🗞️ Need-to-Know Update
New Year’s energy is building across Mexico, and tourism boards are reporting strong holiday and early-2026 bookings for cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende. Expect festive plazas, extended museum hours, pop-up markets, and large fireworks shows.
If you’re traveling during this time, book key reservations early and allow extra time for transportation.
Health note: Holiday weeks put added pressure on hospitals. Visitors and new residents should make sure they have private health insurance. Brett LaMar offers flexible short- and long-term coverage options specifically for travelers, nomads, and expats.
💸 Money Matters
Holiday season pricing is here, but Mexico remains more affordable than the U.S. and Canada for New Year’s travel:
- NYE prix-fixe dinners: $45–$120 USD
- Boutique hotels in high-demand cities: 20–35% higher than October/November
- Domestic flights for early January: Prices often drop once holiday travel cools
January tip: January is one of the best months to secure long-stay rentals at lower rates once holiday travelers leave.
✨ Mexico Living Tip
How to thrive during New Year’s celebrations in Mexico:
- Walk or use rideshare — traffic becomes gridlocked in tourist centers
- Book restaurants early to avoid late-night chaos
- Bring a light jacket (even coastal towns cool down after midnight)
- Expect fireworks in neighborhoods well past 12 a.m.
- Colonial towns often ring church bells at midnight and again at dawn
🩺 Health & Insurance Highlight
Featuring Brett LaMar
Many travelers assume their home-country health insurance covers them abroad — it does not. Holiday travel brings busy airports, crowded beaches, and higher accident rates.
Why people trust Brett LaMar:
- Licensed insurance agent since 2019
- Over 10 years living in Mexico (7 in Puerto Vallarta, 3 in Querétaro)
- Plans for expats, travelers, digital nomads, retirees, and families
- Same-day coverage options available
- English-language support and claims guidance
➡️ If you’re visiting or relocating in 2026, secure your coverage before you arrive.
🌆 City Spotlight — New Year’s Celebrations Across Mexico
🎆 Mexico City — Zócalo & Paseo de la Reforma
Concerts, fireworks, and major public gatherings transform the capital into one giant celebration.
🎇 Puerto Vallarta — Bay Fireworks & Malecón Festivities
Hotels and boats launch coordinated fireworks across the bay, with an all-night promenade along the Malecón.
✨ San Miguel de Allende — Jardín Principal Countdown
One of Mexico’s most picturesque New Year’s moments beneath fireworks and the iconic Parroquia.
🕯️ Mérida — Historic Center & Mérida Fest Atmosphere
Cultural performances and community gatherings fill the plazas as Mérida Fest approaches in early January.
🎉 Guadalajara — Plaza Liberación & Centro Histórico
Live music, food stalls, and a welcoming, family-friendly celebration of Jalisco culture.
🍽️ Food of the Week — Buñuelos
A New Year’s classic — crisp, golden fritters served with warm piloncillo syrup.
In some regions, the clay plate is broken afterward, symbolizing leaving the old year behind and welcoming abundance.
🎉 January & Early-2026 Events to Add to Your Calendar
- 🎭 Mérida Fest 2026 (Jan 5–18, 2026) — Concerts, theater, dance, visual arts, and literary events
- 🐎 Fiesta de San Antonio Abad (Jan 17 – Nationwide) — Blessings for pets and livestock
- 🎭 Mérida Cultural Season (Late January) — Ongoing exhibitions and neighborhood festivals
- 🌷 Tulipán Holandés (Early–Mid February, Atlixco) — Spectacular tulip fields
- 🚴 Gran Fondo Mazatlán (Feb 8, 2026) — Scenic 70 km and 130 km cycling routes
⭐ Spotlight on Mexico’s Icons — The 12 Grapes Tradition
At midnight, many families eat 12 grapes, each representing a wish for each month of the new year. It’s a simple, meaningful way to set intentions for 2026.
⚖️ Legal & Residency Corner
If you’re planning to start your Mexican residency process in 2026, January is ideal:
- Offices are less crowded
- Appointment availability is better
- Many professionals recommend having international health insurance already in place
This is why relocation specialists frequently partner with Brett LaMar Insurance — his plans are structured specifically for expats.
📣 Call to Action
🎆 Visiting Mexico for New Year’s or planning a move in 2026?
Make sure your health insurance is built for Mexico’s healthcare system.
👉 Get a quote from Brett LaMar, trusted by expats, travelers, and long-stay visitors.
📚 Read past MexicoFlow newsletters:
https://brettlamar.com/newsletter/?source=wifi
🌮 Fun Foodie Fact
Many Mexican families eat lentejas (lentils) on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to symbolize abundance and prosperity for the coming year.
✍️ Until Next Week…
Mexico is vibrant, full of celebrations, and ready to welcome a new year. Whether you’re traveling or settling in, explore safely — and confidently.
Warmly,
Brook & Brett LaMar
🎥 Brett’s YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrettLaMar