Every Christmas season, Mercado de San Juan de Dios is turned into a Winter Wonderland.

Well, pretty much minus the Winter part.

Let’s say it transforms into a Christmas Marketplace, without all the messy snow and sub-zero temperatures.

To me, it just isn’t Christmas without a visit to the Mercado de San Juan de Dios at this time of year.

If you are looking for a baby Jesus, this is the place. With or without swaddling clothes. In a wide variety of sizes and colors.

Of course, everything you need to build a Nativity scene can be found — whole armies of Wise Men and Shepherds with their sheep. More camels than found in the desert. There are more Manger designs than you’ll find housing options in a typical planned community. Tiny scraps and bits of sod, hay, and scrub will fill out the landscape.

And for your tree! Miles of garland in a rainbow of colors. A billion bangles and bulbs to hang from your tree. And trees! Yes! Real ones and look-like-real ones. And poinsettias, too. Boughs of pine and twinkling lights. Electric sparkling gewgaws that play “Silent Night.”

And if your timing is good, you can pause for a delightful live concert, like the one by Mariachi Sonidos de Mexico today.

Naturally, the rest of the Mercado is alive and hopping. Delicious food stands, clothing for all ages, sporting goods, hats and sombreros, electronics, shoes, and boots.

And now, for your listening pleasure, Mariachi Sonidos de Mexico:

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