Christmas in Mexico is primarily celebrated as a religious holiday in traditional homes and rural areas. Families observe a nine-day novena leading up to Noche Buena or Holy Night on December 24th. Homes have Christmas trees and streets have lights. Children play with piñatas and eat candies, oranges, and apples. The Mexican Christmas season starts on December 12th and ends January 6th, with Christmas Day falling on the 25th when children open presents.