2023 Edition of Holiday Festivities and Christmas Menus in Playa del Carmen
12-19-2023
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!