Your Weekly Window Into Paradise

Friday December 19, 2025

What Christmas celebration in Puerto Morelos and nearby towns reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging?

Welcome to this special Christmas edition of the newsletter.

It’s that time of year when Puerto Morelos fills with festive cheer, holiday traditions, and plenty of great meals to share with family and friends.

We’ve got your guide to Christmas-week events, local dinners, and seasonal highlights to help you make the most of the holidays.

This week we’ve made a big change to the “What’s On Tap” section. It was getting too long for the newsletter, so we will publish a weekly article that has events for each day of the week, ongoing classes, fitness outings, special events, and more.

The "What's on tap" section will now have an overview and a link to the full listings.

This allows us to include a lot more events and details about each event. Also If we missed any events, we can easily update the article. If you know of one we missed, please let us know.

Merry Christmas! See you out on the town.

Featured Photo by
Cara Vogl

Send us your favorite photos: photos@puertomorelosinsider.com

1. Christmas Dinner in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos has turned into a real foodie hotspot for the holidays! Whether you want a classic turkey dinner, a huge buffet for the family, or a fancy multi-course meal by the sea, there is a spot for you.

Local favorites are serving up everything from prime rib to fresh farm-to-table dishes. Make sure to book your table early since the best spots fill up fast!

See the full list at Christmas Dinner Guide 2025.

Date: December 24 & 25, 2025 

Time: Various Times 

Location: Multiple Restaurants 

Admission: $350 - $1,750 MXN

2. Puerto Morelos Comedy Night & Live Rock

Get ready for a night of big laughs and high energy! The evening kicks off with a hilarious stand-up comedy show performed entirely in English.

Once the jokes wrap up, the party keeps going with live rock music from Black Jam. Your ticket even includes a special dinner package with one drink to keep you fueled for the fun.

Date: Saturday, December 20 
Time: 7:00 PM 
Location: Live Music Hall 
Admission: Tickets at www.iguanacomedy.com

3. Cancún Christmas Village (Villa Dulce Navidad)

Take a short trip north to experience the magic of the holidays at the Malecón Tajamar. This massive Christmas village features giant piñatas, a "Burrito Sabanero" installation, and thousands of twinkling lights.

It is a perfect family outing with free activities, photo ops with Santa, and plenty of holiday cheer. The boardwalk comes alive with music and festive decorations that will get anyone in the holiday spirit.

Date: Daily through January 6 
Time: Evenings 
Location: Malecón Tajamar, Cancun 
Admission: Free

This week, we are shining our spotlight on El Pirata, a true local gem that captures the authentic spirit of Puerto Morelos.

Located on the vibrant "restaurant row" of Javier Rojo Gómez, El Pirata is more than just a place to eat; it’s a culinary journey led by the talented Chef Karla Romo.

What makes El Pirata a perennial local favorite is its unwavering commitment to freshness. Chef Karla personally hand-picks the majority of the restaurant's produce from her own organic garden, ensuring that roughly 70% of the fruits and vegetables on your plate are farm-to-table.

This dedication to quality is evident in every bite, from their perfectly seasoned steaks to their fresh-off-the-boat seafood platters.

The restaurant also hosts special events such as live music nights on Thursdays and paella cooking classes on Saturdays, providing guests with an engaging dining experience.

A Special Christmas Tradition:

El Pirata is one of the few local establishments that goes above and beyond during the holidays, offering a special Christmas dinner on both December 24th and December 25th.

This year, Chef Karla has prepared a stunning four-course menu featuring Basque-style cod, creamy portobello soup, and a traditional roast turkey with a gourmet twist—all for the incredible value of $650 MXN.

Reservations strongly recommended. Contact them on Whatsapp or Facebook Messenger.

What People Are Saying:

"Impeccable food, service, and treatment. Definitely the best paella I've ever had in my life. El Pirata will exceed your expectations." — Karla M. (Facebook)

"We ate at a table just inside the restaurant and were well looked after. The food was delicious, with no frills, but it didn't need it! Very fresh and locally sourced. We were made to feel very welcome there." — Anne V. (Yelp)

 

"These may have been the best fish tacos I’ve eaten. I’ve eaten a LOT of fish tacos. The flavor, texture and quantity was exceptional." — Bud C. (Facebook)

 

"Great place for drinks and a good meal. They have a house made hot sauce that I loved so much... Staff were very attentive and accommodating!" — Ina F. (Yelp)

Business Details:
Location: Javier Rojo Gómez, Puerto Morelos (across from Habanero's)
Hours: Daily 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Special hours for Dec 24 & 25)
Phone: +52 55 3519 9040
WhatsApp: +52 55 3519 9040
Email: piratapuertomorelos@gmail.com

👉 Insider Tip - The "Secret" Sauce: While many restaurants in town have their own hot sauce (salsa picante), El Pirata’s house-made version is legendary among locals. It’s a bright, citrusy, and deeply flavorful blend that perfectly complements their fresh seafood.

Here’s the real insider secret: although it’s not listed on the menu or displayed for sale, if you ask nicely, they will often bottle some up for you to take home! It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of Puerto Morelos back to your own kitchen.

Portside Perspective

"In Mexico, Christmas is not silence
but it is song, procession, and shared food."

~ Carlos Fuentes

Christmas Day in Puerto Morelos is intentionally quiet. December 25 is treated as a true family day, not a public celebration.

Many shops and restaurants stay closed or open briefly, the streets are calm, and locals stay home resting after Christmas Eve.

Visitors who plan ahead with groceries and adjust expectations often find it one of the most peaceful days of the year.

Planning your holiday meal in Puerto Morelos for 2025 is easier than ever with our insider’s guide to the best Christmas dining in town.

Whether you are craving a traditional American-style turkey dinner or a sophisticated multi-course Mexican feast, the local restaurants have something special planned.

For a casual and budget-friendly holiday, favorites like Cantina Habanero and Fonda Americana Grill are serving up classic comfort food, including convenient take-out packages for those who prefer to celebrate at home.

If you are looking for something more upscale, the town’s culinary scene is shining with options like the new El Huerto del Puerto, offering elegant pairings, or La Sirena’s festive rooftop Mediterranean vibe.

We also feature local staples like Tulipan and the farm-to-table flavors of El Pirata.

Every recommendation in this guide has been verified with direct 2025 pricing and menu details, so you can book your table with confidence.

From beachside buffets to intimate garden dinners, our guide ensures your Christmas in Puerto Morelos is delicious, stress-free, and full of local flavor.

Includes full menu for each restaurant, prices, and contact info.

Click for the full Christmas Dinner 2025 Guide.

The holiday season in Puerto Morelos is filled with festive cheer and the delicious smells of traditional Mexican Christmas treats.

These special sweets bring families together and make every moment of the season brighter. They are a beloved part of the local celebrations.

You'll find Buñuelos, crispy fried pastries dusted with sugar and cinnamon, perfect with honey or milk. 

Another sweet bite is Borrachitos, soft, creamy candies with a hint of liquor, available in flavors like strawberry and lime. Even with their name, they are safe for kids to enjoy.

Don't miss Jamoncillo, a smooth, creamy milk-and-sugar candy that melts in your mouth, often paired with coffee.

Gorditas de Nata are sweet cakes filled with a rich cream, great with hot chocolate.

And for a refreshing twist, try the Christmas Apple Salad, a sweet fruit salad with condensed milk, pineapple, and raisins. 

These treats truly add magic to the holidays in Puerto Morelos.

The holiday season is sparkling, and a special new attraction has arrived nearby!

Playa del Carmen has brought real winter fun to the Riviera Maya with a full‑size ice rink, and it is close enough for an easy evening trip from Puerto Morelos.

Set up inside a large white tent in Plaza 28 de Julio, the rink is part of the city’s “Navidad Mágica 2025” program, a big holiday festival backed by the municipal government.

Several local news outlets report that this is the largest free ice rink in Quintana Roo and that it will operate from December 12, 2025 through January 6, 2026.

Official sources list evening hours, generally from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., though one mentions 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., so it is smart to arrive on the early side.

The atmosphere is family focused, with staff on hand, snowman decorations on the ice, and plenty of support for first‑time skaters.

From Puerto Morelos, it is roughly a 30‑minute drive or colectivo ride, making it an easy add‑on to shopping or dinner in Playa.

For locals and visitors who want a break from the beach, this rink delivers a fun, unusual way to celebrate Christmas in the Caribbean.

Hi! We are Trixi and Fary 🐶🎄

We decided to write this ourselves because we are ready to find our forever homes.

As you can see, we are already practicing for the holidays, sitting sweetly in our Christmas gift box with our Santa hats on, right next to the tree. We think we would look pretty perfect under your tree too.

We are beautiful, happy puppies who will grow to be medium-sized and full of love. We enjoy cuddles, playtime, and making humans smile.

We know it can be hard to find homes for puppies these days, but we are hoping someone out there has room in their heart and home for one of us.

If you would like to meet us or adopt, please send a private message on WhatsApp. We promise to be the best present you open this season. 🎁

Send a message on WhatsApp: +52 993-456-0762

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening around Puerto Morelos this weekend, with live music and events lined up from Friday through Sunday.

Friday gets things started with a strong mix of dinner-time music and late-night shows. You’ll find live performances at John Gray’s Kitchen, Tanino’s, and La Sirena, plus karaoke at Jake’s Bar.

The night wraps up with late shows at Live Music Hall and Micheladas del Semáforo.

Saturday is the busiest day of the week, with music happening almost all day. Afternoon bands play at Diving Bar and Unico Beach Club, followed by evening events at Jake’s Bar, Tanino’s, and La Sirena.

Late-night options include packed shows at Live Music Hall and Micheladas del Semáforo.

Sunday keeps things going with a more relaxed pace. Enjoy daytime beach music at Diving Bar and Unico Beach Club, then evening performances at Muses Restaurant, La Sirena, Live Music Hall, and Micheladas del Semáforo.

For the full weekly listings, including weekday events, ongoing classes, markets, and happy hours, click through to see the complete Dec 19–25 schedule.

Las Posadas. This is a nine-day Christmas tradition held from December 16 to 24 that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. It ends with food, drinks, and celebration once shelter is symbolically granted.