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Quick Answer
Mexican food shines at holiday parties. Tamales are the iconic Christmas tradition. For Thanksgiving, turkey tacos and cranberry salsa are crowd-pleasers. New Year's Eve calls for a festive taco bar and margaritas. All holidays benefit from easy-to-serve appetizers like nachos, taquitos, and guacamole.
Whether you're hosting Christmas dinner, a Thanksgiving feast, or ringing in the New Year, Mexican-inspired dishes bring warmth, flavor, and festivity to any gathering. Here's your complete guide to holiday entertaining with tortillas, tamales, and all the trimmings.
Christmas & Las Posadas
The Tamalada Tradition
In Mexican culture, families gather for tamaladas—tamale-making parties—in the weeks before Christmas. It's a communal tradition where everyone helps spread masa, add fillings, wrap, and steam tamales. The result? Dozens (or hundreds!) of tamales for Christmas Eve and beyond.
Traditional Mexican Christmas
- • Tamales - Pork, chicken, cheese, sweet
- • Pozole - Hominy soup with pork or chicken
- • Bunuelos - Crispy cinnamon sugar treats
- • Champurrado - Thick chocolate atole
- • Ponche Navideño - Warm fruit punch
- • Romeritos - Dried shrimp in mole
Tex-Mex Christmas Dinner
- • Enchiladas - Red or green sauce
- • Tamales - Store-bought is OK!
- • Mexican rice - Festive red color
- • Refried beans - Topped with cheese
- • Guacamole & chips - Appetizer station
- • Tres leches cake - Dessert
Hosting Tip:
Don't have time to make tamales? Order from a local tamale vendor or Mexican restaurant. Focus your energy on sides, decorations, and enjoying time with family. Nobody will judge store-bought tamales!
Thanksgiving with Tortillas
Why Tex-Mex Thanksgiving Works
Tired of the same turkey and stuffing? A Tex-Mex Thanksgiving feeds large crowds easily, accommodates picky eaters with DIY taco bars, and offers a fun twist that guests remember. Plus, turkey makes amazing tacos!
Turkey Taco Bar
- • Shredded turkey - Toss with taco seasoning
- • Warm corn & flour tortillas
- • Cranberry salsa - Cranberries + jalapeño
- • Stuffing quesadillas - With leftover stuffing
- • Sweet potato mash - Topped with pepitas
- • Green bean casserole nachos - Trust us!
Mexican-Inspired Sides
- • Elote (street corn) - Festive and colorful
- • Jalapeño cornbread - Replaces rolls
- • Chorizo stuffing - With peppers and onions
- • Black bean salad - Fresh and light
- • Chipotle mashed sweet potatoes
- • Mexican hot chocolate - Drink option
Cranberry Salsa Recipe (Quick!)
1 bag cranberries + 1 jalapeño + 1/2 bunch cilantro + 1/4 onion + juice of 1 lime + 2 tbsp sugar. Pulse in food processor. Let sit 30 minutes. Perfect on turkey tacos!
New Year's Eve Fiesta
Ring in the New Year
New Year's Eve calls for finger foods, champagne (or sparkling margaritas!), and food that keeps guests energized until midnight. A festive taco bar and appetizer spread does exactly that.
Appetizers
- • Loaded nachos
- • Taquitos with dipping sauces
- • Queso fundido
- • Shrimp cocktail
- • Mini tostadas
- • Sopes trio
Late-Night Bites
- • Street tacos (build your own)
- • Birria tacos with consomé
- • Quesadillas station
- • Breakfast tacos for late crowd
- • Chilaquiles bar
Drinks
- • Sparkling margaritas
- • Champagne with hibiscus
- • Mexican martini
- • Palomas
- • Midnight champagne toast
- • Coffee bar for late night
12 Grapes Tradition
In Mexican and Spanish culture, it's tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight—one for each chime of the clock. Each grape represents a month of good luck in the new year. Set out small bowls of grapes for guests as midnight approaches!
Easter Brunch
Easter Brunch Menu
- • Huevos rancheros station
- • Chilaquiles bar
- • Breakfast tacos
- • Fresh fruit with chili-lime
- • Champurrado or Mexican hot chocolate
- • Conchas and pan dulce
Traditional Mexican Easter
- • Capirotada - Mexican bread pudding
- • Romeritos - Dried shrimp cakes in mole
- • Tortas de camarón - Shrimp patties
- • Chiles rellenos - Stuffed peppers
- • Lentil soup - Lenten tradition
- • Fish tacos - Friday tradition
Easy Holiday Appetizers
These crowd-pleasers work for any holiday gathering—Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving appetizers, New Year's Eve, or Easter brunch.
Hot Appetizers
- • Queso fundido - Melted cheese with chorizo
- • Taquitos - With multiple dipping sauces
- • Mini quesadillas - Cut into wedges
- • Jalapeño poppers - Cream cheese filled
- • Nachos supreme - Build-your-own station
- • Mini tamales - Bite-sized
Cold Appetizers
- • Guacamole trio - Classic, mango, roasted garlic
- • Seven-layer dip - Always a hit
- • Shrimp cocktail - Mexican style with lime
- • Ceviche - In cucumber cups or tostadas
- • Fresh salsa trio - Verde, roja, pico
- • Elote dip - Street corn flavors
Holiday Party Quantities
| Item | 10 guests | 25 guests | 50 guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamales (if main) | 25-30 | 60-75 | 120-150 |
| Tortillas (taco bar) | 30-40 | 75-100 | 150-200 |
| Chips (appetizers) | 2 bags | 5 bags | 10 bags |
| Guacamole | 3 cups | 7 cups | 14 cups |
| Meat for tacos | 3-4 lbs | 8-10 lbs | 16-20 lbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tamales ahead of time?
Yes! Tamales freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Steam them frozen for about 30-40 minutes until heated through. Or refrigerate up to 5 days and re-steam for 15-20 minutes.
How do I keep food warm for a party?
Use slow cookers on "warm" for meats, beans, and queso. Wrap tortillas in foil and keep in a 200°F oven. Chafing dishes work for larger parties. Make guacamole last by pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface.
What Mexican food works for vegetarian guests?
Plenty! Cheese enchiladas, bean and cheese tacos, vegetable fajitas, cheese quesadillas, rice and beans, chile rellenos, guacamole, sopes with beans, and most appetizers like nachos and queso.
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