Guadalajara events & things to do in December 2026
Start with Bosque Los Colomos, Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, plus Tonalá markets. December in Guadalajara averages 25°C / 77°F highs, 7°C / 45°F nights, and about 2 rainy days.
Expect 25°C/77°F days and about 2 rainy ones in December. Start with these:
- Bosque Los Colomos★ 4.8 · 30.4k reviewsThe urban forest in Providencia has shaded paths, gardens, water features, stables, and a Japanese garden.
- Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres★ 4.7 · 9.1k reviewsThe 1952 circular monument honors notable Jalisco figures with columns, statues, and garden space beside the cathedral.
- Kali UchisDec 2Auditorio Telmex · Source: Ticketmaster
30% off a Going membership when you plan your trip.
By TripSapien Research · Updated June 3, 2026
Guadalajara in December 2026
Weather
TempTemperature
77°F / 45°F
25.2°C / 7.1°C
RainPrecipitation
2d
0.3in · 8mm
LightDaylight
10.8h
December is dry with chilly nights, so carry a layer for plazas and evening mariachi.
Events & festivals
Event calendar- Dec 1 – Dec 31
The "FIL" takes place from late November to early December in Guadalajara.
Planning lead · dates set closer in · Source: Month Signals
- Dec 1 – Dec 31
Christmas
A Tapatío Christmas tradition that you may witness if you're in Guadalajara over the holidays is known as "Las Posadas" (The Inns).
Planning lead · dates set closer in · Source: Month Signals
- Dec 4
Show all 10 events for December
- Dec 5
- Dec 5
- Dec 5
- Dec 10
- Dec 11
- Dec 12
- Dec 16 – Dec 24
Las Posadas in Guadalajara
A traditional Tapatío Christmas celebration where children and families reenact the journey of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter, with neighborhood parades, singing, and community gatherings.
Planning lead · dates set closer in · Source: festival research
Holidays, observances & long weekends
Holiday and observance schedules can affect services and venue hours; confirm each place directly.
- Dec 12Day of the Virgin of GuadalupeBank holiday
- Dec 25Christmas DayPublic holiday
- Dec 25-Dec 27Long weekend with bridge day
About Guadalajara
City overview
Guadalajara is the highland capital of Jalisco where mariachi, tequila country, colonial plazas, murals, ceramics, and a modern tech-and-university economy share the same metro map. The practical visitor route runs from Centro Histórico and Hospicio Cabañas to Avenida Chapultepec, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, Providencia, and Zapopan.
Food & drink
Guadalajara food is Jalisco-specific: tortas ahogadas, birria, carne en su jugo, pozole rojo, jericalla, tejuino, tacos dorados, and tequila or raicilla. Mercado Libertad, Santa Tere, Las Nueve Esquinas, Avenida Chapultepec, Tlaquepaque, and Zapopan restaurants make the first food map.
Top sights
Ranked for December suitability using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1Tonalá markets
- 2Mercado Libertad - San Juan de Dios
- 3Guadalajara Cathedral
- 4Hospicio Cabañas
- 5Teatro Degollado
- 6Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento
- 7Zapopan Basílica
- 8Tlaquepaque and El Parián
1Tonalá markets
4.6★ · 35,454outdoorClosed Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri/SatTonalá is a craft town on the metro's east side with pottery, glass, furniture, metalwork, and large Thursday and Sunday markets. It is more sprawling and wholesale-feeling than Tlaquepaque.
2Mercado Libertad - San Juan de Dios
4.4★ · 92,092outdoorOpen dailyThe huge market building dates from the late 1950s and fills several levels with food stalls, leather goods, electronics, sweets, and everyday shopping. It sits east of the Cathedral near Plaza de los Mariachis and Hospicio Cabañas.
3Guadalajara Cathedral
4.8★ · 46,697indoorOpen dailyThe cathedral was begun in the 16th century and consecrated in 1618, while its current neo-Gothic towers followed earthquake damage in the 19th century. It anchors the cross of central plazas beside the Rotonda, Palacio de Gobierno, and Teatro Degollado.
Wikipedia
Show 3 more sights
- 4Hospicio Cabañas
- 5Teatro Degollado
- 6Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento
Neighborhoods
1Centro Histórico
The center is ceremonial and walkable, with the Cathedral, Teatro Degollado, Hospicio Cabañas, plazas, Palacio de Gobierno, Mercado Libertad, and mariachi routes.
2Americana, Lafayette, and Chapultepec
This west-central belt is social and leafy, with Avenida Chapultepec bars, cafes, galleries, old mansions, restaurants, and nightlife.
3Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is craft-focused and festive, with pedestrian streets, ceramics stores, El Parián, galleries, mariachi, and tequila tasting rooms.
Day trips
60km / 1h by car or tourist train from Guadalajara
Tequila
The town is the namesake center of tequila production, with agave fields, distillery tours, tasting rooms, and a compact plaza.
55km / 1-1.5h by car or bus from Guadalajara
Lake Chapala and Ajijic
México's largest lake adds waterfront towns, Ajijic galleries, lakeside restaurants, and a cooler escape from the metro.
45km / 1h by car from Guadalajara
Guachimontones
The Teuchitlan archaeological site is known for circular stepped pyramids, ball courts, and views over the Valles region.
Getting around
SITEUR light rail, Mi Macro bus rapid transit, buses, taxis, rideshares, and the Mi Movilidad card cover the metro, though Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, and Tequila still reward car or organized transfer planning. Centro Histórico is best walked in daylight, with Avenida Chapultepec and Tlaquepaque handled as separate evening zones.
Planning a Guadalajara trip?
Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs in December.
Common questions about Guadalajara in December
- What to pack for Guadalajara in December
Pack for December's weather, not a generic Guadalajara checklist.
- Layerable daytime clothes for average highs around 25°C / 77°F.
- A heavier evening layer because nights average 7°C / 45°F.
- Sun protection and comfortable walking shoes; rain is usually limited this month.
- How many days do you need in Guadalajara
- 4 days covers the main Guadalajara highlights at a realistic pace. Add 3 extra days if you want the listed day trips.
- Is Guadalajara worth visiting in December
- Yes. December in Guadalajara averages 25°C / 77°F highs, 7°C / 45°F nights, and about 2 rainy days.
Ready to plan Guadalajara?
You've seen what's on — now get a day-by-day Guadalajara plan for December 2026, every place checked for your exact dates.