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.
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.
This year you’ve decided to switch things up and forego the annual festivities “back home.” Instead, you’ve come to the sunny destination of Playa del Carmen to celebrate the holidays. Yet, you’d still like to enjoy some of the traditions such as Christmas dinner and light gazing.
Whether you’re looking for festive restaurant menus or you’re cooking a holiday feast in the comfort of your own vacation home, this is the list for you! Discover top options for Menus de Navideña, take out holiday meals, and jolly activities in Playa del Carmen. Not to mention, we’ve included the best places to ring in the new year and even where to find organic brisket.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that in Mexico, Christmas is celebrated on December 24th. So the Menus de Navideña we’re listing here are being served Christmas Eve. Also, in most cases, there is a deadline for reserving or ordering your holiday meals. Therefore, it’s best to call ahead to secure a booking or pick up order. Felices fiestas!
Celebratory Christmas Menus
DolceSalato
(Calle 26 between 5th & 10th Avenue)
This charming eatery features a blend of Italian and Peruvian cuisine. DolceSalato’s team goes above and beyond to connect with the community and its visitors by providing excellent menus and warm service for special occasions.
For the Christmas Eve 3-course meal, there are two seatings, the first at 6 p.m. and the second at 8:30 p.m. Vegan options are available, as well as a kids menu. To reserve your seat, call 984-205-4657.
The Admiral
(Aviacion Avenue in the Plaza Mi Carmen)
The Admiral, a high-end sports bar on the city’s south end, is co- hosting an important event with Foodies of Playa del Carmen on December 23. They will be serving a turkey dinner with all of the fixings, plus a glass of wine or beer to benefit a local family in need. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event, which is at 7:00 p.m.
La Vagabunda de la 38
(Calle 38 on the corner of Calle Flamingos)
The atmosphere is always a lively one at La Vagabunda and for sure, Christmas Eve will be full of festive cheer. For their menu Navideña, they will serve a three-course meal, with entree of your choice, as well as soup and a dessert. One drink is included and there will be live music throughout the evening. Reservations can be made by call (984) 176-3143.
Zitla
(Calle 12 between 15th & 20th Avenue)
Always a crowd pleaser, Zitla is geared up to spread holiday spirit on the night of your Christmas Eve feast. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome cocktail, followed by an exquisite brisket dish, accompanied by a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage. Lastly, a creamy cheesecake drizzled with a berry coulis is sure to be an ideal completion to a memorable meal. To reserve your table, call (984) 231-9471.
The Lost Tiki
(20th Avenue between Calle 4 & 6)
Everyone is family at The Lost Tiki and all are invited to their 5th Annual Home Alone Christmas Party. A live DJ will set the tone with holiday sing-a-longs and music that is made for dancing. Plus, there will be Christmassy cocktails, and festive food— a night that is sure to be a merry and memorable occasion. The fun begins at 5 p.m. and reservations are recommended as space is limited.
Lara & Luca
(Aviacion Avenue on south end of town)
A local delight since 2016, Lara & Luca is meticulous about the dishes they create, and their Cena Navideña menu is no exception. To start, the exceptionally friendly staff will present an artichoke dip. Next, a traditional turkey dinner is accompanied by pancetta, silky mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and their famous bread. Last but not least, is a blissful berry tart with mascarpone cream and white chocolate. This festive meal is available for dine-in our take out, but reservations are required and can be made at (984) 176-3305.
Alux
(Benito Juarez between 65th & 70th Avenue)
This fine-dining cave experience is unparalleled as far as unique settings. This is a rare opportunity to celebrate Christmas in an underground cave, amidst ancient stalactites showcased by ambient lighting.
The 4-course meal includes a salad, appetizer, beef steak and prawn entree, and dessert. Furthermore, 5-star servers provide a glass of Moet Chandon with the meal.. A vegan 4-course menu is also available with a roasted cauliflower dish as the main course. Live entertainment features a DJ and saxophonist for your listening pleasure. For more details or to reserve a table, contact Alux via WhatsApp at +52 (984) 158-3840.
Staying In For A Cozy Christmas Dinner
If you prefer to dine in the comfort of your own home away from home, there are delicious options for catered take out meals. One local is offering oven-baked lasagna packages for 4 -7 people with a choice to add on salad and garlic bread. For more information, call (984) 115-4075.
Similarly, Chef Cynthia Puga is creating catered dishes for pick up and as an added bonus, all orders include a bottle of wine. For example, you can choose from stuffed chicken breast or pork loin, as well as baked lasagna. The meal, which serves 8 people, also includes sides, and dessert. To order your Christmas celebratory meal, message or call (336) 059-7386.
Perhaps you like the idea of preparing your own Christmas feast for your family or friends. Whether you are considering seafood, prime rib, or turkey, you will find fine, organic meats through Ixchel Gourmet. It is recommended that you contact Ixchel Gourmet sooner than later to secure your choice cut of meat or seafood selection. Orders can be placed at +52 (984 212 0804) and can be delivered or picked up.
Playa del Carmen Christmas Events
Villa Navideña
From December 17th to January 7th, the city is hosting a Christmas Village event at the Playa del Carmen fairgrounds. Located on CTM and 75th Avenue, the Villa Navideña will feature an ice rink and light displays. Open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily, this is a family-friendly event for all ages.
Plaza 28 de Julio
Every year, the municipal building grounds become a winter wonderland with brilliant light displays. We recommend grabbing a hot chocolate and walking to 15th Avenue, between Calle 8 and 10. You’ll be awed by the festive decorations, enormous Christmas tree, and all-around spirit of Christmas. In the evenings, vendors set up shop selling traditional treats and trinkets. What’s more, on the weekends, there are often free cultural performances for all to enjoy.
Parque Fundadores
In the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen on 5th Avenue and Benito Juarez, you’ll discover more holiday light displays and free cultural shows. Happening daily, you can enjoy pre-Hispanic dances and the flying men (Papantla de Voladores.) Moreover, seasonal light shows take place within the arches of the iconic Portal Maya statue in the evenings. Plus, near Christmas, the chapel hosts free Christmas choir concerts. The magic of the season is tangible as you stroll through the area and absorb the sensational sights and sounds at this time of year.
We hope you find this list of Playa del Carmen Christmas menus and festive events helpful as you plan for the night. Alternatively, if you require more information such as private chef services, please reach out to a Bric hospitality expert for details. Regardless of where you choose to celebrate this most wonderful time of the year, we wish you a very merry Christmas!