Los Cabos Hidden Gems (Part 3): Holiday Season Edition
It’s December in Los Cabos. The pace has started to shift, the evenings are longer, and the region comes alive with festivities. But while the marina fills with visiting yachts and resort restaurants book solid, there’s another side to our holiday season that few visitors discover.
For our third Hidden Gems feature, we’ve lined up six standout spots that make December such a special time of year. From a tucked-away restaurant serving knockout holiday menus to an intergalactic winter celebration that could only happen here, these places prove there’s more than one way to enjoy the season in Los Cabos.
1. ACRE's Candle Making Workshop
ACRE Resort, featured in our first Hidden Gems post for its farm-to-table dining, hosts a variety of activities throughout the season. Their candle-making class is particularly well-timed for December – a perfect opportunity to create special holiday gifts or your own festive home décor.
The two-hour Monday sessions (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM) guide participants through creating three organic soy candles. Materials are premium quality, with essential oils from the Baja. Each class includes a glass of wine and advance booking is essential. You’ll leave with three professionally packaged candles, ideal for gifting or setting the mood for holiday gatherings.
If candle making isn’t your style, ACRE’s seasonal calendar includes sustainable jewelry crafting, Spanish lessons, Drink and Paint sessions, or their popular fitness and ice bath wellness experiences.
2. Santa Paws at Eclectic Array
Book your holiday photo session at Flora Farms in San José del Cabo on December 7th (10am to 12pm). Bring kids, pets, or come solo for photos with Santa in a beautiful farm setting. With professional photography, these shots will ‘wow’ your friends and family when you send out your holiday cards this year. These are not your standard Christmas mall photos, so come early as spots with Santa are first-come, first-served.
Behind this festive initiative is Eclectic Array Boutique, a brand reshaping ethical fashion in Los Cabos. Beyond holding this annual event, the shop is known for selling handmade products that ensure liveable wages for local artisans and sustainable practices that strengthen the community. Through their partnerships and fair labor standards, they’ve established themselves as leaders in ethical business here in Los Cabos.
And the best part? All donations from this community event support Casa Sheila, a local pet rescue organization that’s dedicated to advocating for animal rights. They have free sterilization campaigns throughout the region to help lessen the amount of stray dogs and cats in the streets. Join in on this heartwarming cause by bringing pet food, cleaning supplies, collars, leashes, bedding, towels, or make a monetary donation – everything counts.
3. Whale Watching
It’s December, which means humpback whales are returning to Los Cabos as they migrate from Alaska to breed in Baja Sur’s warmer waters. These 40-ton mammals are known for their acrobatic displays – breaching, tail slapping, and fin slapping – making them even more exciting to spot in the wild.
Cabo Adventures operates 2.5-hour luxury whale watching tours on their French-made catamarans, which allow you to get up close with whales just off the coast. The experience includes gourmet appetizers and an open bar – perfect for unwinding between whale sightings while taking in the views of the Pacific. This December activity works well for families, friends, or even nature lovers flying solo.
4. Space Xmas
Crania in San José del Cabo is pushing holiday celebrations into the future with Space Xmas on December 13th, their “intergalactic winter celebration.” This isn’t your traditional holiday party – it’s where festivities meet cutting-edge entertainment, creating something entirely new for Los Cabos.
Known for blending art, technology, and music, the venue is an out-of-this-world experience where top-tier DJs and live performances meet spectacular visuals. The result? A holiday celebration that breaks every convention while keeping the spirit of the season alive.
Whether you’re into electronic beats, alternative sounds, or just want to experience something different this December, Space Xmas is a fun escape from typical Christmas events. Here, you’ll enjoy holiday food, drinks, and entertainment in a way that could only happen in San José del Cabo.
5. Christmas Dinner at YAYA
Here in Mexico, the main Christmas celebration happens on December 24th – Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). Families gather for late dinner, often lasting past midnight into Christmas morning. This tradition usually goes hand-in-hand with music, dancing, drinks, and passing around dishes of food to share.
YAYA at Chileno Bay Resorts & Residences is the go-to spot among residents for a family-style Christmas Eve dinner. The restaurant hosts a traditional Mexican holiday feast, with a menu featuring seasonal ingredients in classic preparations. Expect nothing less than the expert execution YAYA is known for. The space itself, with its warm lighting and contemporary design, is an upscale yet comfortable setting for this special evening.
6. Christmas Brunch at Mezcal
Navidad (Christmas Day) has a slower pace than Nochebuena. After the main celebrations on December 24th, Christmas Day is all about relaxed gatherings with loved ones and recovery.
Mezcal at Montage Los Cabos is the perfect place to embrace this tradition through their Christmas Day brunch. The menu features traditional Mexican breakfast items, a raw bar, tapas, fresh produce, and wood-grilled selections, followed by holiday desserts.
Father Christmas even makes an appearance for the kiddos during brunch. The combination of quality food, service, and setting fits well with the laid-back nature of Navidad.
Beyond Hidden Gems: More to Discover
Los Cabos has endless hidden gems for those willing to venture beyond the expected. Our advice? Take time to explore the quieter neighborhoods, where you’ll find intimate restaurants serving seasonal Méxican cuisine and local venues hosting traditional posadas and other festivities. Follow local businesses on social media – they’re often the first to announce pop-up events, markets, and holiday gatherings.
December’s weather creates ideal conditions for discovering new spots. Spend an evening exploring San José del Cabo’s Art District, where boutique shops and art galleries are extra charming during the holiday season. In our experience, the best experiences often come from taking an unexpected turn.
At South House Real Estate, these local hotspots go far beyond just knowing where to eat and drink. We use this same approach to help clients find exceptional properties, whether it’s a family home with untapped potential at Tortuga Bay or an investment opportunity at Casa Nima, one of the most exclusive new communities in the region. Like the hidden gems in this series, the most compelling real estate often requires knowing where to look. Contact us today to start exploring homes in paradise.
This is Part 3 of our Hidden Gems series. If you liked these insider spots, stay tuned for more of Los Cabos’ best-kept secrets.
