Puerto Morelos Insider
Archives
The New Year's Edition: Countdown to 2026 in Paradise
The New Year's Edition: Countdown to 2026 in Paradise
Plan your week with our Best Bets, NYE guide, live music lineup, and local business spotlight
Puerto Morelos Insider
Dec 26, 2025
Your Weekly Window Into Paradise Friday December 26, 2025 |
Trivia Question❓What traditional Mexican dish, often a stew or soup, is a popular choice for the New Year's Eve dinner ("La Cena de Año Nuevo") in the Yucatan? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
|
Another big week in Puerto Morelos as the town moves from Christmas into New Year’s, with special dinners, live music, and plenty of chances to welcome 2026 by the sea.
In this issue, you will find our Best Bets, including El Inicio’s final pairing dinner of the year, a country night with Ryan Jacobs, and a complete guide to New Year’s Eve celebrations all over town.
We also shine a light on local favorite Alma Libre Bookstore, introduce an adoptable furry friend, and share the key events and activities happening from December 26 to January 1.
Whether you are a full-time local or visiting for the holidays, this week’s Puerto Morelos Insider is here to help you enjoy every moment in our favorite little beach town.
See you out on the town! |
Photo Of The Week |
 |
Featured Photo by
|
Best Bets For Your Week |
1. A Journey Through Mexico - 5‑Course Pairing Dinner
El Inicio is hosting its last pairing dinner of the year, "A Journey Through Mexico," with Chefs Luis David Sánchez and Ari Morales.
Date: Saturday, December 27
2. Live Country Musc with Ryan Jacobs
Country singer songwriter Ryan Jacobs, based in Nashville, brings his blend of classic 1990s country influences and modern indie grit to Jake's Bar for a special Saturday night show.
Known for heartfelt storytelling and energetic performances, he has shared festival bills with major artists like Cody Johnson and Lainey Wilson and opened for bands such as 3 Doors Down and Collective Soul.
Guests can expect a mix of original songs and country favorites in a lively honky tonk setting just steps from the Caribbean.
Date: Saturday, December 27
3. New Year’s Eve in Puerto Morelos 2025 / 2026 Puerto Morelos offers a wide variety of ways to celebrate New Year's Eve, from VIP rooftop packages with open bar and gourmet buffets to intimate multi-course dinners, live music halls, and free parties in the town square and along the beach.
For a complete listing of venues, menus, prices, and reservation details, visit the article "Ringing in the New Year: Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Puerto Morelos 2025/2026". |
Weekly Weather |
 |
 |
Alma Libre Bookstore is a long standing independent shop in Puerto Morelos, known for its eclectic selection of new and used books in English, Spanish, and other languages.
In addition to literature, it carries local guides, maps, Mayan history and lore, and regional handicrafts.
The owners provide friendly, well informed advice about Puerto Morelos and the Riviera Maya, making the bookstore both a cultural stop and an information hub for visitors and residents alike.
What they offer: New and used books in multiple languages, travel guides, maps, Mayan history and Mexican fiction titles, beach reads, gifts, handicrafts, vanilla, coffee, and other locally sourced items
What People Are Saying:
"A must-visit every time we are in Puerto Morelos. Great selection of books and the owners are so helpful and knowledgeable about the area." — Sarah M. (Google Reviews)
"Love this bookstore! It has such a great vibe and I always find something interesting to read. The trade-in program for used books is fantastic." — David L. (Facebook)
"The best place to get local maps and guides. They have a wonderful collection of books on Mayan culture and Mexican history that you can't find elsewhere." — Elena R. (TripAdvisor)
"Such a charming little shop. I picked up some local vanilla and a great beach read. It's one of those places that makes Puerto Morelos feel like home." — Jason K. (Yelp)
Alma Libre: Location: Av. Rojo Gómez, two doors down from the OXXO in Puerto Morelos, near the main square and leaning lighthouse Email: info@almalibrebookstore.com · Website: almalibrebookstore.com Facebook: Alma Libre Bookstore
👉 Insider Tip: It's a great place to cool off in the summertime. They have lot's of chairs and benches so you can sit and enjoy their kick-ass AC while you check out some new books for your summer reading list. It's also a great place to buy authentic hand made gifts that support local artists and craft makers. |
Portside Perspective |
"Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away." |
Insider Tip: New Year Sunrise |
After a night of celebration, one of the most cherished local traditions in Puerto Morelos is to head to the beach to watch the very first sunrise of the new year.
Whether you stay up all night or set an early alarm, you’ll find the beach dotted with locals and visitors alike, all quietly gathering to welcome the first light of January 1st.
It’s a peaceful and beautiful way to start the year, and a truly special Puerto Morelos experience.
|
Puerto Pulse |
 |
Puerto Morelos is getting ready to ring in 2026 with a mix of fancy dinners, big parties, and relaxed local gatherings, so there is something for every style and budget.
La Sirena is once again the star of the night, with its popular VIP rooftop party that includes a top-shelf open bar, prime rib carving station, unlimited champagne, and access to both the rooftop and main floor disco party. The more casual main floor option offers an all-night DJ, illuminated dance floor, open bar, and a big buffet.
All around town, restaurants are building special New Year's menus with local flair. Spots like El Pirata, Tanino's, El Huerto del Puerto, Muelle Once, BUBA, Mile's Kitchen, and El Merkadito are focusing on multi-course dinners, live music, and champagne toasts.
If you want something more low-key, the town square at Parque Fundadores, the pier, and the beach fill up with music, dancing, and private celebrations.
Many hotels along the coast launch fireworks you can enjoy for free from the sand.
Wherever you end up, expect to join in the Mexican tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight, one for good luck in each month of the new year.
For full details including New Year's Eve menus and prices, click here to see our complete 2025/2026 New Year's Eve guide Read More... |
 |
When the holiday season arrives in Puerto Morelos, a special beer called Noche Buena starts appearing. This beloved brew is a key part of Christmas celebrations across Mexico, offering a unique taste of tradition for everyone.
Noche Buena literally means "Christmas Eve," and its label proudly features the poinsettia flower, a classic holiday symbol.
Unlike many lighter Mexican beers, this is a dark bock, known for its rich, full-bodied flavor. You might notice tastes of chocolate, caramel, and toasted malts, finishing with a pleasant, dry aftertaste.
Noche Buena pairs especially well with seasonal Mexican Christmas foods because its rich, malty profile mirrors the warmth and depth of holiday dishes.
This special beer holds a unique place in Mexican history, being the first bock ever made there. German immigrants first brewed it in 1924, and it quickly became a seasonal treat available only from October to February each year.
You can find Noche Buena in liquor stores, tienditas like Oxxo, and supermarkets around Puerto Morelos during the holiday months.
Insider Tip: Grab them when you see them. They sell out fast!
Grab a bottle with the poinsettia to truly enjoy the festive spirit and a taste of Mexican Christmas tradition. Read More... |
 |
Great news for people who love bowling in Puerto Morelos! A brand new bowling alley has just opened its doors at Intrépoli, a big entertainment center inside Grand Outlet Riviera Maya.
This exciting new addition means even more fun and games are now available close to home.
Intrépoli was already known for having lots of activities, and now it's even better with bowling lanes designed for everyone.
You can start with a game, then try other thrilling options like go-karts, mini golf, or batting cages. After all the fun, you can even relax at a sports bar, all in one easy place.
With popular attractions like Rock and Race and Laser Tag also available, kids, teens, and adults can all find something they love.
Intrépoli Riviera Maya is open every day from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., making it a great option for parties or a fun day out. This center keeps adding new experiences, offering top-notch entertainment for our community. Read More... |
Adoptable Furry Friend |
 |
Hi… I’m Güera 🐾 and I’m looking for my forever home.
I’m about 8 years old, a big, gentle girl, and I’m already spayed. I’m very friendly and get along great with other dogs. I love people (especially the kind ones who give me belly rubs 🥰), and I don’t bother cats at all—so I’m perfect for a family, even one with kids!
Everyone says I’m very well mannered, and my favorite thing in the whole world is lying on the grass in the garden. If you like relaxing outside, I think we’d be a perfect match.
I came here over three years ago, pregnant and a little scared, but I was taken care of and gave birth to 8 beautiful puppies. They’ve all been spayed, vaccinated, and now live with wonderful families.
That makes me so happy… and now it’s finally my turn to find a loving home of my own.
Would you like to meet me?
Send a message to my foster hooman — I’m waiting for you.
Will you be my forever family? 🏡🐶💗 |
What's On Tap |
 |
The weekly Puerto Morelos events guide for December 26, 2025 to January 1, 2026 highlights a packed schedule of live music, dining, and community activities leading into New Year’s Eve.
Special events include El Inicio: A Journey Through Mexico on Saturday, December 27, a five-course pairing dinner with chefs David Sánchez and Ari Morale And a live country show by Ryan Jacobs at Jake’s Bar the same evening.
New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31 is covered in a separate in-depth New Year's Eve guide, with multiple venues hosting celebrations.
Each day features varied live music across town: rooftop DJ sets at Micheladas del Semáforo, rock, funk, and classic rock bands at La Sirena, Tanino’s, Cantina Habanero, and Live Music Hall, plus afternoon shows at The Diving Bar.
Ongoing perks include numerous daily and weekday happy hours at local bars and restaurants, from all-day deals at Blue Morelos to afternoon specials at La Sirena, My Paradise, and others.
Residents and visitors can also join regular classes—mosaic art, salsa, Pilates, cooking classes, yoga, and Zumba—and browse weekly farmers, artisan, and food markets around the town squares.
Click to see the complete Weekly Events Listings for Dec 26 - Jan 1 Read More... |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Pozole. Pozole serves as a festive dish in Mexican New Year's Eve celebrations, symbolizing unity, prosperity, and community gatherings. |