In this guideAboutDate & TimeWhat to ExpectGetting ThereWhere to StayHistoryFAQ
Noche de Rábanos returns Wednesday, December 23, 2026 in the historic center of Oaxaca City.
For one evening each December, artisans and horticulturalists transform oversized radishes into elaborate sculptures inspired by Oaxaca’s traditions, architecture, religious scenes and everyday life.
The celebration takes place in and around the Zócalo of Oaxaca de Juárez and is one of the city’s signature Christmas-season traditions.
DATE
Dec. 23, 2026
LOCATION
Oaxaca Zócalo
2026 HOURS
To be announced
AIRPORT
OAX
About the Festival
What is the Night of the Radishes?
The Night of the Radishes, or Noche de Rábanos, is an annual Oaxaca Christmas tradition in which participants create intricate scenes and sculptures using unusually large radishes cultivated specifically for the celebration.
Thousands of residents and visitors gather around the Zócalo to view the temporary works. Displays often depict village celebrations, markets, religious scenes, historic buildings, calendas, traditional dances, animals and scenes from everyday life.
RADISH
Radish Sculptures
Detailed scenes carved and assembled from specially cultivated radishes.
FLORA
Flor Inmortal
Intricate works made with dried everlasting flowers, known locally as flor inmortal.
MAIZE
Totomoxtle
Figures and scenes created with the dried outer husk of corn.
2026 Planning
Date, time and location
Wednesday, December 23, 2026 is the confirmed annual event date. The main celebration takes place in the Zócalo / Plaza de la Constitución in Oaxaca’s historic center.
The exact 2026 visitor timetable has not yet been confirmed. For planning context only, the official 2025 celebration opened to visitors from 3:00 PM.
Good to knowExpect the historic center to become increasingly busy as the afternoon and evening progress. Confirm the official 2026 program closer to December.
Visitor Experience
What to expect at Noche de Rábanos
The event draws large crowds into Oaxaca’s historic center. Displays are arranged around the central plaza, and visitors move past individual entries to view the sculptures up close.
- Expect crowds. Noche de Rábanos is one of Oaxaca’s best-known December events, and the Zócalo becomes very busy.
- Arrive before peak evening traffic. Earlier arrival gives you more time in Centro before the busiest part of the evening.
- Explore on foot. Centro is best experienced on foot during major events when streets and vehicle access can become congested.
- Allow extra travel time. Road restrictions, pedestrian traffic and holiday-season congestion may affect transportation around Centro.
OAX TRIP PLANNER
Flying in for Night of the Radishes?
Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) is the main gateway for visitors flying into the city. Travel first to Centro Histórico, where the Zócalo and event activities are located.
Where to Stay
Stay near Oaxaca’s historic center
For travelers attending Noche de Rábanos specifically, staying in or near Centro Histórico is usually the most convenient choice. A central hotel lets you walk to the Zócalo and reduces your dependence on vehicles when streets are especially busy.
History
How did the Night of the Radishes begin?
The formal Night of the Radishes competition dates to 1897, although its roots are associated with Oaxaca’s Christmas markets and the creative presentation of produce by local horticulturalists.
Over time, carving radishes became a formal annual competition and one of Oaxaca’s most distinctive seasonal traditions. The event later expanded to recognize works made with flor inmortal and totomoxtle while maintaining a strong focus on Oaxaca’s cultural identity.
Event Planning Questions
Night of the Radishes FAQs
Find answers to common questions about Noche de Rábanos 2026, including the event date, location, visitor hours, transportation from Oaxaca Airport and where to stay.
2026 Event
Dec. 23
When is the Night of the Radishes 2026?
The Night of the Radishes takes place on Wednesday, December 23, 2026. The celebration is traditionally held every December 23, immediately before Christmas Eve.
Where is Noche de Rábanos held?
The event takes place in the Zócalo, or Plaza de la Constitución, in the historic center of Oaxaca de Juárez.
What time does Night of the Radishes 2026 start?
The exact 2026 visitor schedule has not yet been confirmed. In 2025, Oaxaca’s tourism authority announced public access from 3:00 PM; use that only as a recent planning reference until the official 2026 program is published.
What are the sculptures made from?
The best-known entries are created from oversized radishes. The celebration also includes works made with flor inmortal and totomoxtle, the dried outer husk of corn.
When did the Night of the Radishes begin?
The formal annual competition dates to 1897. Its history is connected to Oaxaca’s traditional Christmas markets and the practice of horticulturalists creatively displaying their produce.
Where should I stay for Noche de Rábanos?
Staying in or near Centro Histórico is especially convenient because the event takes place in the Zócalo and much of the surrounding area is easily explored on foot.
How do I get from Oaxaca Airport to Night of the Radishes?
Travel first from Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca City’s historic center. Private airport transfers, airport taxis and rental cars are available. See our Oaxaca Airport Transportation guide for current options.
2026 Update Watch: This guide will be updated when official 2026 visitor hours and detailed program information are released.