Christmas Tamales Tradition: Explained

Published on December 20th, 2022
Updated on November 20th, 2025

 HOW DID TAMALES BECOME A CHRISTMAS TRADITION?

It’s tamale time! Goldbelly is one hot tamale this season, shipping warm bundles of corn masa filled with sweet or savory goodness to spread Christmas cheer nationwide. This Mexican comfort food has deep cultural roots and is a must-have for major holidays, especially Christmas. And with their cozy, hand-held convenience, tamales make the perfect portable snack for busy holiday travelers.

What is a Tamale?

A tamale is made from masa—a soft corn-based dough—filled with a variety of savory ingredients like beans, cheese, pork, seasoned meats, or vegetables, as well as sweet options such as coconut, pineapple, or raisins. The filled masa is then wrapped and steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf, creating the ultimate hand-held snack or meal. Tamales are also incredibly versatile and can be made to suit special diets, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

How Did Tamales Become a Christmas tradition?

Tamales have been eaten for centuries — the Mayans, Aztecs, Incas, Toltecs, and Olmecs ate them — and corn had a special place in Mesoamerica. These bundles of corn were offered as sacrifices to the gods as many believed corn was used by the gods to make humans.

The time-honored tradition of making — and eating — Christmas tamales begins before Christmas. It extends through the 12th day of Christmas. The fun begins on December 12, which is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Mexican holiday that commemorates when the Virgin Mary appeared before a peasant, Juan Diego, in the 16th century. The feasting ends on January 6, which is Epiphany, the last day of Christmas and the day the three kings visited Jesus after his birth. 

During this nearly month-long period, tamaladas (tamale making parties) are held, and families and friends come together to make Christmas tamales with a variety of fillings like chicken and Hatch chiles, black beans and cheese, and even newer creations like El Charro Cafe’s Vegan Hazelnut Dessert Tamales. These hazelnut tamales are made with hazelnuts, hazelnut spread, and a dash of cinnamon. Tamale making isn’t just reserved for Christmas. Talamadas are also held before important celebrations like wedding anniversaries and baptisms.

How to Eat a Tamale

Eating a tamale is easy, just unwrap the corn husk like a little Christmas present and enjoy the delicious masa and filling inside. Tamales make a wonderful addition to Christmas dinner or a convenient, flavorful snack for holiday travels. For an extra punch of flavor, many tamale lovers top them with tomatillo sauce or rich red chile sauce.

Most Famous Tamales

The most famous tamales are Christmas tamales from Texas and beyond. Let the pros do the work this holiday season and treat yourself to ready-to-taste tamales shipping nationwide!

Read More: Traditional Christmas Foods Across America

Be a ho-ho-hot tamale. Ship classic Christmas tamales nationwide with Goldbelly to everyone on your list.