Christmas Dinners and Festive Activities in Playa del Carmen: 2024 Edition

If you plan to celebrate Christmas in Playa del Carmen this year, this article offers festive dinner options and activities for a unique blend of tropical vibes and holiday cheer. There is no shortage of holiday magic in the Riviera Maya. Enjoy the warm weather, holiday lights, and local traditions that make this destination truly magical. From beachfront feasts to lively festivities, your Christmas in Playa del Carmen will be one to remember!

 

Christmas Eve Dinner

 

For Mexicans, the big day for gathering to celebrate happens on December 24th. For this reason, Christmas dinners are held on Christmas Eve. Therefore, keep in mind that you will not find many celebratory meal options, if at all, on the 25th as you might be accustomed to. 

 

Casa Sofia Playacar

Plaza Paseo Coba MZ3 Loc PB225, Av.Aviación

 

 

Casa Sofia is presenting a 4-course meal with an Italian twist featuring choices from the sea or prosciutto-wrapped steak for the entrees. This restaurant has plenty of seating and is family-friendly with a children’s play area. Included with your dinner ticket is a Christmas show beginning at  9pm. 

 

INTI Beach

(On the beach between Calle 4 & 6)

 

This Christmas, INTI Beach invites you to enjoy unique moments with your loved ones surrounded by great music, culinary delights, and a tropical atmosphere. The seaside eatery never fails to impress with its curated holiday dinners and entertainment. Due to its central location, INTI is a leisurely walk from the majority of Bric’s vacation rentals.

 

La Brocherie

(15th Avenue between Calle 4 & 6)

 

 

This charming eatery is serving a French-inspired, 3-course meal with enticing options such as the French classic Duck Confit, Salmon with a passion fruit glaze, or beef entrees including their specialty, Boeuf Bourguignon. There are 3 seatings and reservations can be made via WhatsApp at +52 (984) 117-7210.

 

The Admiral Sports Bar

(Diagonal Aeropuerto in Playacar Fase II)

 

 

Without a doubt, this high-end sports bar, beloved by locals, is sure to be a good time. The Admiral is serving up two 5-course options— one traditional dinner and one Australian meal. The first presents the usual festive favorite, a turkey dinner with all the fixings. Alternatively, for those seeking to step outside tradition, the Australian selection includes succulent seafood plates. In addition to the 5 courses, both are accompanied by a welcome drink and glass of wine or beer. 

 

La Perla Pixan

(Calle 38 in between 5th Ave & Calle Flamingos)

 

 

This gem is offering a mouthwatering selection of elevated entrees in an a la carte menu style. From mesquite wood-roasted turkey and oven roasted pig to a vegan-friendly sweet potato pastry or Romeritos. This green leafy vegetable, steamed and then bathed in a mole sauce, is a Christmas staple in traditional Mexican homes. La Perla’s talented chef is pairing the Romeritos with a lobster tail and baby potatoes to complete the dish.  

No matter which of the 4 decadent selections you choose, you will receive a welcome Christmas cocktail as well as a glass of ponche, a typical seasonal beverage.

 

Lara y Luca

(Avenida Aviacion, Playacar Fase II)

 

 

A highly rated dining experience any time of the year, Lara y Luca is presenting 2 Christmas feast options- one dine-in and one take-out. If you choose to dine at the restaurant, there are 3 courses with 3 entree selections — oven-roasted turkey, prawns in a vermouth sauce, or a beef fillet. Whereas the take-out dinner includes only the oven-roasted turkey option, plus sides, an appetizer, and a slice of tiramisu for dessert. 

 

4 Elementos Bistro

(Calle 38 & Flamingos)

 

 

A meal at 4 Elementos Bistro is more than just dinner, it’s an experience. You are invited to a night like no other, where ancestral Mayan culture fuses with the magic of Christmas. Choose from exquisite selections from the a la carte menu as you become immersed in a spectacular ceremonial performance incorporating rituals of Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water.

 

Bloomfood

(20 Avenue between Calle 38 & 40)

 

 

Chef Cisco is well-respected throughout the Playa del Carmen community. His company has been offering this Christmas dinner pick-up service for 5 years now. Therefore, you can count on their expertise for a timely pick up order prepared to perfection. 

The dinner is a choice between 2 entrees including a smoked roast turkey, plus a variety of 10 delicious sides such as mashed potatoes, yams, creamed corn, and mac and cheese. In addition to the main dish and sides, the festive feast comes with bread, dessert, and a starter, all for a very reasonable price. Orders must be placed soon by WhatsApp (+52 984-154-1466) to guarantee availability. 

 

Christmas Activities in Playa del Carmen

 

Skating in the Plaza

(15th Avenue between Calle 8 & 10)

 

 

Not only has the city decorated its massive Christmas tree in the heart of Plaza 28 de Julio, but they have also built a small ice skating tent for a family-friendly Christmas activity. Visitors can embrace the magic of the season by touring the light installations featuring thousands of brilliant bulbs illuminating the plaza. The ice skating tent is open from 6pm to 11pm daily throughout December and is free to enter. 

 

5th Avenue Holiday Walk 

 

 

Along Playa del Carmen’s most famous street, La Quinta Avenida, you can discover a whimsical scene bursting with festive decor. Tunnels of sparkling lights and Christmas-themed ornaments provide an inspiring seasonal ambience while perusing the quaint shops and eateries which line the street. 

 

Parque Fundadores 

 

 

On the south end of 5th Avenue, where the beach town’s iconic Portal Maya structure stretches tall, framing the Caribbean Sea, is Parque Fundadores. The vibrant downtown square, decorated with festive displays, serves as a lively gathering place for both locals and travelers. Besides the Christmas lights, you can enjoy daily cultural performances that are free to the public.  

 

Christmas Eve Mass

 

 

Adjacent to Parque Fundadores on 5th Avenue stands La Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Carmen. The charming chapel offers a serene and peaceful ambiance, even amidst the bustling surroundings. On Christmas Eve, La Capilla hosts an evening mass, often accompanied by a choir singing traditional Christmas hymns. Due to its limited seating capacity, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.

For those seeking a larger venue, the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, located on 15th Avenue, provides ample space for attendees. A traditional Christmas Eve mass is typically held at 10:00 p.m., welcoming worshippers to celebrate this joyous occasion.

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As 2024 comes to a close, Playa del Carmen offers the perfect blend of festive cheer and coastal charm to make your Christmas truly special. From traditional meals to unique activities, Playa del Carmen promises a Christmas filled with warmth, joy, and unforgettable experiences. So gather your loved ones, soak up the festive vibes, and make this holiday season one to remember in the heart of the Riviera Maya.