10 Places to Enjoy Christmas with a Rental Car in Toluca

Christmas in Toluca and its surroundings has a special charm: colorful traditions, unique landscapes, and an atmosphere that invites exploration. If you're planning a different kind of holiday season, here's a list of the best places to make the most of this unique time of year. From "Pueblos Mágicos" (Magic Towns) to natural wonders, Toluca and its surroundings have it all.

1. Tour the Christmas decorations

During the December holidays, Toluca transforms into a visual spectacle. The Plaza de los Mártires dazzles with lights, giant trees, and a market full of handicrafts and traditional snacks. Don't forget to visit Los Portales and the Toluca Cathedral, which with their festive lighting seem to come straight out of a storybook. A drive through these streets will make you feel the magic of Christmas in the capital of the State of Mexico.

2. Experience a gastronomic tour

Toluca is also famous for conquering palates. You can't miss trying the famous green chorizo, the "tacos de plaza," or an exquisite hot mushroom soup. According to the specialized site Food and Pleasure, some must-try restaurants are:

• Apapacho, for a contemporary cuisine experience.
• Amaranta, where the traditional and the modern merge in an explosion of flavor.
• La Escondida, the ideal space if you are looking for a corner in the middle of nature.

A gastronomic tour is not only delicious but also a way to connect with authentic Mexican culture.

3. Delve into the museums of Toluca

Toluca de Lerdo also has a solid cultural offering that is worth exploring at any time of the year. From the Museum of Fine Arts, with its colonial architecture and national works, to the Watercolor Museum, unique in its kind in Mexico. If you are interested in history and archeology, the Museum of Anthropology and History will fascinate you with pre-Hispanic and paleontological pieces.

4. Metepec: a magical corner

Just a few minutes from Toluca, you will find Metepec, a Pueblo Mágico that you cannot miss. Its cobblestone streets, ceramic workshops, and the famous Tree of Life are a reflection of Mexican creativity and artisan tradition. During December, the town is filled with lights and Christmas markets that make it even more charming.

5. Valle de Bravo: nature and adventure

Less than two hours away from Toluca, Valle de Bravo awaits you with its beautiful lake, water sports, and colonial streets. You can take a boat ride, walk among its forests, or simply enjoy the views from the La Peña viewpoint. It is a perfect plan for those looking to relax and connect with nature during the Christmas season.

6. Discover the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Just an hour from Toluca, the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary will amaze you with thousands of monarch butterflies that cover the trees at this time of year. It is a unique spectacle that combines natural beauty and a spiritual halo that is rare among tourist destinations. This experience is ideal for families, couples, or any nature lover.

7. Malinalco: history and mysticism

Malinalco also awaits you with its picturesque streets and its impressive archaeological zone sculpted into the mountain. This is another Pueblo Mágico that you must visit. During the Christmas holidays, Malinalco is illuminated with cultural events, processions, and local markets. It is a perfect place to disconnect from the routine and immerse yourself in history.

8. El Oro: a hidden treasure

Nestled in the mountains, El Oro de Hidalgo is a destination that shines with its historical architecture and romantic air. You cannot miss your visit to the Juárez Theater, and stroll through the Brockman Dam. You can also simply enjoy its charming cobblestone streets. This Pueblo Mágico, about two hours from Toluca, is ideal for a December getaway.

9. Connect with Mexico City

By renting a car in Toluca, you also have the flexibility to explore Mexico City in total comfort. In addition, you can rent a car at any of our locations in the central part of the country and return it to any other at no additional cost. For example, you could rent a car at the AIFA (Felipe Ángeles International Airport) and return it at the Toluca airport, the AICM (Mexico City International Airport), or the Angel of Independence.

Here are three places you can't miss:

• Historic Center: The epicenter of the city's history and culture.
• Xochimilco: A trajinera ride to enjoy the beauty of the canals.
• Chapultepec: A vast park full of museums and activities for the whole family.

With a rental car, moving between Toluca and Mexico City has never been so easy and convenient.

10. The Nevado de Toluca: the grand finale

End your tour with a visit to the imposing Nevado de Toluca, also known as Xinantécatl. During December, this volcano is covered in snow, creating picture-postcard landscapes. The Sun and Moon lagoons are a sight not to be missed. If you decide to venture out, bring warm clothes and enjoy the road: each curve brings you closer to the magic of nature.

Rent your car with MEX and enjoy Toluca as you deserve!

Christmas is the perfect time to discover Toluca and its surroundings. Whether you venture on a gastronomic tour, visit magical towns, or marvel at natural landscapes, this region has something special for everyone. Plan ahead, reserve your car, and get ready to experience an unforgettable holiday season in one of Mexico's most surprising destinations.