you with your favorite holiday songs, while large screens scattered across the lawns will play classic holiday films. Of course, the star of the show is the food, which on this evening consists of an unimaginable spread of charcuterie, local cheeses and vegetables, made-to-order pizzas from their wood-fired grills, a delightful dessert table and unlimited champagne.

If your eventual itinerary does not align with this event, I still highly recommend dinner at Flora's Field Kitchen. Note, they are not typically open for dinner service on December 25th.

December 24th

While your family and friends back home spend today watching the holiday roasts in their ovens, you'll spend the day watching the majestic humpback and gray whales. These magnificent sea animals migrate through Los Cabos each winter. You'll enjoy a nearly 3-hour private tour with Whale Watch Cabo, a company that I've personally selected for their eco-friendly approach and employment of marine biologists as guides. Your adventure, which launches from the Cabo San Lucas Marina, will include a covered whale-watching boat, guaranteed and up-close whale sightings, marine hydrophones that will allow you to hear the whales "singing" to one another underwater and gorgeous photographs of you and your loved ones enjoying this experience. After animal experiences like safaris in South Africa and wolf trekking in Yellowstone, I can truly say that this was one of my most inspiring animal encounters.

Once you've docked in the marina, spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the bustling streets of Cabo San Lucas. As the sun sets, you'll make your way to The Office on the Beach, located in nearby Medano Bay. The festive streamers dangling from the overhead palapa, brightly colored linens adorning the tables and versatile PuraVida band will set the perfect tone for your beachfront Christmas Eve dinner. While eggnog may not be on the menu, a few of their house-made Margaritas will have you feeling in the holiday spirit. With only steps separating you from the water, you'll be merrily feasting on fresh seafood favorites like deep-fried whole red snapper and octopus with Ajillo sauce.

Visions of sombrero'd sugar plums will be dancing in your head tonight as you lay your head down to sleep in anticipation of Christmas Day tomorrow!

December 25th

If you're not already staying at the Montage Los Cabos, their annual Christmas brunch at Mezcal will serve up the perfect way to welcome the holiday. Complete with traditional Mexican breakfast offerings, a champagne and Bellini bar and a visit from Santa Claus, this meal will fill your holiday bellies and hearts. Afterward, you'll be ready to return to your hotel for exchanging gifts and one last (not-so-polar) plunge in the pool. Late this afternoon, you'll head back to San Jose del Cabo International Airport for your evening flight home.

Note: As a travel advisor, I always recommend considering flights on the night of a holiday. Not only are the prices slightly lower, but these flights still give you plenty of time to celebrate while also allowing you to escape the day-after holiday crowds.