A complete list of the best holiday celebrations, festivals, parades, and local traditions happening this December in Playa del Carmen.

Christmas in Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Holidays in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

December is one of the most festive months of the year in Playa del Carmen. Between beach weather, Christmas celebrations, cultural events, and Virgin of Guadalupe activities, the city comes alive with music, food, parades, and community gatherings.

Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or living here full-time, this guide highlights everything happening this December — organized by date and packed with local tips.

🌟 Major Events in December (At a Glance)

Here’s a quick overview before the detailed calendar:

Dec 1–12: Celebrations for the Virgin of Guadalupe
Dec 4–11: Traditional Posadas begin across neighborhoods
Dec 7: Playa Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Parque Fundadores)
Dec 12: Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (largest day of processions)
Dec 16–24: Official Posada season
Dec 24: Christmas Eve (“Nochebuena”)
Dec 25: Christmas Day (beach brunches + family events)
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve beach parties, fireworks, and 5th Ave events
All December: Art markets, holiday fairs, beach clean-ups, concerts, and hotel events

📅 Playa del Carmen December Events Calendar

🗓 December 1–7

Dec 1–12 — Virgin of Guadalupe Activities Begin

Throughout Playa del Carmen
You’ll see altars, decorations, early pilgrimages, and families walking with candles. The largest events culminate on Dec 12, but early week activities include:

Mariachi music
Community gatherings outside churches
Food stands with pozole, tamales, and atole

Best places to see them:

Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen (near 5th Ave)
Cristo Rey Church (near Parque Fundadores)

You can learn more about the Virgin de Guadalupe and how to participate in the festivities here: https://nasplaya.com/celebrating-the-virgin-de-guadalupe-in-playa-del-carmen-faith-culture-community-december-in-the-riviera-maya/

Dec 4 — Posadas Start Informally

Neighborhood groups often start earlier than the official dates. Expats are usually welcome.
Expect: piñatas, ponche (warm punch), music, small parades, and food.

You can learn more about posadas and how to participate here: https://nasplaya.com/posadas-in-playa-del-carmen-your-2025-holiday-guide-experience-host-or-join/

Dec 7 — Christmas Tree Lighting at Parque Fundadores

Ubicación: Parque Fundadores
Time: Usually 6:00–8:00 PM
The official lighting of Playa’s large Christmas tree, with dancers, choirs, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Great for photos and local culture.

🗓 December 8–15

Dec 8 — Art & Makers Market at Calle 38

A holiday version of the popular craft market.
Find: local artisans, jewelry, eco-goods, and handmade Christmas gifts.

Dec 9–15 — Holiday Beach Clean-Ups

Local groups like Moce Yax Cuxtal and Experience Life host December cleanups.
Great way to get involved and meet people.

Dec 12 — Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Major Event)

Everywhere in Playa del Carmen
This is one of the biggest religious celebrations of the year in Mexico. Expect:

Pilgrimages (called “peregrinaciones”) walking from neighborhoods to churches
Fireworks at night
Mariachi and live music
Food stands and family gatherings

Tip for foreigners: Be respectful around the church areas — this day is extremely important to many families.

🗓 December 16–24

Dec 16 — Official Start of the Posadas

Traditional Christmas parties celebrating Mary & Joseph’s journey.
What you’ll experience:

Piñatas shaped like stars
Ponche (hot fruit punch)
Tamales, pozole, churros
Community singing
Kids performing “posada” skits

These happen in:

Local churches
Schools
Neighborhood blocks
Community centers
Some groups welcome expats — just ask kindly or go with a local friend.

Dec 18–22 — Holiday Market on 5th Avenue

Pop-up booths selling:

Christmas ornaments
Handmade gifts
Mexican chocolates & sweets
Embroidered clothing
Art and souvenirs

Best part: It’s open all day and late into the night.

Dec 21 — Winter Solstice Celebration at Xcaret

Ubicación: Xcaret Park
A cultural event with:

Mayan dance performances
Torch shows
Nighttime ceremonies

Beautiful if you enjoy traditional culture mixed with theater.

🗓 December 24–31

Dec 24 — Christmas Eve (Nochebuena)

The most important Christmas celebration in Mexico.
Expect:

Families gathering late (after 9pm)
Restaurants offering special dinners
Fireworks around midnight
Churches holding midnight mass

Tip: Book holiday dinners early — they sell out fast.

Dec 25 — Christmas Day

Most businesses open around noon; grocery stores may be limited.
Popular expat things to do:

Beach brunch
Catamaran trips
All-inclusive day passes (Hilton, Hyatt, Paradisus)

Dec 26–30 — Post-Christmas Events

Look for:

Food festivals
Outdoor concerts at Parque Fundadores
Pop-up art shows
DJ nights at beach clubs (Mamitas, Martina, Lido)

Dec 31 — New Year’s Eve in Playa (Huge Party Night)

Where to celebrate:

5th Ave street parties
Beach clubs with DJ sets
Mamitas, Coralina, Martina, INTI, Zenzi
Hotels with fireworks
Fireworks along the beach around midnight

Tip: Bring cash — many bars and clubs switch to cover-charge wristbands.

🎁 Bonus: Ongoing Weekly Events in December

Sundays: Free evening performances at Parque Fundadores (dance, music, cultural shows)
Fridays: Live music nights at Lido Beach Club
Saturdays: Organic markets (Kava Kasa, DAC area)
Nightly: Holiday lights & photo spots along 5th Ave

✨ Final Tips for December in Playa del Carmen

Book tours early — this is peak season.
Be patient with traffic and parking, especially on 30th Ave and 10th Ave.
Carry cash, as many Christmas booths don’t take cards.
Watch for cooler evenings (rare but possible) — bring a light sweater.
Respect religious events like the Dec 12 celebrations.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Ventas: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com

Playa del Carmen December Events Calendar (2025 Guide)