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24 Mexican Holiday Recipes Full of Festive Flavor

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These Mexican holiday dishes are full of amazing color and taste. They are a great way to make any special meal feel exciting and new. You can find recipes for everything from main dishes to sweet desserts. Each one brings traditional flavors that are sure to be a hit. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during a celebration.

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Red Chicken Tamales

Several red chicken tamales wrapped in corn husks are arranged on a colorful green ceramic plate with orange and yellow patterns.
Red Chicken Tamales. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

These Red Chicken Tamales are incredibly tasty. Filled with shredded chicken cooked in a savory red sauce and steamed to perfect. Serve with salsa and enjoy! Perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Get Recipe: Red Chicken Tamales

Atole de Avena (oatmeal avena drink)

A cinnamon stick in a red cup of Atole de Avena.
Atole de Avena. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Atole de Avena is a warm, creamy drink made from oatmeal. It is smooth and filling, perfect for a cozy drink.
Get the recipe: Atole de Avena

Instant Pot Chicken Tamales

Instant Pot Chicken Tamales Served in a decorative Christmas platter.
Instant Pot Chicken Tamales. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

You can make Instant Pot Chicken Tamales much faster with a pressure cooker. They are still filled with tender chicken and green salsa.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Tamales

Atole de Guayaba (Guava Atole)

Atole de guayaba (or Guava Atole) served in a mug and placed on a marble surface.
Atole de Guayaba by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Atole de Guayaba is a warm, smooth drink made from guava fruit. It has a sweet, tropical flavor that is very cozy.
Get the Recipe: Atole de Guayaba

Red Pork Tamales

Red Pork Tamales on decorative golden plate surrounded by forks and cilantro, and a single tamal on a white plate with a cilantro leaf on top.
Red Pork Tamales. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Red Pork Tamales are packed with flavorful shredded pork in a red chile sauce. They take time but are worth the effort.
et the recipe: Red Pork Tamales

Pozole Blanco (White Chicken Pozole)

A bowl of Pozole Blanco surrounded by the toppings.
Pozole Blanco. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Pozole Blanco is a simple white chicken and hominy soup. It is a light, hearty dish that is traditional and comforting.
Get the recipe: Pozole Blanco

Chicken Salsa Verde Tamales

A chicken tamal on a corn husk and on a plate next to a fork and salsa.
Instant Pot Chicken Tamales. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Chicken Salsa Verde Tamales are a comforting traditional dish. They are filled with tender chicken and a tasty green salsa.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salsa Verde Tamales

Yucatan-Style Turkey (Pavo Pibil)

A picture of Yucatan-Style turkey on green leaves and surrounded by orange slices.

Yucatan-Style Turkey, or Pavo Pibil, is marinated in a flavorful sauce. It is a very special and delicious main dish for a feast.
Get the recipe: Pavo Pibil

Ensalada Navideña

Ensalada Navideña (or Mexican Christmas Fruit Salad) is a mixture of apples and other fruits covered in a dreamy and creamy dressing. Learn to make this traditional Mexican recipe by watching the VIDEO or follow along the step-by-step tutorial. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Ensalada Navideña. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Ensalada Navideña is a festive fruit salad with apples and a creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish for a big meal.
Get the recipe: Ensalada Navideña

Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)

A close-up of Mexican shortbread cookies on a gold, round plate.
Hojarascas. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Hojarascas are crunchy Mexican shortbread cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar. They have a nice, simple flavor that is perfect with coffee.
Get the recipe: Hojarascas

Mexican Champurrado

Champurrado in a decorative Mexican cup surrounded by a cinnamon stick and Mexican chocolate tablet.
Champurrado. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Mexican Champurrado is a thick, warm drink made with chocolate. It is creamy and comforting on a cool day.
Get the recipe: Mexican Champurrado

Bean Pozole (Pozole de Frijol)

A close-up of a bowl of Mexican pozole verde, showcasing a hearty soup made with hominy, pinto beans, and shredded cabbage. The dish is topped with sliced radishes, jalapeños, and cilantro, with a hint of lime visible on the side. A spoon rests in the bowl, ready to eat.
Bean Pozole. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Bean Pozole is a simple, plant-based soup with hominy and beans. It’s a healthy and filling meal that comes together quickly.
Get Recipe: Bean Pozole

Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)

A hand holds a traditional decorated ceramic mug filled with a hot Mexican drink, garnished with cinnamon sticks. The background features a blurred Christmas tree with glowing string lights.
Ponche Navideño by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Ponche Navideño is a sweet and fruity Mexican Christmas punch. It is warm and filled with pieces of different fruits.
Get the recipe: Ponche Navideño

Beef Tamales

Beef tamales on a white plate topped with red salsa and a cilantro leaf.
Tamales de Res (Beef Tamales). Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Beef Tamales are a classic snack filled with spicy shredded beef. They are wrapped in corn dough and steamed until soft.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tamales

Atole de Elote (Corn Atole)

A cup of atole de elote dusted off with ground cinnamon.
Atole de Elote. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Atole de Elote is a creamy, sweet drink made from corn. It is warm and smooth, with a comforting flavor.
Get the recipe: Atole de Elote

Sweet Tamales (Tamales Dulces)

Tamales Dulces (Sweet Tamales) unwrapped and still in the corn husk.
Tamales Dulces. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Sweet Tamales, or Tamales Dulces, are a dessert version filled with fruit and nuts. They have a sweet taste that is different from savory tamales.
Get the Recipe: Tamales Dulces

Mexican Buñuelos

Bunuelos stacked up on top of each other and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.
Bunuelos. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Mexican Buñuelos are thin, crispy fritters dusted with cinnamon sugar. They are a light and crunchy treat.
Get the recipe: Mexican Buñuelos

Atole de Vainilla (Vanilla Atole)

Hands holding a mug of Atole de Vainilla topped with ground cinnamon and a whole cinnamon stick.
Atole de Vainilla by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Atole de Vainilla is a warm, smooth vanilla drink. It is simple, creamy, and very comforting.
Get the Recipe: Atole de Vainilla

Chicken Mole Tamales

Picture of a chicken mole tamal next to a Dona Maria mole jar, a cup, and a chocolate grinder.
Chicken Mole Tamales. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Chicken Mole Tamales combine rich mole sauce with soft corn dough. The chicken inside soaks up all the complex, spicy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mole Tamales

Pan de Polvo (Shortbread Cookies)

A pile of pan de polvo cookies on a wooden platform.
Pan de Polvo. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Pan de Polvo are soft, crumbly shortbread cookies covered in cinnamon sugar. They are a classic Mexican sweet treat.
Get the recipe: Pan de Polvo

Atole de Fresa (Strawberry Atole)

A cup of atole de fresa served in a white ceramic mug and surrounded by fresh strawberries.
Atole de Fresa by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Atole de Fresa is a pink, creamy strawberry drink served warm. It tastes sweet and fruity, like a dessert in a mug.
Get the recipe: Atole de Fresa

Green Chicken Pozole

A close-up of a spoonful of green chicken pozole, featuring shredded chicken, hominy, and minced cilantro.
Green Chicken Pozole. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Green Chicken Pozole is a stew with chicken, hominy, and a tangy green tomatillo sauce. It is bright, flavorful, and very satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Green Chicken Pozole

Atole de Arroz (Rice Atole)

Atole de arroz served in a mug with a piece of whole cinnamon on top.
Atole de Arroz by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Atole de Arroz is a rich, comforting drink made from rice and milk. It is warm, smooth, and slightly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Atole de Arroz

Pork Pozole Rojo

Pozole Rojo in a white bowl topped with radishes and lime.
Pozole Rojo. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Pork Pozole Rojo is a red stew with tender pork and hominy in a spicy chile broth. It is a deeply flavorful and hearty meal.
Get the recipe: Pozole Rojo

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About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.