🌴 Cast Your Vote for the Best Beach Club in Tulum

🌴 Good morning Insiders! The holidays are definitely upon us with tree lighting ceremonies, choral performances and even The Nutcracker Ballet making it’s annual return to the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa. You can look for me there!

Also in today’s Riviera Maya Insider:

• Vote for Tulum’s best beach club

• Bacalar hosts 1st Grill Festival

• Celebrating the Virgin de Guadalupe

• Can’t miss holiday fun in Playa del Carmen

All this and more brought to you with support from The Daily Upside, Google AdSense, Josephine’s Jungle Dining and our featured local business Timeless Beauty.

SPONSORED BY TIMELESS BEAUTY

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For example:
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✨ Gift Certifcates are available for any value you choose.

Gift Certificates are valid in both Timeless Beauty locations, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras. Perfect for your partner, your best friend, a work colleague—or even yourself. Whether you choose a subtle refresh or a full rejuvenation plan, every treatment with Dr. Luigi is personalized to look effortless and refined.

This is a limited time offer, valid until December 20. Take advantage of this special holiday offer by contacting Dr. Luigi via whatsapp: +52 984 140 9337 or email [email protected].

Give the gift everyone secretly wants: a holiday glow-up that looks beautifully, naturally you.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our beautiful Photo of the Week, taken by Ruby Mouradian Fernandez, reminds us that paradise is not always peaceful. You can find her work on Instagram at @ruby.martes and meet her in person at the Paamul Art Show this weekend.

📸 If you would like to see your photo featured here, follow and tag @rivieramayainsidermx on Instagram or send it to [email protected].

IN THE NEWS

News from the Riviera Maya and beyond. You don’t have to know everything—but you should know something. Here are a few stories that caught my eye in the news last week.

🛒 La Comer Opens 1st Qroo Location in Tulum
One of Mexico’s most recognized upscale supermarket brands has officially opened in Tulum—marking La Comer’s first expansion into the southeast and signaling a new phase of competition in the local grocery market. The company invested more than 1.1 billion pesos into the new store, which now sits just steps away from the existing Chedraui Selecto. With tourism shifting and prices a constant discussion point in Tulum, this new opening could reshape shopping options for residents and visitors.

🍗 Popeyes Is Coming to Mérida
With KFC, Church’s, Flamante, Mitica, and Mary Brown’s already competing, Mérida’s fried-chicken scene just got even hotter. Louisiana-style fried chicken is officially on its way to Yucatán. Popeyes is building its first Mérida location in La Castellana, just behind Galerías Mall and Vía Montejo, marking a major new player in the city’s growing “chicken sandwich wars.” The U.S. chain plans to open more than 300 restaurants in Mexico by 2035, and Mérida is part of that rollout.

⛸️ Playa del Carmen Opens the Largest Ice Rink in Quintana Roo
Playa del Carmen will be adding something magical to the holiday season: the largest ice skating rink in the entire state, opening December 12 at Plaza 28 de Julio. The rink is part of the city’s Magical Christmas 2025 program, turning the plaza into a free, family-friendly winter scene with lights, décor, and nightly entertainment. If you’re in town this month, swing by, lace up and brag to your friends about skating in the Riviera Maya!

🌎 Yes, the Yucatán Does Shake — Three Quakes in One Day
Yucatán woke up to surprising seismic activity last week after three shallow earthquakes rattled the south of the state within 24 hours. According to Mexico’s National Seismological Service, the strongest registered 4.1 near Ticul, shaking nearby towns and startling residents just before midnight. Quakes like these are rare in the peninsula, long believed to be “earthquake-free,” yet history shows otherwise. December 5 now stands as the most seismically active day in Yucatán’s modern history.

🏃‍♂️ Tulum’s Half Marathon Breaks Records
Tulum just hosted its largest running event yet, with 2,500 athletes from Mexico, Canada, the U.S., and beyond taking part in the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K races. Now in its third edition, the Tulum Half Marathon has officially set a state participation record and is rapidly positioning itself among the most important sporting events in the Mexican Caribbean. Runners followed scenic routes through Jaguar Park and along the coast—catching sunrise views of the Caribbean

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ICYMI

These were the most popular new stories from last week’s newsletter.

🚭 Mexico Moves Toward Strict Vape Penalties
Mexico’s Health Commission has advanced a major reform that would impose 1–8 years in prison for producing, selling, or distributing vapes and electronic cigarettes. But a single word in the draft—“acquisition”—has triggered immediate backlash…

🪸 Xcaret Earns Major Certification for Coral Conservation
Grupo Xcaret just received official ALPZA certification for its Coral Conservation Program — placing it among the most advanced marine restoration efforts in Latin America…

NOTES ON NAPKINS

Fun for foodies of all kinds! Here are some of the delicious gastronomic offerings that caught our eye and tempted our palate this week!

🎄 Christmas in the Jungle at Josephine’s

Why not celebrate Christmas Eve a little differently this year. Leave the crowds behind and settle into a warm, intimate evening at Josephine’s in the Jungle with a three-course dinner in a truly magical setting. Imagine soft lights, pretty tables and gentle holiday music in the background. No rush, no chaos, just your friends and family and joy.

With only one seating, the pace is unhurried, so you can savor every course and conversation. Limited to six tables, the atmosphere stays personal and relaxed - perfect for families, couples or dear friend seeking something special. Whether it’s dinner for two or ten, reserve your table now and give yourself the gift of a peaceful and beautifully appointed Christmas Eve.

👉️ WhatsApp +52 984 233 3733 for menus and reservations.

🥩 Bacalar Grill Fest

If you love a good foodie road trip (guilty 🙋‍♀️), Bacalar just gave us the perfect excuse. The very first Bacalar Grill Fest fires up Saturday, December 13 at the gorgeous Blú Beach Club and it’s shaping up to be a serious eating event.

Organized by the Chefs Association of Quintana Roo and CANIRAC, this new festival brings together chefs, pitmasters, and charcoal specialists from Bacalar and Chetumal for a Caribbean-style parrillada along the lagoon. You can expect 16 culinary stands, local producers, live music, artisanal products, family and pet-friendly vibes and stunning lagoon views while you taste your way through it all.

I love seeing Bacalar’s culinary scene grow, and this is exactly the kind of event that celebrates local flavors and talent. It’s also designed to benefit small producers, restaurants, artisans, and even nautical tour operators—who can literally drop you off at Blu Beach Club to join the fun.

📍 Blú Beach Club | Bacalar km 353
📅 Saturday, December 13 | 4 PM – 11 PM
🎟 250 MXN adults | 100 MXN kids 10+ | Pet-friendly

EXPAT LIVING

Sharing local insights, practical tips, and community stories to help you feel at home in Mexico, no matter how long you’ve been here.

🎄 Christmas Fun in Playa del Carmen

If you missed the tree lighting in Plaza 28 de Julio last week, don’t worry—the real fun is just beginning. Playa del Carmen has rolled out its biggest Magical Christmas celebration yet, filling the entire month with free events, family-friendly activities, and plenty of reasons to wander into town and soak up the season.

Plaza 28 de Julio is the heart of it all, hosting concerts, dance performances, Disney shows, live music, and nightly entertainment featuring 500+ local and national artists. More than 100 artisans and small businesses will take part in the celebrations, making this an especially fun time to support local makers, try regional treats, and discover something unique.

One of this year’s showstoppers is the largest ice rink in the state, opening December 12 on Plaza 28 de Julio. Admission is completely free, so lace up and glide under the Christmas lights—no shoveling required. The Nutcracker Ballet will return to the stage at the Teatro de la Ciudad on December 20. This should be a holiday tradition if it isn’t already! On December 21, Fifth Avenue transforms into a glowing river of music and color for the Christmas Parade, one of the most anticipated events of the season. If you love holiday lights, creative floats, and great people-watching, this one’s for you.

Everything wraps up on December 31 at Parque Fundadores, where Playa hosts a neon-themed New Year’s Eve party with DJs, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere to ring in 2026 by the sea. Whether you’re here for the holidays or you call Playa home, there’s something festive happening every weekend—and most nights—through the end of the month. Grab a friend, go explore, and enjoy the magic of Christmas, Playa-style.

TRAVEL TALK

Planning a trip to the Riviera Maya? We will give you the information you need to take your trip to the next level and elevate you from a tourist to a traveler.

🌴 Cast Your Vote for Tulum’s Beach Club!

High season is here, and with it comes one of Tulum’s favorite rituals: choosing the perfect beach club for a day by the sea. The Tulum Times has launched its annual Best Beach Club Poll, giving visitors and locals a chance to crown their favorite spot along one of the most personality-packed coastlines in the Caribbean.

Tulum’s beach clubs are as varied as the people who visit them. Some are quiet and serene, perfect for slow mornings and soft music. Others buzz with DJs, shared tables, and that unmistakable hotel-zone energy. A few lean into gastronomy and design, while others celebrate barefoot comfort, rustic charm, or wellness rituals that make your whole day feel like an exhale.

Everyone has a “beach club identity,” whether they realize it or not. Maybe you’re loyal to the place where you had an unforgettable trip years ago. Maybe you chase curated soundtracks and social afternoons. Or maybe you prefer wide-open space, good food, and a hammock under the palms (RIP Chamico’s). Wherever you fall on the spectrum, your vote helps paint a picture of what people seek in Tulum during winter — calm, connection, community, or celebration.

👉️ Vote for your favorite Tulum beach club here!

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🙏 Virgin of Guadalupe: The Mother of a Nation

Every year on December 12, Mexico comes alive with one of its most heartfelt and celebrated traditions: Virgin of Guadalupe Day. This deeply spiritual event honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, the country’s patron saint and an enduring symbol of Mexican identity and faith. This is also one of the important celebrations leading up to Christmas.

You will find images and statues of the Virgin de Guadalupe are everywhere in Mexico. She is on altars in people’s homes, altars on street corners, posters in mechanic shops and restaurants—ever present and ever loving.

For Mexicans, Our Lady of Guadalupe transcends religion. She is a symbol of identity and resilience, credited with uniting Indigenous and Spanish cultures during colonization. Her image appears everywhere, from homes to public transportation, and she remains a profound source of comfort and pride for many Mexicans.

For visitors, this time is a chance to witness a profound expression of faith and community. The devotion, the color, and the deep connection to history and spirituality make Virgin of Guadalupe Day a uniquely moving experience that lingers long after the festivities end.

Find out more here 👉️ Virgin of Guadalupe Day in Mexico

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

Looking for a way to give back or get involved in your community? There is always some GOOD to do! Let us connect you with reputable non-profit organizations and charities working in the Riviera Maya.

🎄 The Holiday Giving Tree Is Waiting for YOU!

One of my favorite traditions of the season has returned to Puerto Aventuras this season. Every year, Latitude 20° puts up a Christmas tree unlike any other—one covered in  stars, each holding a letter from a child in Alfa y Omega, a small village tucked away in the jungle behind the Puerto Aventuras poblado.

A few wonderful friends—our very own Christmas “Elves”—collect the letters from the village, translate them, and place each one on a star for the community to see. And now the tree is up. The stars are hanging. And the kids are waiting. Everyone is invited to stop by Latitude 20°, choose a star, and fulfill one child’s Christmas wish. If you are not local, you are welcome to send the Elves some pesos and they will do the shopping for you!

The gifts, all beautifully wrapped, will be delivered on January 6th, Three Kings Day, in the village church. If you’ve seen the photos from years past, you know what this day means. Pure joy. Pure gratitude. Pure connection. If you’re looking for a way to make the season more meaningful this year, choose a star and light up a child’s Christmas.

¿QUE PASA?  

Your go-to roundup of local events, festivals, and happenings—so you’ll always know what’s going on and where to be in the Riviera Maya. 

Intl. Philharmonic Orchestra - Tribute to Williams & Zimmer
December 10 | Teatro de la Cuidad ‘Xaman Ha’ | Playa del Carmen | 7PM, 9PM

Playa del Carmen Ice Skating Rink Inauguration
December 12 | Plaza 28 de Julio | Playa del Carmen

Bacalar Grill Festival
December 13 | Blu Beach Club | Bacalar

Paamul Art Show & Sale 
December 13 & 14 | Artist Open House | 12 - 5 PM

Puerto Aventuras Christmas Fest
December 17 | Central Park Plaza | 5 - 10 PM

Puerto Aventuras Traditional Christmas Posada
December 19 | PA Bandstand | Puerto Aventuras | 6 PM

The Nutcracker Ballet
December 20 | Teatro de la Ciudad ‘Xaman Ha’ | Playa del Carmen

Feria Trendy Artisans Market Christmas Edition
December 20 & 21 | PA Bandstand | Puerto Aventuras | 5 - 9 PM

Playa del Carmen Christmas Parade
December 21 | 5th Avenue | Playa del Carmen | 7 PM

Nirvana MTV Unplugged Tribute Concert
December 26 | Museo de la Isla | Cozumel | 7 PM

Do you have information about an upcoming event that you would like to see shared on Riviera Maya Insider? Let us know by replying to this email.

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