🌴 This Week Is Packed—Here’s What Everyone Will Be Talking About

🎄 Good morning Insiders! It’s definitely starting to feel like high season here on the Riviera Maya. There are tons of fun events and activities going on—too many for me to include in the weekly newsletters. Be sure you are following RMI on Facebook and Instagram where I am posting more events and live music that you will absolutely want to check out!

Today’s newsletter is brought to you with help from FlowKey, The Deep View and Josephine’s. Be sure to check them out!

TRIVIA TIME

🎄 Trivia Time – A Christmas Tree Mystery

The holiday season has officially arrived on the Riviera Maya. Between posadas, markets, concerts, and Christmas lights popping up all over town, it’s the perfect moment to test your festive knowledge. Christmas traditions vary across Mexico, and even something as simple as decorating a tree can look a little different from what many of us grew up with.

You will find the answer at the end of this email! Did you get it right? We will have another brain-teaser for you next Thursday. Share this newsletter with all your Trivia-loving friends!

WEEKEND WEATHER

The weekend forecast is projected for Playa del Carmen. The Riviera Maya is notorious for its microclimates. If you are in another part of the region, your weather may vary.

⛅ Weekend Weather Outlook

Thursday (Dec 4)
87 🌡️ 74 | ☁️ → 🌦️ (some late-day showers possible) | ~23% | 💨 SE 7 mph (6 knots)

Friday (Dec 5)
85 🌡️ 74 | 🌤️ → 🌦️ (passing showers) | ~50% | 💨 ESE 7 mph (6 knots)

Saturday (Dec 6)
86 🌡️ 76 | 🌤️ with sun-cloud mix | ~10% | 💨 SE 7 mph (6 knots)

Sunday (Dec 7)
83 🌡️ 75 | ⛅ → ☁️ (isolated storms possible) | ~20% | 💨 E 6 mph (5 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature ≈ 84 °F (≈ 29 °C) — still pleasantly swim-ready.

Summary: Warm and breezy with a touch of tropical mood swings — scattered showers Thursday and Friday, then mostly sunshine Saturday. Expect Sunday to flirt with clouds and a chance of storms, so maybe pack that umbrella with your sunscreen.

FIVE FUN THINGS POWERED BY FLOWKEY

Here are my picks for Five Fun Things you might want to check out! Some are coming up soon. Others you will want to reserve and plan for well in advance. As always, links to ticketing information and the locations are included in each description.

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🎁 Christmas Toy Drive & Fundraising Concert in Akumal

Tonight, head to Akumal for a feel-good evening of live music and community spirit as Get Back takes the stage at Plaza Ukana starting at 6 PM. Come enjoy the music and, at the same time, help bring some holiday joy to the kids in Akumal Pueblo who could really use it this season.

Expect classic hits, good vibes, and a warm community gathering under the palm trees. Donations collected during the event go directly toward providing Christmas toys for local kids who could use a little extra holiday magic this year.

How You Can Help:
🎁 Bring a new, unwrapped toy
💵 Make a cash donation at the event
🎶 Enjoy the show and help spread the word

Your support helps make Christmas brighter for less fortunate families in our neighboring community.

🎶 Alfredo Deffis Live at Cenote Madre

If you’ve never been to Cenote Madre in Puerto Aventuras, this is the time to go check it out. Tonight the space transforms into something truly special—a blend of music, nature, candlelight, and fire that feels closer to a ceremony than a concert.

You’ll be treated to a live performance by Alfredo Deffis, a guitarist and singer from Tijuana with more than 20 years on the music scene. His deep voice and signature style—moving effortlessly from jazz to blues, swing, bolero, and more—create an atmosphere that feels timeless.

Your ticket also includes a wood-fired personal pizza, two drinks (wine, beer, or mezcal) and the concert beginning at 7:45 PM.

The music is amazing, the setting is unforgettable, and nights like this are why we love living here. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to discover Cenote Madre, this is absolutely it.

📍 Cenote Madre | Puerto Aventuras
📆 Thursday December 4 | Entry 7 PM, Music 7:45 PM
🎟️ General Admission 1200 MXN
🎟️ Puerto Aventuras Residents 1000 MXN
📲 Reserve via WhatsApp: 5539 335 831

🦪 Off the Vine’s Oyster & Wine Festival

Join Ricardo and his team for one of the most special evenings of the year—a sensory experience where sea and earth meet in every sip and every bite. Tonight, Thursday, December 4, Off the Vine Playacar transforms into a gourmet corner dedicated to lovers of fresh oysters, great wine, and unforgettable culinary moments. Come raise a glass, savor every moment, and celebrate an exquisite evening.

Enjoy:
✨ Fresh, specially selected oysters prepared just for this night
✨ Wine pairings chosen by the Off the Vine team
✨ An intimate, relaxed atmosphere made for savoring without rush
✨ Personalized service and exceptional attention to detail

📍 Off the Vine Playacar | Playa del Carmen
📅 Thursday, December 4 | 7 PM
💲 800 MXN per person
🎟️ Reserve ONLINE today 

🌲 Puerto Aventuras Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Puerto Aventuras kicks off the festive season with one of its most beloved community traditions—the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, happening Saturday, December 6 at 6:00 PM in the green space by the marina kiosk.

This cheerful evening brings neighbors and friends together for music, lights, and plenty of holiday spirit. The Riviera Maya Fellowship Community Choir will fill the plaza with classic Christmas carols, while the Trendy Market launches its first holiday edition of the year—perfect for picking up handmade gifts, local treats, and seasonal surprises.

The celebration also features a belly dance show, a mechanical bull for the kids, a Santa letter mailbox, food and drink stands, and tastings of traditional Mexican ponche. Guests are encouraged to wear white to match the wintery theme. It’s a warm, family-friendly night designed to reconnect the community, welcome the holidays, and create new memories under the lights.

📍 Central Marina Green Space | Puerto Aventuras
📅 Saturday, December 6 | From 6 PM
🎟️ Free community event. Everyone is welcome.

👉️ Reply to this email to get your QR code for entry at the main gate.

🎶 Symphonic Charity Concert – “Toys for Playa”

Next week, music and generosity come together for a special cause. On Monday, December 8, The City of Playa del Carmen is hosting a Symphonic Charity Concert, and getting your seat is as simple as bringing a toy to donate.

Bring one new toy the night of the show or in advance, Monday - Friday between 9 AM - 5 PM at the theatre box office and you’ll receive a ticket to the concert. Suggested toys include art supplies, sports items, puzzles, building blocks, dolls, action figures, imagination toys, and more—just make sure they’re new, complete, and do not require batteries. All collected toys will go directly to the Breath of Life Ministry Foundation, supporting local children this holiday season.

📍 Teatro de la Ciudad “Xaman Ha” | Playa del Carmen
🗓 Monday, December 8 | Curtain Time: 7 PM
🎟️ Bring a new unwrapped toy for each ticket

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a beautiful symphonic performance while helping bring joy to children across Playa del Carmen. Give a toy. Enjoy the music. Spread the magic of the season.

Become An AI Expert In Just 5 Minutes

If you’re a decision maker at your company, you need to be on the bleeding edge of, well, everything. But before you go signing up for seminars, conferences, lunch ‘n learns, and all that jazz, just know there’s a far better (and simpler) way: Subscribing to The Deep View.

This daily newsletter condenses everything you need to know about the latest and greatest AI developments into a 5-minute read. Squeeze it into your morning coffee break and before you know it, you’ll be an expert too.

Subscribe right here. It’s totally free, wildly informative, and trusted by 600,000+ readers at Google, Meta, Microsoft, and beyond.

ADOPTABLE DOG OF THE WEEK

Riviera Maya Insider is working together with Playa Animal Rescue to help amazing dogs find forever homes. Each week, we will feature a pup who is ready for adoption and eager to join your family.

🐾 Meet Dothy, a 14-month-old cutie with a sunny spirit and a world-class cuddle game. Sweet-natured and easy to love, Dothy is the kind of little dog who wants to be right by your side—whether that’s for a neighborhood stroll, a play session, or a cozy nap on the couch. She’s gentle, affectionate, and ready to pour all her love into a family of her own.

Dothy is spayed, fully vaccinated, parasite-free, and up to date on monthly preventatives—healthy and all set for her next chapter. After a tough start, she truly deserves the very best home: patient, kind, and happy to enjoy her snuggles and soft kisses. Want to learn more or meet Dothy? Email [email protected]. 

💵 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of opportunities to support Dothy and other pets awaiting their forever home. PAR also needs sponsors and volunteers to help with dog walking and charm school. Find out how you can help!

RMI LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

We do our best to get the most up to date information from the venues and bands. Most of the venues have transitioned into high season mode and have lots of great live music going on! Most of the slots look like they are filled but gigs and bookings may still be added at the last minute. We will do our best to keep the list up to date. Use the button below to see the updated list.

If you are performing in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras or Akumal and would like to see your live music, karaoke or open mic night included in the RMI weekly newsletter, please submit your information for the lineup.

JOIN THE INSIDERS!

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