Christmas In Oaxaca for Families

JOURNEYS' Christmas holiday trip in Oaxaca (Wa-HA-kuh) offers more color and hands-on fun than anywhere else in the Americas.

This trip begins in charming Oaxaca City in the heart of the high valley, continues with a breathtaking flight across the Sierra Madre del Sur to the coast, and concludes in Huatulco, known for its dramatically beautiful shoreline and secluded bays.

The over-the-top pageantry of December 23 features parades of giant papier-mache heads and competitions between artists who create sculptures from 7-pound radishes. This day alone would make the trip worthwhile, but you'll enjoy one delight after another from the moment of arrival. Sample Oaxaca's exotic fruit popsicles in flavors ranging from lime to tamarind to jamaica (ha-MY-ca). Learn from weavers and woodcarvers and try your own hand at painting those whimsical wooden animals that Mexicans call alebrijas (ah-lay-BREE-has). Learn from a Mexican grandma how to cook tortillas, tamales, and Mexican hot chocolate. Explore Monte Alban, the first urban center of ancient Mesoamerica, visit a coffee farm, and swim, snorkel and star gaze.